Germany has a world‑class healthcare system — structured, regulated, and packed with specialists. But for many expats, the hard part isn’t the medicine. It’s the language around the medicine.
Appointments, reception desks, phone calls, insurance forms, pharmacy questions, and hospital check‑ins often happen in German first. Even when the doctor speaks English, the process usually doesn’t.
This guide gives you a calm, practical toolkit: what you will hear, what to say, and copy‑ready German sentences with phonetic reading so you can speak under pressure. You don’t need fluent German. You need prepared German.
How to use this guide: treat it like a phrase bank. Before an appointment, read the section that fits your situation and practice the bold German sentences out loud once. Your goal is not perfect accent — your goal is clear intent.
1) German healthcare in 5 minutes
Before language, you need mental clarity. If you know what the staff expects, the German becomes easier.
Public vs private insurance (the sentence that changes everything)
Most people are in public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). Some are privately insured (private Krankenversicherung).
Ich bin gesetzlich versichert. (ish bin ge-ZETZ-likh fer-ZI-khert) — I’m publicly insured.
Ich bin privat versichert. (ish bin pree-VAHT fer-ZI-khert) — I’m privately insured.
If you’re not sure which you are, check your insurance card or paperwork. In many practices, the first 10 seconds of your visit are about this.
The core flow (for most non‑emergencies)
- Choose a Hausarzt (family doctor / GP) for first contact.
- Get a referral (Überweisung) for specialists when needed.
- Pick up prescriptions at an Apotheke (pharmacy).
- For urgent issues: Notdienst (out‑of‑hours service) or hospital.
Think of Germany as a system of gates. The Hausarzt is the main gate. The referral is your pass to the next gate. Language is easiest when you know which gate you’re at.
2) Making an appointment by phone (without panic)
Many practices still rely on phone calls. Online booking is growing, but it’s not universal.
What makes calls stressful is that the receptionist speaks quickly, uses short phrases, and expects short answers.
How the call starts
Praxis Dr. Müller, guten Tag. (PRAK-sis dok-TOR MÜ-lər, GOO-ten tahk) — Doctor Müller’s practice, hello.
Your best first sentence
Guten Tag, ich hätte gern einen Termin. (GOO-ten tahk, ish HET-teh gern AI-nen ter-MEEN) — Hello, I’d like an appointment.
They will usually ask: what is it about?
Worum geht es? (voh-RUM geht es) — What is it about?
Answer with symptoms, not a diagnosis:
- Ich habe Fieber und Husten. (ish HAH-buh FEE-ber und HOO-sten) — I have fever and a cough.
- Ich habe starke Rückenschmerzen. (ish HAH-buh SHTAR-keh RÜ-ken-shmer-tsen) — I have strong back pain.
- Ich habe seit drei Tagen Bauchschmerzen. (ish HAH-buh zait dry TAH-gen BOWKH-shmer-tsen) — I’ve had stomach pain for three days.
Dates and times
If they offer a slot, you can accept simply:
Ja, das passt. (yah, das passt) — Yes, that works.
Leider kann ich da nicht. (LY-der kan ish dah nikht) — Unfortunately, I can’t then.
Haben Sie einen Termin am Vormittag? (HAH-ben zee AI-nen ter-MEEN am FOR-mit-tahk) — Do you have an appointment in the morning?
Pro tip: if you struggle on the phone, ask to continue by email. Many practices will do it if you ask politely.
Könnten Sie mir das bitte per E-Mail bestätigen? (KÖN-ten zee meer das BIT-teh pair EE-mail beh-SHTÄ-tee-gen) — Could you confirm that by email?
3) The reception desk: what you’ll hear first
Reception desks are fast. The staff needs to register you correctly, not chat.
The #1 question
Haben Sie Ihre Versichertenkarte dabei? (HAH-ben zee EE-reh fer-ZI-kher-ten-KAR-teh da-BYE) — Do you have your insurance card with you?
Safe replies:
- Ja, hier bitte. (yah, heer BIT-teh) — Yes, here you go.
- Leider habe ich sie heute nicht dabei. (LY-der HAH-buh ish zee HOY-teh nikht da-BYE) — Unfortunately I don’t have it with me today.
If you’re new to the practice
Ich bin neu hier. (ish bin noy heer) — I’m new here.
Ich war noch nie in dieser Praxis. (ish vahr nokh nee in DEE-zer PRAK-sis) — I’ve never been to this practice before.
Forms (Anamnesebogen)
You may receive a health questionnaire. If you need help:
Können Sie mir bitte sagen, was ich hier ausfüllen soll? (KÖN-nen zee meer BIT-teh ZAH-gen vahs ish heer OWS-fü-len zol) — Can you tell me what I should fill in here?
Gibt es das Formular auch auf Englisch? (gibt es das for-MOO-lar owkh owf ENG-lish) — Is the form also available in English?
Don’t be embarrassed about asking. Staff prefer a clear question over a wrong form.
4) Explaining symptoms in simple German
You’re not expected to speak medical German. You’re expected to describe symptoms clearly.
A reliable pattern
Ich habe + Symptom + seit + Zeit. This structure keeps your German correct even if your vocabulary is small.
Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Kopfschmerzen. (ish HAH-buh zait tsvy TAH-gen KOPF-shmer-tsen) — I’ve had headaches for two days.
Ich habe seit einer Woche Halsschmerzen. (ish HAH-buh zait AI-ner VOH-kheh HALL-shmer-tsen) — I’ve had a sore throat for a week.
Pain scale and location
Die Schmerzen sind stark. (dee SHMER-tsen zint shtark) — The pain is strong.
Die Schmerzen sind leicht. (dee SHMER-tsen zint lykht) — The pain is mild.
Es tut hier weh. (es toot heer veh) — It hurts here.
Body parts to know (minimal set):
- der Kopf (kopf) — head
- der Hals (hals) — throat/neck
- die Brust (broost) — chest
- der Bauch (bowkh) — stomach/abdomen
- der Rücken (RÜ-ken) — back
- das Knie (knee) — knee
Symptoms you’ll likely need
- Ich habe Fieber. (ish HAH-buh FEE-ber) — I have a fever.
- Ich habe Husten. (ish HAH-buh HOO-sten) — I have a cough.
- Mir ist übel. (meer ist Ü-bel) — I feel nauseous.
- Ich habe Durchfall. (ish HAH-buh DURKH-fall) — I have diarrhea.
- Ich bin erkältet. (ish bin er-KEL-tet) — I have a cold.
- Ich habe Ausschlag. (ish HAH-buh OWS-shlahk) — I have a rash.
- Ich habe Schwindel. (ish HAH-buh SHVIN-del) — I feel dizzy.
If you don’t know the German word, describe it in simple terms. Doctors understand descriptions.
Es fühlt sich wie ein Druck an. (es FYÜ-lt zikh vee ine drook an) — It feels like pressure.
Es sticht manchmal. (es shtikht MANCH-mal) — It sometimes stings/sharp pain.
5) Typical doctor questions (and safe replies)
Doctors often start direct. Don’t overthink it — answer briefly.
Was kann ich für Sie tun? (vahs kan ish für zee toon) — What can I do for you?
Seit wann haben Sie die Beschwerden? (zait vahn HAH-ben zee dee beh-SHVER-den) — Since when have you had the symptoms?
Haben Sie Fieber gemessen? (HAH-ben zee FEE-ber geh-MES-sen) — Did you measure your fever?
Helpful answers:
- Seit gestern Abend. (zait GES-tern AH-bent) — Since yesterday evening.
- Seit drei Tagen. (zait dry TAH-gen) — For three days.
- Ja, 38,5. (yah, aht-und-dry-sig KOM-ma FYNF) — Yes, 38.5.
- Nein, noch nicht. (nine, nokh nikht) — No, not yet.
Very important: slow them down
Könnten Sie das bitte langsamer erklären? (KÖN-ten zee das BIT-teh LANG-zah-mer er-KLÄ-ren) — Could you explain that more slowly?
Könnten Sie das bitte auf Englisch sagen? (KÖN-ten zee das BIT-teh owf ENG-lish ZAH-gen) — Could you say that in English?
Asking for slower German is not rude. In German culture, clarity is a form of respect.
6) Tests and procedures: simple German you can use
Doctors may suggest tests. You don’t need to know the full terms, but you should recognize the basic categories.
- Bluttest (bloot-test) — blood test
- Urintest (oo-REEN-test) — urine test
- Röntgen (RÖNT-gen) — X‑ray
- Ultraschall (OOL-tra-shall) — ultrasound
- EKG (eh-kah-GEH) — ECG
If you need clarity, ask:
Was genau wird untersucht? (vahs geh-NOW vird OON-ter-zookht) — What exactly will be examined?
Tut das weh? (toot das veh) — Does it hurt?
Wie lange dauert das? (vee lahng DOW-ert das) — How long does it take?
And if the doctor explains results too fast:
Können Sie mir das Ergebnis bitte kurz zusammenfassen? (KÖN-nen zee meer das air-GAYB-nis BIT-teh koorts tsoo-ZAM-men-fas-sen) — Can you summarize the result briefly?
7) Prescriptions and pharmacies: survive the fast questions
Medication in Germany is tightly regulated. A doctor gives a prescription, and you fill it at an Apotheke.
Ich verschreibe Ihnen ein Medikament. (ish fer-SHRAI-beh EE-nen ine meh-dee-kah-MENT) — I’m prescribing you a medication.
Ich gebe Ihnen ein Rezept. (ish GAY-beh EE-nen ine reh-TSEPT) — I’ll give you a prescription.
At the pharmacy
Ich möchte dieses Rezept einlösen. (ish MÖKH-teh DEE-ses reh-TSEPT ine-LÖ-zen) — I’d like to redeem this prescription.
Common pharmacy questions:
- Haben Sie das schon einmal genommen? (HAH-ben zee das shon AI-ne-mal geh-NO-men) — Have you taken this before?
- Haben Sie Allergien? (HAH-ben zee al-ler-GEE-en) — Do you have allergies?
- Nehmen Sie andere Medikamente? (NAY-men zee AN-deh-reh meh-dee-kah-MEN-teh) — Do you take other medications?
- Sind Sie schwanger? (zint zee SHVAHN-ger) — Are you pregnant?
Safe answers:
- Nein, keine. (nine, KAI-neh) — No, none.
- Ja, gegen Pollen. (yah, GAY-gen POL-len) — Yes, for pollen.
- Ja, ich nehme ... (yah, ish NAY-meh) — Yes, I take …
- Nein. (nine) — No.
Dosage instructions you’ll see
- 1× täglich (eins mal TEG-likh) — once daily
- 2× täglich (tsvy mal TEG-likh) — twice daily
- vor dem Essen (for dem ES-sen) — before eating
- nach dem Essen (nahkh dem ES-sen) — after eating
- bei Bedarf (bye beh-DARF) — as needed
If the pharmacist explains something important, confirm once. It prevents mistakes.
Nur damit ich sicher bin: Wie oft soll ich das nehmen? (noor da-MIT ish ZI-kher bin: vee oft zol ish das NAY-men) — Just to be sure: how often should I take this?
8) Sick notes (Krankschreibung): the work‑related language
In Germany, work absence is formal. If you need a sick note, ask clearly.
Ich brauche eine Krankschreibung. (ish BROW-kheh AI-neh KRANK-shry-bung) — I need a sick note.
Für wie viele Tage? (für vee FEE-leh TAH-geh) — For how many days?
Answer:
- Für zwei Tage, bitte. (für tsvy TAH-geh, BIT-teh) — For two days, please.
- Ich weiß es nicht — was empfehlen Sie? (ish vys es nikht — vahs em-PFAY-len zee) — I’m not sure — what do you recommend?
When your employer expects strict timelines, it helps to ask what the doctor considers realistic rather than choosing a random number.
9) Referrals and specialists: the terms you’ll see everywhere
Specialists often require a referral, especially in public insurance. You may hear:
Ich gebe Ihnen eine Überweisung. (ish GAY-beh EE-nen ine Ü-ber-VY-zung) — I’ll give you a referral.
Key specialist words (common):
- der Hautarzt (HOWT-artst) — dermatologist
- der Orthopäde (or-toh-PÄ-deh) — orthopedist
- der HNO-Arzt (hah-en-OH-artst) — ENT
- der Augenarzt (OW-gen-artst) — eye doctor
- der Zahnarzt (TSAN-artst) — dentist
- der Kardiologe (kar-dee-oh-LOH-geh) — cardiologist
If you don’t understand why you’re being referred, ask:
Warum brauche ich einen Facharzt? (vah-RUM BROW-kheh ish AI-nen FAKH-artst) — Why do I need a specialist?
And if you need the referral printed again later:
Könnten Sie mir die Überweisung noch einmal ausdrucken? (KÖN-ten zee meer dee Ü-ber-VY-zung nokh AI-ne-mal OWS-droo-ken) — Could you print the referral again?
10) Dentist visits: the vocabulary that saves you money and stress
Dentists are a special world: they often explain quickly, ask you to sign estimates, and use specific vocabulary.
Key phrases
Ich habe Zahnschmerzen. (ish HAH-buh TSAN-shmer-tsen) — I have toothache.
Es tut beim Kauen weh. (es toot bime KOW-en veh) — It hurts when chewing.
Ich brauche eine Kontrolle. (ish BROW-kheh AI-neh kon-TROH-leh) — I need a check‑up.
Common dental terms
- die Füllung (FÜ-lung) — filling
- die Betäubung (beh-TOY-bung) — numbing/anesthesia
- die Krone (KROH-neh) — crown
- die Wurzelbehandlung (VUR-tsel-beh-HAND-lung) — root canal
- die Zahnreinigung (TSAN-ry-nig-ung) — dental cleaning
If you’re asked to sign something:
Können Sie mir bitte kurz erklären, was das kostet? (KÖN-nen zee meer BIT-teh koorts er-KLÄ-ren vahs das KOS-tet) — Can you briefly explain what this costs?
German dentists often differentiate between what insurance covers and what is an additional service. Asking early saves frustration later.
11) Pediatric visits: German for parents
If you have children, the language pressure increases — because you want to be precise and fast.
Useful sentences for parents
Mein Kind hat Fieber. (mine kint hat FEE-ber) — My child has a fever.
Mein Kind hat seit gestern Husten. (mine kint hat zait GES-tern HOO-sten) — My child has had a cough since yesterday.
Er/Sie trinkt wenig. (air/zee trinkt VAY-nik) — He/She drinks little.
Er/Sie hat Bauchschmerzen. (air/zee hat BOWKH-shmer-tsen) — He/She has stomach pain.
Vaccinations
Welche Impfungen sind jetzt fällig? (VEL-kheh IMF-ung-en zint yetst FÄ-likh) — Which vaccinations are due now?
Haben Sie den Impfpass dabei? (HAH-ben zee den IMF-pass da-BYE) — Do you have the vaccination booklet with you?
Tip: keep the Impfpass (vaccination booklet) with your child’s documents. It gets requested constantly.
12) Mental health appointments: calm, simple language
Mental health support exists, but the system is formal and appointment access can be difficult. Language matters because the questions are personal.
Basic phrases
Ich suche einen Therapieplatz. (ish ZOO-kheh AI-nen teh-rah-PEE-platz) — I’m looking for a therapy spot.
Ich fühle mich überfordert. (ish FYÜ-leh mish Ü-ber-FOR-dert) — I feel overwhelmed.
Ich habe Schlafprobleme. (ish HAH-buh shlahf-proh-BLAY-meh) — I have sleep problems.
If you prefer English therapy:
Gibt es jemanden, der Englisch spricht? (gibt es YAY-man-den, dair ENG-lish shp-rikht) — Is there someone who speaks English?
It’s also okay to say you can write instead of speaking, especially for sensitive details.
Ich kann es auch aufschreiben. (ish kan es owkh OWF-shry-ben) — I can write it down too.
13) Costs and billing: ask early, not later
In public insurance, many basic services are covered. In private insurance, you may receive invoices directly. Either way, questions about costs are normal.
Was kostet das? (vahs KOS-tet das) — What does that cost?
Übernimmt das meine Krankenkasse? (Ü-ber-nimt das MY-neh KRANK-en-kas-seh) — Does my health insurance cover that?
Muss ich etwas zuzahlen? (moos ish ET-vas tsoo-TSAH-len) — Do I have to pay an additional fee?
Common words:
- die Zuzahlung (TSOO-tsah-lung) — co‑payment
- die Rechnung (REKH-nung) — invoice
- die Quittung (KVI-tung) — receipt
- die Kostenübernahme (KOS-ten-Ü-ber-nah-meh) — coverage approval
If you’re handed an estimate or asked to confirm a paid add‑on, pause and ask for one sentence of clarity. That’s normal in Germany.
14) Emergencies: what to say when seconds matter
In emergencies, language perfection is irrelevant. Short, clear sentences matter.
Absolute emergency phrases
Es ist ein Notfall. (es ist ine NOT-fall) — It’s an emergency.
Ich brauche sofort einen Arzt. (ish BROW-kheh zo-FORT AI-nen ARTST) — I need a doctor immediately.
Ich habe starke Brustschmerzen. (ish HAH-buh SHTAR-keh broost-SHMER-tsen) — I have strong chest pain.
Ich bekomme schlecht Luft. (ish beh-KOM-meh shlekht looft) — I can’t breathe well.
If you’re calling emergency services
Speak slowly. Give location first. If you can, use:
Ich bin in [Adresse]. (ish bin in [a-DRES-seh]) — I am at [address].
Bitte schicken Sie einen Krankenwagen. (BIT-teh SHI-ken zee AI-nen KRANK-en-vah-gen) — Please send an ambulance.
If you don’t know the German word, use English. In true emergencies, people will work with you.
15) Hospital check‑in: minimal German that works
Hospital admission is administrative and fast. You’ll be asked why you’re there and whether you were referred.
Ich wurde vom Arzt eingewiesen. (ish VUR-deh fom ARTST ine-ghe-VY-zen) — I was referred by a doctor.
Ich bin selbst gekommen. (ish bin zelbst geh-KO-men) — I came on my own.
Ich habe starke Schmerzen. (ish HAH-buh SHTAR-keh SHMER-tsen) — I have strong pain.
They might ask:
Haben Sie Allergien? (HAH-ben zee al-ler-GEE-en) — Do you have allergies?
Nehmen Sie Medikamente? (NAY-men zee meh-dee-kah-MEN-teh) — Do you take medication?
Safe general answer if you’re unsure:
Ich bin mir nicht sicher — ich kann es aufschreiben. (ish bin meer nikht ZI-kher — ish kan es OWF-shry-ben) — I’m not sure — I can write it down.
16) Understanding instructions: confirm instead of guessing
Doctors often give instructions quickly: rest, drink fluids, stop certain activities, return if symptoms worsen.
Key phrases you’ll hear
- Bitte schonen Sie sich. (BIT-teh SHOH-nen zee zikh) — Please take it easy / rest.
- Trinken Sie viel. (TRINK-en zee feel) — Drink a lot (fluids).
- Kommen Sie wieder, wenn es schlimmer wird. (KOM-men zee VEE-der, ven es SHLIM-mer vird) — Come back if it gets worse.
- Nehmen Sie das für sieben Tage. (NAY-men zee das für ZEE-ben TAH-geh) — Take this for seven days.
What you can say to confirm
Nur damit ich sicher bin: Ich nehme das zweimal täglich, richtig? (noor da-MIT ish ZI-kher bin: ish NAY-meh das tsvy-mal TEG-likh, RIKH-tikh) — Just so I’m sure: I take this twice a day, right?
Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben? (KÖN-nen zee das BIT-teh OWF-shry-ben) — Can you write that down, please?
17) Paperwork: the words that appear everywhere
You don’t need to understand every word on forms. You need to recognize the recurring ones.
Form keywords
- Name (nah-meh) — name
- Geburtsdatum (geh-BOORTS-dah-toom) — date of birth
- Adresse (a-DRES-seh) — address
- Telefonnummer (teh-leh-FOHN-noo-mer) — phone number
- Unterschrift (OON-ter-shrift) — signature
- Einverständnis (INE-fer-SHTEND-nis) — consent
If you’re unsure where to sign:
Wo soll ich unterschreiben? (voh zol ish oon-ter-SHRAI-ben) — Where should I sign?
18) Copy‑ready mini scripts (phone, reception, pharmacy)
Prepared mini‑dialogues reduce stress because you don’t invent language in the moment. Use these as scripts.
Script A: calling a practice
You: Guten Tag, ich hätte gern einen Termin. (GOO-ten tahk, ish HET-teh gern AI-nen ter-MEEN)
Reception: Worum geht es? (voh-RUM geht es)
You: Ich habe seit drei Tagen Halsschmerzen und Fieber. (ish HAH-buh zait dry TAH-gen HALL-shmer-tsen und FEE-ber)
Reception: Können Sie morgen um 10 Uhr? (KÖN-nen zee MOR-gen oom tsehn oor)
You: Ja, das passt. Vielen Dank. (yah, das passt. FEE-len dank)
Script B: at the pharmacy
You: Ich möchte dieses Rezept einlösen. (ish MÖKH-teh DEE-ses reh-TSEPT ine-LÖ-zen)
Pharmacy: Haben Sie das schon einmal genommen? (HAH-ben zee das shon AI-ne-mal geh-NO-men)
You: Nein, das ist das erste Mal. (nine, das ist das ER-steh mahl)
Pharmacy: Zweimal täglich nach dem Essen. (tsvy-mal TEG-likh nahkh dem ES-sen)
You: Danke. Können Sie das bitte kurz aufschreiben? (DAN-keh. KÖN-nen zee das BIT-teh koorts OWF-shry-ben)
19) Tone: direct German without sounding rude
German healthcare communication is direct. That’s normal. You can be polite without long sentences.
Polite short phrases
- Entschuldigung, ich verstehe nicht. (ent-SHOOL-dee-goong, ish fer-SHTEH-eh nikht) — Sorry, I don’t understand.
- Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? (KÖN-nen zee das BIT-teh VEE-der-hoh-len) — Can you repeat that?
- Einen Moment, bitte. (AI-nen moh-MENT, BIT-teh) — One moment, please.
- Vielen Dank. (FEE-len dank) — Thank you very much.
These phrases buy you time. They also signal cooperation — which is exactly what reception staff and doctors want.
20) After-hours and urgent care: the missing map
One confusing part for expats is what to do outside office hours. In Germany, the system is segmented:
- Hausarzt — normal daytime medical issues
- Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst — urgent but not life‑threatening
- Notaufnahme — hospital emergency department
If you’re sick in the evening or on a Sunday, you may be directed to the Bereitschaftsdienst or the Notdienst.
Useful phrases
Ich brauche einen Arzt, aber es ist kein Notfall. (ish BROW-kheh AI-nen ARTST, AH-ber es ist kine NOT-fall) — I need a doctor, but it’s not an emergency.
Gibt es heute einen Notdienst? (gibt es HOY-teh AI-nen NOT-dienst) — Is there an out‑of‑hours service today?
Wo ist die nächste Notfallpraxis? (voh ist dee NÄKS-teh NOT-fall-PRAK-sis) — Where is the nearest urgent care practice?
In urgent care, staff will triage you quickly. They may ask:
Wie stark sind die Schmerzen von 0 bis 10? (vee shtark zint dee SHMER-tsen fon NOOL bis tsehn) — How strong is the pain from 0 to 10?
If you don’t know the scale, answer simply:
Etwa 7 von 10. (ET-vah ZEE-ben fon tsehn) — About 7 out of 10.
21) Getting results and next steps (without chasing forever)
Many expats get stuck after the appointment: you did the test, but now you need the result and the next step.
German practices often communicate results by phone, by letter, or by a short in‑person follow‑up.
How to ask for results
Könnte ich bitte meine Ergebnisse bekommen? (KÖN-teh ish BIT-teh MY-neh air-GAYB-nis-seh beh-KOM-men) — Could I get my results, please?
Sind die Blutwerte schon da? (zint dee BLOOT-VAIR-teh shon dah) — Are the blood results already in?
Wie geht es jetzt weiter? (vee geht es yetst VY-ter) — What happens next?
If you need the results in writing (for a specialist):
Können Sie mir die Ergebnisse bitte ausdrucken? (KÖN-nen zee meer dee air-GAYB-nis-seh BIT-teh OWS-droo-ken) — Can you print the results for me?
22) Repeat prescriptions and chronic meds
If you take regular medication, you’ll often need a repeat prescription. In Germany, this is usually a quick process — if you use the right words.
Ich brauche ein Folgerezept. (ish BROW-kheh ine FOL-geh-reh-TSEPT) — I need a repeat prescription.
Können Sie mir bitte das Rezept verlängern? (KÖN-nen zee meer BIT-teh das reh-TSEPT fer-LENG-ern) — Can you extend/renew the prescription?
Reception may ask if you need an appointment or just the paper.
Ich brauche keinen Termin, nur das Rezept. (ish BROW-kheh KAI-nen ter-MEEN, noor das reh-TSEPT) — I don’t need an appointment, just the prescription.
If you’re unsure whether a doctor can prescribe it, ask:
Kann das auch der Hausarzt verschreiben? (kan das owkh dair HOWS-artst fer-SHRAI-ben) — Can the GP prescribe that too?
23) Allergies and intolerances: say it clearly
Allergies are asked everywhere: at doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. If you only learn one extra sentence, learn this.
Ich bin allergisch gegen Penicillin. (ish bin al-LAIR-gish GAY-gen peh-nee-TSIL-leen) — I’m allergic to penicillin.
Common versions:
- Ich habe eine Allergie. (ish HAH-buh AI-neh al-ler-GEE) — I have an allergy.
- Ich vertrage das nicht. (ish fer-TRAH-geh das nikht) — I can’t tolerate that.
- Ich reagiere darauf. (ish reh-ah-GEE-reh da-ROWF) — I react to that.
If you’re not sure about ingredients (common with expats), ask:
Ist da Penicillin drin? (ist dah peh-nee-TSIL-leen drin) — Does it contain penicillin?
24) Women’s health: the phrases pharmacies actually ask
Women’s health terms show up in pharmacies and doctor visits, even for simple questions like whether a medication is safe.
Common phrases:
Ich bin schwanger. (ish bin SHVAHN-ger) — I’m pregnant.
Ich stille. (ish SHTIL-leh) — I’m breastfeeding.
Ich brauche einen Termin beim Frauenarzt. (ish BROW-kheh AI-nen ter-MEEN bime FROW-en-artst) — I need an appointment with a gynecologist.
If you want to keep details minimal, you can still ask about safety:
Ist das in der Schwangerschaft sicher? (ist das in dair SHVAHN-ger-shaft ZI-kher) — Is this safe during pregnancy?
25) Physiotherapy: booking and the one key word
After orthopedic issues, doctors often prescribe physiotherapy. The term you’ll see is Physiotherapie.
Ich brauche Physiotherapie. (ish BROW-kheh fy-zee-oh-teh-rah-PEE) — I need physiotherapy.
Ich habe eine Verordnung für Physiotherapie. (ish HAH-buh AI-neh fer-OR-dnung für fy-zee-oh-teh-rah-PEE) — I have a prescription for physiotherapy.
If you call a physio practice, they may ask:
Was steht auf der Verordnung? (vahs shtayt owf dair fer-OR-dnung) — What does the prescription say?
Safe answer if you can’t read it well:
Ich kann es Ihnen gerne vorlesen oder schicken. (ish kan es EE-nen GER-neh FOR-lay-zen oh-der SHI-ken) — I can read it to you or send it.
26) Radiology and imaging: MRT, Röntgen, Ultraschall
Imaging is often done outside the doctor’s office (radiology centers). You’ll hear quickly where to go and what to bring.
Ich habe eine Überweisung für ein MRT. (ish HAH-buh AI-neh Ü-ber-VY-zung für ine em-er-TEH) — I have a referral for an MRI.
Ich habe eine Überweisung für ein Röntgen. (ish HAH-buh AI-neh Ü-ber-VY-zung für ine RÖNT-gen) — I have a referral for an X‑ray.
At reception, they may ask about metal, implants, or pregnancy (for safety). If you need to slow them down:
Können Sie das bitte langsam sagen? (KÖN-nen zee das BIT-teh lahng-ZAHM ZAH-gen) — Can you say that slowly, please?
27) If phone calls are hard: a tiny appointment email template
Some practices respond better to short emails than long calls. Keep emails simple and structured.
Subject: Termin Anfrage
Text:
Guten Tag,
ich hätte gern einen Termin. (ish HET-teh gern AI-nen ter-MEEN)
Worum geht es: Ich habe seit drei Tagen Halsschmerzen und Fieber. (ish HAH-buh zait dry TAH-gen HALL-shmer-tsen und FEE-ber)
Ich bin gesetzlich versichert. (ish bin ge-ZETZ-likh fer-ZI-khert)
Vielen Dank und freundliche Grüße
This email is intentionally short. German medical offices are busy. Short clarity wins.
Final takeaway + drills
Prepared German beats fluent German under stress. Practice out loud once, and you’ll feel the difference.
10 sentences to drill (say them until automatic)
- Ich hätte gern einen Termin. (ish HET-teh gern AI-nen ter-MEEN) — I’d like an appointment.
- Ich habe seit drei Tagen ... (ish HAH-buh zait dry TAH-gen) — I’ve had … for three days.
- Die Schmerzen sind stark. (dee SHMER-tsen zint shtark) — The pain is strong.
- Haben Sie Ihre Versichertenkarte dabei? — Ja, hier bitte. (HAH-ben zee EE-reh fer-ZI-kher-ten-KAR-teh da-BYE — yah, heer BIT-teh) — Insurance card? — Yes, here.
- Könnten Sie das bitte langsamer erklären? (KÖN-ten zee das BIT-teh LANG-zah-mer er-KLÄ-ren) — Explain more slowly?
- Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben? (KÖN-nen zee das BIT-teh OWF-shry-ben) — Write it down?
- Ich brauche eine Krankschreibung. (ish BROW-kheh AI-neh KRANK-shry-bung) — I need a sick note.
- Ich möchte dieses Rezept einlösen. (ish MÖKH-teh DEE-ses reh-TSEPT ine-LÖ-zen) — I’d like to redeem this prescription.
- Ich bin allergisch gegen ... (ish bin al-LAIR-gish GAY-gen) — I’m allergic to …
- Es ist ein Notfall. (es ist ine NOT-fall) — It’s an emergency.
Final takeaway
You don’t need perfect German for healthcare. You need calm, predictable phrases that keep you safe and understood.
If you can say the key sentences above, you can navigate most medical situations in Germany — even if the rest happens in English.