oa_xxx (X) Jul 6, 2012:

Hi Emily, Ive been trying to think of another way of saying it as officially it is still part of the semester I think but nothings coming to mind that isnt totally long-winded! I guess for an international audience the during/outside of distinction would make the most sense - it would be good to hear from some Germans! Maybe add a note to the client??

Emily Plank (asker) Jul 6, 2012:

Hi Orla, so basically you think it's more of a distinction between "during semester time" and "outside of semester time"?

oa_xxx (X) Jul 5, 2012:

"Das Studienjahr wird in das Winter- und das Sommersemester aufgeteilt.

Das Wintersemester beginnt formal am 1. Oktober und endet am 31. März des darauf folgenden Jahres. Das Sommersemester dauert von 1. April bis 30. September. Davon zu unterscheiden sind die Vorlesungszeiten, die im Wintersemester von etwa Mitte Oktober bis Mitte Februar, im Sommersemester von Mitte April bis Ende Juli dauern."

The number of weeks of lectures ("Vorlesungszeiten") is only marginally shorter in the summer semester so it doesnt make sense that a cafe would close early for the entire summer semester or to imply that it is limited. I would guess that they are referring to the "vorlesungsfreie Zeit" - which can involve exams, own research, lab work, practical experience etc - and possibly summer holidays - as less students would be around during these times...

Emily Plank (asker) Jul 5, 2012:

No, it's for an international market so the English needs to be more like "general English"

Lirka Jul 5, 2012:

are you translating for Australia? The system varies widely.