Thomae was promoted to extraordinary professor at Halle in 1872 and two years later he moved to the University of Freiburg where he was appointed as ordinary professor.
Thomae ay itaas sa mga katangi-tangi propesor sa Halle in 1872 at dalawang taon mamaya siya inilipat sa University of Freiburg kung saan siya ay hinirang bilang karaniwang propesor.