At the Doctor in German
Essential vocabulary at the doctor in German includes der Arzt, die Ärztin, der Termin, die Praxis, das Krankenhaus, die Apotheke, das Rezept, das Medikament, die Schmerzen, das Fieber, die Erkältung, der Husten, die Untersuchung, die Krankenversicherung, and krank.
Navigating healthcare in a German-speaking country requires specific vocabulary. Whether you need to book an appointment, describe symptoms, or pick up medication, knowing the right terms makes medical situations less stressful and ensures clear communication with healthcare providers.
This A2-level vocabulary covers the core words and phrases you need for doctor visits in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. From scheduling appointments to understanding prescriptions, these terms form the foundation of medical German that every learner should know.
Word list
Tips
- Use the formal Sie form when speaking to doctors and medical staff. Say Ich habe einen Termin to confirm your appointment at die Praxis.
- When describing symptoms, combine die Schmerzen with body parts: Ich habe Kopfschmerzen or Ich habe Bauchschmerzen. The plural form die Schmerzen is standard even for localized pain.
- Always bring your die Krankenversicherung card to appointments. After die Untersuchung, the doctor may write das Rezept, which you take to die Apotheke to get das Medikament.
FAQ
What is the difference between der Arzt and die Ärztin?
Der Arzt refers to a male doctor, while die Ärztin refers to a female doctor. Both are equally common in German-speaking countries, and you should use the appropriate form based on the gender of your physician.
How do I say I need to make an appointment in German?
Say Ich brauche einen Termin or Ich möchte einen Termin machen. Der Termin is the standard word for any scheduled appointment, whether at die Praxis or das Krankenhaus.
What should I know about prescriptions and pharmacies in Germany?
After your doctor writes das Rezept, you take it to die Apotheke to receive das Medikament. German pharmacies require prescriptions for most medications, and pharmacists are highly trained to answer questions about your treatment.