Privatdozent (abbreviated PD, P.D. or Priv.-Doz.) is an academic title conferred by some European universities, especially in German-speaking countries, to someone who holds certain formal qualifications that denote an ability to teach independently at university level. In its current usage, the title indicates that the holder has permission to teach and supervise PhD students independently at the conferring university without holding a professorial chair, and the qualification to be appointed as full professor. The title is not necessarily connected to a salaried position, but may entail a nominal obligation to teach at the conferring institution.