in germany (and likely other european countries) we have a two tier system for higher education, consisting of universities and "applied universities", with the latter focusing on applied skills and the former focusing on research
While it isn't codified, we effectively have this in the US as well.
Most of the "brand name" universities, plus the flagship state universities, conduct research and grant various doctoral degrees.
Then we have the middle-tier colleges (state and private) that grant masters (often only professional degrees like nursing, MBAs, etc).
And thousands of Baccalaureate-only and 2-year community colleges.
Also, in the US, "university" generally indicates a post-graduate degree granting institution. And "college" usually refers to a 2-year and Baccalaureate-only school. But, also not codified and there are notable exceptions (ex: The College of William & Mary is a top-notch full university who's name pre-dates the convention).
In the US, "college" means narrow subject matter, and "university" means a wide variety of colleges all together on one campus.
For example, there may be a "College of Engineering" and a "College of Arts and Science" that are part of one university.
It's possible to have a stand-alone college that isn't in a university. A good example is Berklee College of Music, which is narrowly focused on music.
While it isn't codified, we effectively have this in the US as well.
Most of the "brand name" universities, plus the flagship state universities, conduct research and grant various doctoral degrees.
Then we have the middle-tier colleges (state and private) that grant masters (often only professional degrees like nursing, MBAs, etc).
And thousands of Baccalaureate-only and 2-year community colleges.
Also, in the US, "university" generally indicates a post-graduate degree granting institution. And "college" usually refers to a 2-year and Baccalaureate-only school. But, also not codified and there are notable exceptions (ex: The College of William & Mary is a top-notch full university who's name pre-dates the convention).