Scientific work according to Theisen Citation style: widely used, but often modified

When it comes to academic work in Germany, ‘Theisen’ is a term that comes up in many seminars and lectures. The book „Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten – Erfolgreich bei Bachelor- und Masterarbeit“ by Manuel René Theisen, now in its 19th edition (2024), has established itself as a standard reference work and serves as the basis for academic citation at numerous universities. However, as widespread as the Theisen citation style is, it is applied in very different ways in practice.

The Theisen citation style in academic papers

The Theisen citation style provides clear guidelines on how to cite sources correctly and how the reference list should be formatted. It is particularly precise and places great emphasis on consistency and completeness, making it a popular choice. Many universities, universities of applied sciences and academic institutions use this style to ensure a consistent approach to citing sources in students’ academic work. Indeed, an impressive number of study regulations and guidelines refer to Theisen’s work, which underlines its relevance and acceptance in the academic world.

Customised citation styles for your university

To address these challenges, Citationstyler.com provides a variety of developed citation styles which are specifically tailored to the varying requirements of universities. These styles are often based on the Theisen citation style, but also take into account the specific adaptations made by individual universities. By using the correct style, you can be sure that your work meets your university’s citation requirements exactly.

Discrepancies at universities: A common problem

Despite the widespread use of the Theisen citation style, there is a common problem: many universities that claim to use this style actually make their own adjustments to it. It is not uncommon for students to be surprised to discover that the citation style they are required to use, as specified by their university, contains minor but significant deviations from the original Theisen style. These variations may relate to details such as the formatting of references, the treatment of multiple authors, or the placement of punctuation marks. Simply replacing a comma with a full stop is enough to make it a new style.

Such differences can be confusing for students and may lead to marks being deducted or even allegations of plagiarism if the citation guidelines are not followed correctly. So ‘Theisen’ is no longer ‘Theisen’!

Custom citation styles available on request

If your university’s style is not yet included in my range, I also offer custom-made citation styles . On request, I can create a citation style tailored precisely to your university’s requirements, usually within 3 days. This allows you to concentrate fully on your academic work without having to worry about any discrepancies in the citation style.

Summary

The Theisen citation style is a tried and tested basis for academic work in German-speaking countries, but many universities make their own adjustments, which students must take into account. On Citationstyler.com you’ll find ready-made citation styles tailored precisely to your university’s requirements – and if not, I’ll be happy to create a custom style for you. That way, you can be sure that your work meets your university’s formal requirements in every respect.

Find the right citation style for your university now and avoid unnecessary errors when citing sources!