In German healthcare, vocabulary mistakes are not just embarrassing — they can be expensive.
Misunderstanding a single word can lead to the wrong appointment, the wrong treatment, or a bill you didn’t expect.
This guide focuses on the German healthcare vocabulary that actually prevents costly errors.
Every German word or sentence includes a phonetic reading so English speakers can use it safely under stress.
1) Healthcare system vocabulary
Understanding the structure of German healthcare starts with system vocabulary.
die Krankenversicherung (dee KRANK-en-fer-ZI-khe-roong) — health insurance
gesetzlich versichert (geh-ZETZ-likh fer-ZI-khert) — publicly insured
privat versichert (pree-VAHT fer-ZI-khert) — privately insured
Confusing these terms can immediately affect access and billing.
2) Appointment-related vocabulary
Appointments are a common source of confusion.
der Termin (tair ter-MEEN) — appointment
die Sprechstunde (dee SHPREKH-shtoon-deh) — consultation hours
die Überweisung (dee Ü-ber-VY-zoong) — referral
Missing the difference between Termin and Sprechstunde can cost weeks.
3) Doctors and practices
Germany distinguishes clearly between generalists and specialists.
der Hausarzt (tair HOWS-artst) — general practitioner
der Facharzt (tair FAKH-artst) — specialist doctor
die Praxis (dee PRAK-sis) — doctor’s office
Going directly to a Facharzt without referral may lead to rejection or private billing.
4) Symptom vocabulary
Precise symptom vocabulary matters.
die Schmerzen (dee SHMER-tsen) — pain
akut (ah-KOOT) — acute
chronisch (KROH-nish) — chronic
Using the wrong word can downplay or exaggerate urgency.
5) Body part vocabulary
Doctors expect body-part precision.
der Bauch (tair bowkh) — stomach / abdomen
der Rücken (tair RÜ-ken) — back
die Brust (dee broost) — chest
Pointing helps, but words help more.
6) Diagnostics and tests
Diagnostic terms often sound similar but differ in cost.
die Untersuchung (dee OON-ter-zoo-khoong) — examination
das Blutbild (das BLOOT-bilt) — blood test panel
die Röntgenaufnahme (dee RÖNT-gen-owf-nah-meh) — X-ray
Ask before tests are performed.
7) Treatment vocabulary
Treatment terms determine billing.
die Behandlung (dee beh-HAND-loong) — treatment
stationär (shta-tsyoh-NAIR) — inpatient
ambulant (am-boo-LANT) — outpatient
Stationär treatment costs far more.
8) Medication and pharmacy terms
Medication terms matter at the pharmacy.
das Rezept (das reh-TSEPT) — prescription
verschreibungspflichtig (fer-SHRAI-boongs-pfLIKHT-ikh) — prescription-only
rezeptfrei (reh-TSEPT-fry) — over-the-counter
Never assume a medication is rezeptfrei.
9) Billing and cost vocabulary
Billing vocabulary protects your wallet.
die Rechnung (dee REKH-noong) — invoice
die Zuzahlung (dee TSOO-tsah-loong) — co-payment
Kostenübernahme (KOS-ten-Ü-ber-nah-meh) — coverage approval
Always clarify Kostenübernahme in advance.
10) Sick leave vocabulary
Work-related healthcare vocabulary is specific.
die Krankschreibung (dee KRANK-shry-boong) — sick note
arbeitsunfähig (AR-byts-oon-FAY-ikh) — unfit for work
Missing a Krankschreibung can affect salary.
11) Hospital-specific terms
Hospitals use formal language.
die Aufnahme (dee OWF-nah-meh) — admission
die Entlassung (dee ent-LAS-soong) — discharge
Clarify Entlassung timing to avoid surprise stays.
12) Emergency vocabulary
Emergency words must be unmistakable.
der Notfall (tair NOT-fall) — emergency
lebensbedrohlich (LAY-bens-beh-DROH-likh) — life-threatening
Do not soften emergency language.
13) Consent and confirmation
Consent language matters legally.
einverstanden (INE-fer-shtan-den) — in agreement
Ich stimme zu. (ish SHTIM-meh tsoo) — I agree.
Never sign what you don’t understand.
14) Common vocabulary traps
Frequent expat misunderstandings:
- confusing Überweisung with prescription
- assuming all doctors speak English
- not clarifying insurance status
Final takeaway: vocabulary is protection
Memorize these words to avoid most problems:
- gesetzlich versichert (geh-ZETZ-likh fer-ZI-khert) — publicly insured
- Überweisung (Ü-ber-VY-zoong) — referral
- Kostenübernahme (KOS-ten-Ü-ber-nah-meh) — coverage approval
- rezeptfrei (reh-TSEPT-fry) — over-the-counter