Working as a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional in a German-speaking country requires more than just general language skills. Precise communication is vital for patient safety, diagnosis, and treatment. Mastering specific German medical terms and phrases is crucial for success.

This guide provides a starting point for essential medical German vocabulary, focusing on terms commonly used in hospitals and clinics. Whether you're preparing to work abroad or enhancing your skills, this list will be a valuable resource as you learn German online.

Basic Patient Interaction

Establishing rapport and gathering initial information.

• Guten Tag / Hallo – Hello / Good day
• Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen? – How can I help you?
• Wie heißen Sie? – What is your name?
• Wie geht es Ihnen? – How are you?
• Nehmen Sie bitte Platz. – Please take a seat.
• Haben Sie Ihre Versicherungskarte dabei? – Do you have your insurance card with you?
• Was führt Sie zu mir/uns? – What brings you to me/us?
• Ich bin Dr. [Name] / Krankenschwester [Name] / Krankenpfleger [Name]. – I am Dr. [Name] / Nurse [Name] (female/male).

Asking About Symptoms & Pain

Understanding the patient's condition.

• Was sind Ihre Symptome? – What are your symptoms?
• Seit wann haben Sie diese Beschwerden? – Since when have you had these complaints/symptoms?
• Haben Sie Schmerzen? – Do you have pain?
• Wo tut es weh? – Where does it hurt?
• Zeigen Sie mir bitte, wo es weh tut. – Please show me where it hurts.
• Wie stark sind die Schmerzen? (Skala 1-10) – How strong is the pain? (Scale 1-10)
• Ist der Schmerz stechend / dumpf / brennend? – Is the pain stinging / dull / burning?
• Haben Sie Fieber? – Do you have a fever?
• Fühlen Sie sich müde / schwach? – Do you feel tired / weak?
• Haben Sie Übelkeit / Erbrechen? – Do you have nausea / vomiting?
• Haben Sie Husten / Schnupfen? – Do you have a cough / runny nose?
• Ist Ihnen schwindelig? – Are you dizzy?

Common Body Parts (Körperteile)

Essential anatomy terms. Remember German nouns have genders (der/die/das)!

• der Kopf – the head
• das Auge (die Augen) – the eye (eyes)
• die Nase – the nose
• der Mund – the mouth
• das Ohr (die Ohren) – the ear (ears)
• der Hals – the throat / neck
• die Brust – the chest / breast
• der Bauch – the abdomen / belly
• der Rücken – the back
• der Arm (die Arme) – the arm (arms)
• die Hand (die Hände) – the hand (hands)
• das Bein (die Beine) – the leg (legs)
• der Fuß (die Füße) – the foot (feet)
• das Herz – the heart
• die Lunge – the lung

Common Medical Conditions & Diseases (Krankheiten)

• die Erkältung – the common cold
• die Grippe – the flu (influenza)
• die Entzündung – the inflammation / infection
• der Bruch (z.B. Armbruch) – the fracture (e.g., arm fracture)
• die Wunde – the wound
• der Bluthochdruck – high blood pressure (hypertension)
• der Diabetes – diabetes
• die Allergie – the allergy
• der Ausschlag – the rash
• die Kopfschmerzen (pl.) – headache
• die Magenschmerzen (pl.) – stomach ache

Medical Equipment & Tools (Medizinische Geräte)

• das Thermometer – the thermometer
• das Stethoskop – the stethoscope
• der Verband – the bandage / dressing
• das Pflaster – the plaster / band-aid
• die Spritze – the syringe / injection
• das Medikament / die Tablette – the medication / the tablet (pill)
• der Rollstuhl – the wheelchair
• das Bett – the bed
• das Rezept – the prescription

Instructions & Procedures

Guiding patients during examinations or treatments.

• Bitte atmen Sie tief ein / aus. – Please breathe deeply in / out.
• Öffnen Sie bitte den Mund. – Please open your mouth.
• Sagen Sie 'Ahh'. – Say 'Ahh'.
• Ich muss Ihren Blutdruck messen. – I need to measure your blood pressure.
• Ich werde Ihnen Blut abnehmen. – I am going to take a blood sample.
• Legen Sie sich bitte hin. – Please lie down.
• Setzen Sie sich bitte auf. – Please sit up.
• Ziehen Sie bitte [Kleidungsstück] aus / an. – Please take off / put on [item of clothing].
• Entspannen Sie sich. – Relax.
• Das tut nicht weh. – This won't hurt.

Practice and Further Learning

This list is just the beginning. To effectively use these German nursing terms and medical phrases:

• Use flashcards (physical or digital) to memorize vocabulary.
• Practice pronunciation – listen to native speakers if possible.
• Role-play scenarios with colleagues or language partners.
• Immerse yourself: Watch German medical dramas (with caution regarding accuracy!) or read relevant articles.
• Consider a structured course focusing on German for healthcare professionals. Our online German course provides foundational grammar and vocabulary applicable to many fields.

Conclusion

Clear communication is paramount in healthcare. Building your vocabulary of German medical terms is a critical step for any doctor, nurse, or caregiver working in a German-speaking environment. Consistent practice and exposure will build your confidence and competence.

Ready to take your German skills to the next level for your career? Explore Sprachlingua's comprehensive online German course options tailored for learners at all levels. Viel Erfolg bei Ihrer Arbeit und beim Lernen!