What is dr. rer. nat?

Dr. rer. nat is a German doctorate degree in natural sciences. It stands for "Doctor rerum naturalium" which means "Doctor of Natural Sciences" in English. This degree is typically awarded in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In order to earn this degree, a student must typically complete research that results in a dissertation and successfully defend their work in front of an academic committee. The degree is similar to a PhD in the United States and is considered a highly respected qualification for those who want to pursue careers in research, academia, or industry.