Clinical and medical German for physicians (Ärztinnen und Ärzte), pharmacists and therapists preparing for hospital work and patient consultations.
Language & recognition note: Medical licensing (Approbation) requires B2 general German plus the C1 Medical Language Exam (Fachsprachenprüfung — FSP) before the State Medical Chamber.
Practise Medicine, Clinical Practice & Pharmacy Flashcards Practise Workplace Sentences Open Interactive Glossary & Audio
What is covered in this B1–B2 track
This guide organises 60 high-frequency German workplace terms and expressions into four real-world scenarios: Patient history & anamnesis, Clinical exam & diagnostics, Treatment, surgery & consent, Discharge letters & pharmacy. Every noun includes its definite article (der, die, das) and plural form, and every entry is shown inside a complete workplace sentence with an English translation and grammar or usage note.
Patient history & anamnesis (15 terms)
| German term & plural | English meaning | Workplace example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| die Anamnese Pl: Anamnesen B1 · Noun | medical case history of a patient Derived from Greek, 'Anamnese' refers to the structured intake of a patient's medical history during an admission interview. | Vor jeder weiteren Untersuchung muss die behandelnde Ärztin eine gründliche Anamnese des Patienten durchführen. Before any further examination, the attending physician must conduct a thorough medical history of the patient. |
| die Vorerkrankung Pl: Vorerkrankungen B1 · Noun | pre-existing medical condition A compound of 'vor-' (pre-) and 'Erkrankung' (illness), essential for assessing a patient's baseline health risk. | Der Assistenzarzt fragte genau nach, ob beim Patienten eine chronische Vorerkrankung wie Diabetes mellitus vorliegt. The resident physician inquired specifically whether the patient had a pre-existing chronic condition such as diabetes mellitus. |
| die Familienanamnese Pl: Familienanamnesen B2 · Noun | patient's family medical history Combining 'Familie' and 'Anamnese', this section explores hereditary risks and genetic predispositions in relatives. | In der Familienanamnese erwähnte der Patient, dass sein Vater früh an einem Herzinfarkt verstorben sei. In the family medical history, the patient mentioned that his father had died of a heart attack at an early age. |
| das Begleitsymptom Pl: Begleitsymptome B2 · Noun | concomitant clinical symptom 'Begleitsymptom' combines 'begleiten' (accompany) and 'Symptom' to describe secondary symptoms accompanying a primary illness. | Neben den thorakalen Schmerzen trat als weiteres Begleitsymptom akute Atemnot auf. In addition to the chest pain, acute shortness of breath occurred as an additional concomitant symptom. |
| der Allergiepass Pl: Allergiepässe B1 · Noun | allergy documentation passport Compounded from 'Allergie' and 'Pass' (document/passport), carried by patients to prevent dangerous drug reactions. | Die Patientin zeigte dem Notarzt ihren Allergiepass, in dem eine schwere Penicillin-Unverträglichkeit vermerkt ist. The patient showed the emergency physician her allergy passport, which notes a severe penicillin intolerance. |
| der Impfstatus Pl: Impfstatus B2 · Noun | patient immunization record status 'Der Impfstatus' belongs to Latin fourth declension nouns where the plural spelling remains 'Impfstatus' with a long vowel. | Nach der Schnittverletzung überprüfte die Ärztin sofort den Impfstatus des Patienten bezüglich Tetanus. Following the cut injury, the physician immediately checked the patient's vaccination status regarding tetanus. |
| die Genussmittelanamnese Pl: Genussmittelanamnesen B2 · Noun | history of substance and alcohol use 'Genussmittel' refers to tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine; this history is a mandatory section in German clinical intake. | Bei der Genussmittelanamnese gab der Patient an, seit zwanzig Jahren täglich eine Schachtel Zigaretten zu rauchen. During the substance use history, the patient stated that he had smoked a pack of cigarettes daily for twenty years. |
| erfragen B1 · Verb | to inquire about medical symptoms The prefix 'er-' signifies achieving something through asking; 'erfragen' means to obtain information through deliberate questioning. | Im Aufnahmegespräch muss der Stationsarzt die genauen Schmerzeigenschaften systematisch erfragen. During the intake consultation, the ward physician must systematically inquire about the exact pain characteristics. |
| schildern B1 · Verb | to describe personal complaints 'Schildern' is preferred over 'beschreiben' when asking patients to narrate personal symptoms and bodily experiences. | Die Patientin konnte den Beginn ihrer Bauchschmerzen sehr präzise und chronologisch schildern. The patient was able to describe the onset of her abdominal pain very precisely and chronologically. |
| leiden B1 · Verb | to suffer from a chronic illness When referring to symptoms, 'leiden' takes the preposition 'unter' + dative; when referring to a diagnosed disease, it takes 'an' + dative. | Viele ältere Patienten in unserer Klinik leiden unter wiederkehrenden rheumatischen Beschwerden. Many elderly patients in our clinic suffer from recurrent rheumatic complaints. |
| erbbedingt B2 · Adjective | hereditary or genetically caused Formed from 'Erbe' (inheritance/heredity) and 'bedingt' (conditioned/caused), synonymous with 'genetisch bedingt'. | Die Ärztin vermutet, dass die Neigung zu Gefäßerkrankungen bei diesem Patienten erbbedingt ist. The physician suspects that the predisposition to vascular diseases in this patient is hereditary. |
| schubweise B2 · Adverb | occurring in episodic flare-ups The suffix '-weise' turns the noun 'Schub' (relapse/flare-up) into an adverb describing episodic disease courses. | Die chronisch-entzündliche Darmerkrankung verläuft bei der Patientin typischerweise schubweise. The patient's chronic inflammatory bowel disease typically progresses in episodic flare-ups. |
| eine Anamnese erheben B2 · Expression | to take a comprehensive medical history The fixed medical collocation 'eine Anamnese erheben' is essential clinical jargon tested in the German Fachsprachenprüfung. | Bei Neuaufnahmen im Dienst müssen junge Ärztinnen zunächst sorgfältig eine Anamnese erheben. During on-duty admissions, junior physicians must first carefully take a medical history. |
| unter Übelkeit leiden B1 · Expression | to suffer from persistent nausea Collocation using 'unter' + dative to describe a subjective condition or distressing physical side effect. | Seit der Einnahme des neuen Schmerzmittels muss der Patient ständig unter Übelkeit leiden. Ever since taking the new analgesic, the patient has had to suffer constantly from nausea. |
| Vorerkrankungen abfragen B2 · Expression | to screen for prior medical conditions 'Abfragen' means systematically checking items off a mental or written checklist during clinical assessment. | Um Narkoserisiken auszuschließen, muss der Anästhesist alle relevanten Vorerkrankungen abfragen. To rule out anesthesia risks, the anesthesiologist must screen for all relevant pre-existing conditions. |
Clinical exam & diagnostics (15 terms)
| German term & plural | English meaning | Workplace example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| der Befund Pl: Befunde B1 · Noun | clinical finding or test result 'Befund' refers to the objective clinical finding or diagnostic result collected by the clinician, distinct from the patient's subjective symptom. | Der neurologische Befund zeigte erfreulicherweise keine Hinweise auf bleibende Nervenschäden. Fortunately, the neurological finding showed no evidence of permanent nerve damage. |
| die Diagnose Pl: Diagnosen B1 · Noun | formal clinical diagnostic assessment Often paired with the functional verb 'stellen' ('eine Diagnose stellen' = to make or establish a diagnosis). | Erst nach Auswertung aller Labor- und Bilddaten konnte die endgültige Diagnose gestellt werden. Only after evaluating all laboratory and imaging data could the definitive diagnosis be established. |
| der Laborwert Pl: Laborwerte B1 · Noun | quantitative laboratory test value Compound of 'Labor' (laboratory) and 'Wert' (value); plural 'Laborwerte' encompasses blood counts, electrolytes, and enzymes. | Ein stark erhöhter Laborwert wie das C-reaktive Protein deutet auf eine akute Entzündung hin. A strongly elevated laboratory value such as C-reactive protein indicates acute inflammation. |
| das Röntgenbild Pl: Röntgenbilder B1 · Noun | diagnostic X-ray imaging scan Named after Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen; refers specifically to plain radiographic images. | Auf dem Röntgenbild des Brustkorbs war eine deutliche Verschattung im rechten Lungenflügel zu erkennen. On the chest X-ray image, a distinct shadow was visible in the right lung lobe. |
| der Ultraschall singular only B1 · Noun | diagnostic ultrasound examination 'Der Ultraschall' is often used elliptically in clinical jargon for 'die Ultraschalluntersuchung' (sonography). | Im Ultraschall des Oberbauchs stellten die Internisten mehrere Gallensteine fest. On ultrasound of the upper abdomen, the internists detected several gallstones. |
| die Auskultation Pl: Auskultationen B2 · Noun | physical exam by stethoscope listening Latin-derived medical term for listening to internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope ('Stethoskop'). | Bei der Auskultation der Lunge fielen beidseits deutliche Rasselgeräusche auf. During auscultation of the lungs, distinct crackles were noticeable bilaterally. |
| die Palpation Pl: Palpationen B2 · Noun | manual examination by touch palpation Clinical examination technique of feeling the body with fingers or hands to detect tenderness or organ enlargement. | Die vorsichtige Palpation des rechten Unterbauchs löste beim Patienten einen starken Loslassschmerz aus. Careful palpation of the right lower abdomen triggered severe rebound tenderness in the patient. |
| die Differenzialdiagnose Pl: Differenzialdiagnosen B2 · Noun | possible differential diagnosis Abbreviated 'DD' in medical charts; refers to competing diagnoses that could explain the clinical findings. | Als wichtigste Differenzialdiagnose zu einer Lungenembolie muss ein akutes Koronarsyndrom in Betracht gezogen werden. As the most important differential diagnosis to pulmonary embolism, acute coronary syndrome must be considered. |
| abhorchen B1 · Verb | to listen to chest with a stethoscope Germanic colloquial/clinical equivalent to 'auskultieren', frequently said directly to patients ('Ich horche Sie jetzt ab'). | Vor dem Verschreiben von Asthmamitteln muss die Fachärztin die Lunge gründlich abhorchen. Before prescribing asthma medication, the specialist physician must thoroughly listen to the lungs. |
| abtasten B1 · Verb | to palpate organs during physical exam German vernacular term for 'palpieren', universally understood by German patients during physical exams. | Die Ärztin wird nun vorsichtig die Schilddrüse und die Lymphknoten am Hals abtasten. The physician will now carefully palpate the thyroid gland and lymph nodes in the neck. |
| überweisen B1 · Verb | to refer a patient to a medical specialist In outpatient care, 'überweisen' means giving a formal referral slip ('Überweisungsschein') to another physician. | Der Allgemeinarzt möchte den Patienten zur weiteren kardiologischen Abklärung an die Klinik überweisen. The general practitioner wants to refer the patient to the hospital for further cardiological clarification. |
| pathologisch B2 · Adjective | pathological or clinically abnormal Used to describe medical findings that deviate from normal physiological ranges and indicate disease. | Der Befund des Elektrokardiogramms erwies sich nach genauer Analyse als eindeutig pathologisch. The electrocardiogram finding proved to be distinctly pathological upon detailed analysis. |
| unauffällig B1 · Adjective | unremarkable and clinically normal The standard German medical chart description for normal, healthy examination results is 'o.B.' (ohne Befund) or 'unauffällig'. | Die Sonografie des Abdomens war vollkommen unauffällig und zeigte keine krankhaften Veränderungen. The abdominal ultrasound was completely unremarkable and showed no pathological changes. |
| Befunde besprechen B2 · Expression | to discuss clinical diagnostic findings Routine clinical interaction where medical test results are interpreted and explained to patients or their families. | Am Nachmittag wird der Oberarzt mit den Angehörigen die aktuellen Befunde besprechen. In the afternoon, the senior physician will discuss the current findings with the relatives. |
| eine Verdachtsdiagnose stellen B2 · Expression | to formulate a suspected diagnosis A presumptive working hypothesis established before definitive confirmatory testing is completed. | Aufgrund der typischen Symptomatik konnte der Notarzt bereits am Unfallort eine Verdachtsdiagnose stellen. Based on the typical symptoms, the emergency physician was already able to make a presumptive diagnosis at the scene. |
Treatment, surgery & consent (15 terms)
| German term & plural | English meaning | Workplace example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| der Eingriff Pl: Eingriffe B1 · Noun | invasive medical surgical procedure 'Operativer Eingriff' is the professional German term for surgical operations or invasive procedures. | Der laparoskopische Eingriff verlief ohne Komplikationen und dauerte nur vierzig Minuten. The laparoscopic surgical procedure went without complications and lasted only forty minutes. |
| die Narkose Pl: Narkosen B1 · Noun | general medical anesthesia state Refers to general anesthesia ('Vollnarkose'); local/regional anesthesia is termed 'Lokalanästhesie' or 'Regionalanästhesie'. | Nach der mehrstündigen Narkose erwachte der Patient ruhig auf der Aufwachstation. After the several-hour anesthesia, the patient woke up calmly in the post-anesthesia care unit. |
| das Aufklärungsgespräch Pl: Aufklärungsgespräche B2 · Noun | informed consent consultation talk Compound of 'Aufklärung' (informing/clarification) and 'Gespräch' (conversation); a legally binding duty for physicians. | Mindestens vierundzwanzig Stunden vor der Operation muss das rechtlich vorgeschriebene Aufklärungsgespräch stattfinden. At least twenty-four hours before surgery, the legally mandated informed consent discussion must take place. |
| die Einwilligung Pl: Einwilligungen B2 · Noun | formal patient consent declaration In German medical law, 'Einwilligung' is the formal legal term for informed consent ('informed consent form' = 'Einwilligungsbogen'). | Ohne die schriftliche Einwilligung des aufgeklärten Patienten darf kein chirurgischer Eingriff erfolgen. Without the written consent of the informed patient, no surgical procedure may take place. |
| die Komplikation Pl: Komplikationen B1 · Noun | unfavorable clinical complication Borrowed from Latin; refers to secondary diseases, adverse events, or surgical complications. | Als seltene Komplikation nach diesem Bauchfell-Eingriff kann es zu Nachblutungen kommen. As a rare complication after this peritoneal procedure, secondary bleeding may occur. |
| die Visite Pl: Visiten B1 · Noun | inpatient physician ward round 'Visite' is the daily clinical round where doctors review charts, examine patients, and adjust medication. | Während der morgendlichen Visite beurteilt das Ärzteteam den Heilungsverlauf aller stationären Patienten. During the morning ward round, the medical team evaluates the healing progress of all inpatient patients. |
| der Chefarzt Pl: Chefärzte B1 · Noun | head physician or chief of medicine The highest medical authority in a German hospital department, ranking above Oberarzt and Assistenzarzt. | Schwierige operative Fälle werden persönlich vom Chefarzt der chirurgischen Klinik operiert. Difficult surgical cases are operated on personally by the chief physician of the surgical department. |
| behandeln B1 · Verb | to treat an illness medically 'Behandeln' requires an accusative object for either the patient or the medical condition being treated. | Die Ärztin möchte die bakterielle Infektion zunächst mit einem Breitspektrum-Antibiotikum behandeln. The physician wants to treat the bacterial infection initially with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. |
| operieren B1 · Verb | to perform a surgical operation Takes a direct accusative patient object ('einen Patienten operieren') or is used intransitively. | Wegen des akuten Blinddarmdurchbruchs musste der Chirurg den Patienten sofort in der Nacht operieren. Because of the acute ruptured appendix, the surgeon had to operate on the patient immediately during the night. |
| aufklären B2 · Verb | to inform a patient about medical risks Governs 'über' + accusative for the risks and procedures explained during consent discussions. | Die Ärztin muss den Patienten umfassend über die Risiken und Alternativen des Eingriffs aufklären. The physician must inform the patient comprehensively about the risks and alternatives of the procedure. |
| nüchtern B1 · Adjective | fasting before a surgical procedure In medical contexts, 'nüchtern' means having had no food or drink (not eating, drinking, or smoking). | Vor der geplanten Narkose muss der Patient mindestens sechs Stunden lang absolut nüchtern bleiben. Before the scheduled anesthesia, the patient must remain completely fasting for at least six hours. |
| stationär B1 · Adjective | admitted as an inpatient in hospital Contrasts with 'ambulant' (outpatient); denotes hospitalization with an overnight bed stay. | Nach dem schweren Unfall musste die Verletzte mehrere Tage lang stationär überwacht werden. After the severe accident, the injured woman had to be monitored as an inpatient for several days. |
| über Risiken aufklären B2 · Expression | to explain procedural surgical risks Standard legal and clinical phrase for providing mandatory preoperative risk disclosure. | Vor jeder Intervention muss der Chirurg den Patienten verständlich und rechtzeitig über Risiken aufklären. Prior to any intervention, the surgeon must inform the patient comprehensibly and timely about risks. |
| die Einwilligung verweigern B2 · Expression | to refuse consent for a procedure Crucial medical law term reflecting patient autonomy and the right to decline medical treatment. | Jeder einwilligungsfähige Patient kann sich nach erfolgter Aufklärung frei entscheiden und die Einwilligung verweigern. Every patient with decision-making capacity can decide freely following informed consent and refuse consent. |
| an der Visite teilnehmen B1 · Expression | to participate in doctor ward rounds 'Teilnehmen an' + dative denotes active attendance in clinical ward rounds. | Die Studierenden im praktischen Jahr müssen jeden Morgen pünktlich an der Visite teilnehmen. The final-year medical students must participate punctually every morning in the ward rounds. |
Discharge letters & pharmacy (15 terms)
| German term & plural | English meaning | Workplace example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| der Entlassungsbericht Pl: Entlassungsberichte B2 · Noun | formal hospital discharge summary Compound of 'Entlassung' (discharge) and 'Bericht' (report), sent to outpatient doctors following hospitalization. | Im ausführlichen Entlassungsbericht werden Diagnosen, Therapieverlauf und weiterführende Empfehlungen dokumentiert. In the detailed discharge summary, diagnoses, therapy course, and follow-up recommendations are documented. |
| der Arztbrief Pl: Arztbriefe B1 · Noun | medical physician transfer letter Standard German term for medical correspondence between doctors summarizing a patient's case and therapy. | Der Hausarzt benötigt den vollständigen Arztbrief, um die Nachsorge nahtlos fortzusetzen. The family physician needs the complete doctor's letter to seamlessly continue aftercare. |
| die Notaufnahme Pl: Notaufnahmen B1 · Noun | emergency department intake unit Short for 'Zentrale Notaufnahme' (ZNA), the emergency intake department of a hospital. | Der Rettungsdienst brachte den bewusstlosen Patienten mit Blaulicht direkt in die Notaufnahme. The emergency medical service brought the unconscious patient with flashing blue lights directly to the ER. |
| der Facharzt Pl: Fachärzte B1 · Noun | fully certified medical specialist Title granted after passing the specialty board examination following residency ('Facharztweiterbildung'). | Nach fünfjähriger Weiterbildungszeit legte der Assistenzarzt seine Prüfung zum Facharzt für Kardiologie ab. After five years of residency training, the resident took his exam to become a specialist in cardiology. |
| die Nebenwirkung Pl: Nebenwirkungen B1 · Noun | adverse pharmaceutical side effect Abbreviated 'NW' in clinical documentation, denoting an unintended secondary pharmacological effect. | Starke Übelkeit wird in der Packungsbeilage als häufige Nebenwirkung dieses Medikaments aufgeführt. Severe nausea is listed in the package leaflet as a common side effect of this medication. |
| die Dosierung Pl: Dosierungen B1 · Noun | pharmaceutical medication dosage Derived from 'dosieren'; refers to the exact prescribed amount and frequency of medicine administration. | Bei Niereninsuffizienz muss der Arzt die tägliche Dosierung des Antibiotikums sorgfältig anpassen. In the case of renal insufficiency, the physician must carefully adjust the daily dosage of the antibiotic. |
| die Wechselwirkung Pl: Wechselwirkungen B2 · Noun | harmful pharmaceutical drug interaction A compound of 'wechseln' (alternate/mutual) and 'Wirkung' (effect), referring to drug-drug interactions (DDI). | Der Apotheker warnte den Kunden vor einer gefährlichen Wechselwirkung zwischen Gerinnungshemmern und Aspirin. The pharmacist warned the customer about a dangerous interaction between anticoagulants and aspirin. |
| der Wirkstoff Pl: Wirkstoffe B2 · Noun | active pharmacological ingredient Compound of 'wirken' (to take effect) and 'Stoff' (substance); denotes the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). | Obwohl der Handelsname anders lautet, enthält das Generikum denselben chemischen Wirkstoff. Although the trade name is different, the generic contains the same chemical active ingredient. |
| verschreiben B1 · Verb | to prescribe pharmaceutical medication Synonymous with 'verordnen'; means officially ordering a prescription drug for a patient. | Aufgrund der schweren Schübe musste der Neurologe ein hochwirksames Medikament verschreiben. Due to the severe flare-ups, the neurologist had to prescribe a highly potent medication. |
| entlassen B1 · Verb | to discharge a patient from hospital Irregular strong verb (entlässt, entließ, hat entlassen); in medical contexts it means discharging from care. | Nach unauffälligen Abschlussuntersuchungen kann das Stationsteam die Patientin morgen nach Hause entlassen. Following unremarkable final examinations, the ward team can discharge the patient home tomorrow. |
| verabreichen B2 · Verb | to administer medical therapeutics Clinical formal term for giving, injecting, or dispensing medication to a patient. | Die Krankenschwester darf das Betäubungsmittel nur nach ausdrücklicher ärztlicher Anordnung verabreichen. The nurse may only administer the narcotic drug following explicit physician orders. |
| rezeptpflichtig B1 · Adjective | requiring a formal doctor prescription Compound of 'Rezept' (prescription) and 'pflichtig' (mandatory); contrasts with 'rezeptfrei' (over-the-counter). | Starke Schmerzmittel und Antibiotika sind in Deutschland ausnahmslos rezeptpflichtig. Strong pain relievers and antibiotics are without exception prescription-only in Germany. |
| kontraindiziert B2 · Adjective | contraindicated for safety reasons Medical adjective meaning a treatment or drug must not be used because it would be harmful to the patient. | Bei bestehender Magenschleimhautentzündung ist die Gabe von Acetylsalicylsäure absolut kontraindiziert. In the presence of gastritis, the administration of acetylsalicylic acid is strictly contraindicated. |
| ein Rezept ausstellen B1 · Expression | to write a medication prescription 'Ein Rezept ausstellen' is the standard German phrase for issuing an official medical prescription. | Vor dem Verlassen der Praxis muss die Hausärztin für das Blutdruckmittel noch ein Rezept ausstellen. Before leaving the practice, the family doctor still has to write a prescription for the blood pressure medication. |
| einen Arztbrief verfassen B2 · Expression | to draft a formal physician letter 'Verfassen' is the formal verb used for composing or authoring medical letters and scientific reports. | Am Entlassungstag muss die Assistenzärztin für den Weiterbehandler zügig einen Arztbrief verfassen. On discharge day, the resident must swiftly draft a doctor's letter for the follow-up physician. |
Practise and retain these 60 workplace terms
Reading a glossary table is a helpful first step, but active recall under real workplace pressure requires repetition. Launch the interactive Medicine, Clinical Practice & Pharmacy flashcard trainer to test yourself in both German-to-English and English-to-German directions, or switch to Workplace Sentence (Cloze) mode to practise completing sentences from patient history & anamnesis, clinical exam & diagnostics, treatment, surgery & consent, discharge letters & pharmacy.
Exploring other fields? Return to the German for Professions & Work overview or browse our 67-chapter German Grammar Book and A1–B2 study roadmap.