die Erkältung
Common cold
Ich habe eine Erkältung.
I have a cold.
Fortgang Institut · A1 German Vocabulary
Learn essential German medical vocabulary with English translations, useful everyday expressions, and practical conversations. Discover how to speak about symptoms, visit a doctor, find your way around a hospital, and ask for medicine at a pharmacy.
This beginner-friendly guide is designed for German learners who want to communicate more confidently in everyday situations in Germany. It is also useful preparation for learners interested in healthcare work, nursing, or Ausbildung.
Medical vocabulary helps you understand common questions, explain simple symptoms, and communicate basic needs in healthcare settings. Even a small set of well-practised expressions can make everyday interactions easier.
In this lesson, nouns are shown with their German articles wherever possible. Learn each noun together with der, die, or das to build better vocabulary habits from the beginning.
Learn essential German medical vocabulary with English translations for visiting a doctor, making an appointment, describing symptoms and understanding common questions at a medical practice. These practical German phrases are especially useful for beginners, international students, travellers and people preparing to live in Germany.
Start with these common words you may see or hear at a German doctor’s office, known as an Arztpraxis.
| German | English meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| der Arzt | male doctor | Ich gehe zum Arzt. |
| die Ärztin | female doctor | Die Ärztin ist freundlich. |
| die Arztpraxis | doctor’s office / medical practice | Die Arztpraxis ist heute geöffnet. |
| der Patient / die Patientin | male patient / female patient | Der Patient wartet. |
| der Termin | appointment | Ich habe einen Termin. |
| die Anmeldung | reception / registration desk | Bitte gehen Sie zur Anmeldung. |
| das Wartezimmer | waiting room | Ich warte im Wartezimmer. |
| die Untersuchung | examination | Die Untersuchung beginnt jetzt. |
| das Rezept | prescription | Ich brauche ein Rezept. |
| die Gesundheitskarte | health insurance card | Hier ist meine Gesundheitskarte. |
| die Krankenversicherung | health insurance | Haben Sie eine Krankenversicherung? |
| die Überweisung | referral to a specialist | Ich habe eine Überweisung. |
Note: Gesundheitskarte is a useful general term. In Germany, you may also hear elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK).
These German symptoms and health-related words help you explain how you feel. Learn the full phrase as well as the individual word.
| German word | English meaning | Useful sentence |
|---|---|---|
| die Kopfschmerzen | headache | Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. |
| die Bauchschmerzen | stomach ache / abdominal pain | Ich habe Bauchschmerzen. |
| die Halsschmerzen | sore throat | Ich habe Halsschmerzen. |
| der Husten | cough | Ich habe Husten. |
| der Schnupfen | runny or blocked nose | Ich habe Schnupfen. |
| das Fieber | fever | Ich habe Fieber. |
| die Übelkeit | nausea | Mir ist übel. |
| der Schwindel | dizziness | Mir ist schwindelig. |
| die Müdigkeit | tiredness / fatigue | Ich fühle mich müde. |
| die Erkältung | common cold | Ich habe eine Erkältung. |
Understanding these questions can make a German doctor’s appointment easier to navigate.
| German question | English translation |
|---|---|
| Was fehlt Ihnen? | What seems to be the problem? |
| Was haben Sie? | What is wrong? / What symptoms do you have? |
| Seit wann haben Sie die Schmerzen? | How long have you had the pain? |
| Haben Sie Fieber? | Do you have a fever? |
| Nehmen Sie Medikamente? | Are you taking any medication? |
| Haben Sie Allergien? | Do you have any allergies? |
| Wo tut es weh? | Where does it hurt? |
| Wie lange haben Sie die Beschwerden schon? | How long have you had these symptoms? |
Use these simple sentence patterns to talk about common symptoms in German.
Ich habe + symptom.
Use this pattern for many symptoms.
Example: Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Husten.
I have had a cough for two days.
Mein / Meine + body part + tut weh.
Use tut weh for one body part.
Example: Mein Rücken tut weh.
My back hurts.
Mir ist + adjective.
Useful for certain physical sensations.
Example: Mir ist schwindelig.
I feel dizzy.
Ich bin allergisch gegen + noun.
Use this to communicate an allergy.
Example: Ich bin allergisch gegen Penicillin.
I am allergic to penicillin.
Practise these polite German phrases for booking or changing an appointment at a medical practice.
Read this beginner-friendly German conversation aloud. Pay attention to the formal Sie form used when speaking to a doctor.
Arzt: Guten Tag. Was fehlt Ihnen? Doctor: Hello. What seems to be the problem?
Patient: Guten Tag. Ich habe Kopfschmerzen und Fieber. Patient: Hello. I have a headache and a fever.
Arzt: Seit wann haben Sie die Beschwerden? Doctor: How long have you had these symptoms?
Patient: Seit gestern. Patient: Since yesterday.
Arzt: Nehmen Sie Medikamente? Doctor: Are you taking any medication?
Patient: Nein, im Moment nicht. Patient: No, not at the moment.
Arzt: Gut. Ich untersuche Sie jetzt. Doctor: All right. I’ll examine you now.
Use haben with many symptoms and conditions.
Use sein to describe a state or condition.
In a medical practice, Sie is generally used when speaking politely to staff or a doctor.
Before moving on, check whether you remember these essential words and phrases.
English: doctor’s office; waiting room; I have had a fever since yesterday; I feel nauseous.
German: Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. / Wo tut es weh? / Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren. / Hier ist meine Gesundheitskarte.
Learn essential German hospital vocabulary with English translations, including hospital departments, medical staff, admission and discharge, examinations, tests and emergency phrases. This practical guide helps German learners understand common hospital words and communicate more confidently in everyday healthcare situations in Germany.
These are some of the most useful German words to recognise when visiting a hospital or speaking with healthcare staff.
| German vocabulary | English meaning | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| das Krankenhaus | hospital | Ich bin im Krankenhaus. |
| die Klinik | clinic / hospital | Die Klinik ist groß. |
| die Notaufnahme | emergency department | Wo ist die Notaufnahme? |
| der Eingang | entrance | Der Eingang ist dort. |
| die Station | ward | Sie ist auf der Station. |
| das Patientenzimmer | patient room | Das Patientenzimmer ist hier. |
| das Krankenbett | hospital bed | Das Krankenbett ist frei. |
| das Wartezimmer | waiting room | Bitte warten Sie im Wartezimmer. |
| die Aufnahme | admission / registration | Die Aufnahme ist am Eingang. |
| die Entlassung | discharge from hospital | Die Entlassung ist morgen. |
| der Notfall | emergency | Das ist ein Notfall. |
| die Besuchszeit | visiting hours | Wann ist die Besuchszeit? |
Knowing who works in a hospital helps you understand instructions and ask the right person for assistance.
| German | English | Useful example |
|---|---|---|
| der Arzt / die Ärztin | doctor | Ich möchte mit dem Arzt sprechen. |
| der Krankenpfleger / die Krankenpflegerin | male nurse / female nurse | Die Krankenpflegerin hilft mir. |
| die Pflegefachkraft | qualified nursing professional | Die Pflegefachkraft kommt gleich. |
| der Chirurg / die Chirurgin | surgeon | Der Chirurg erklärt die Operation. |
| der Anästhesist / die Anästhesistin | anaesthesiologist | Die Anästhesistin spricht mit dem Patienten. |
| der Sanitäter / die Sanitäterin | emergency medical responder / paramedic, depending on role | Der Sanitäter hilft dem Patienten. |
| der Apotheker / die Apothekerin | pharmacist | Die Apothekerin erklärt die Anwendung. |
| der Patient / die Patientin | patient | Der Patient wartet auf den Arzt. |
| die Hebamme | midwife | Die Hebamme betreut die Mutter. |
Hospital departments are often labelled with these German names. Learning them can help you read signs and find the correct area.
| German department | English meaning | When you may hear it |
|---|---|---|
| die Notaufnahme | emergency department | Urgent medical assessment |
| die Intensivstation | intensive care unit (ICU) | Care for critically ill patients |
| die Chirurgie | surgery department | Surgical treatment |
| die Innere Medizin | internal medicine | Diagnosis and treatment of many internal conditions |
| die Radiologie | radiology | Medical imaging |
| die Kinderheilkunde / Pädiatrie | paediatrics | Medical care for children |
| die Gynäkologie | gynaecology | Women's reproductive health |
| die Geburtshilfe | obstetrics | Pregnancy and childbirth care |
| die Neurologie | neurology | Conditions involving the brain and nervous system |
| die Orthopädie | orthopaedics | Bones, joints and the musculoskeletal system |
| die Kardiologie | cardiology | Heart and cardiovascular care |
| das Labor | laboratory | Testing samples such as blood |
These words are common when healthcare professionals explain examinations, tests or procedures.
| German word | English meaning | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| die Untersuchung | examination | Die Untersuchung beginnt jetzt. |
| die Blutuntersuchung | blood test | Wir machen eine Blutuntersuchung. |
| die Blutprobe | blood sample | Die Blutprobe wird ins Labor geschickt. |
| das Röntgen | X-ray examination | Ich muss zum Röntgen. |
| die Ultraschalluntersuchung | ultrasound examination | Die Ultraschalluntersuchung dauert nicht lange. |
| der Blutdruck | blood pressure | Die Ärztin misst meinen Blutdruck. |
| die Temperatur | temperature | Die Pflegefachkraft misst meine Temperatur. |
| die Operation | operation / surgery | Die Operation findet morgen statt. |
| die Narkose | anaesthesia | Der Arzt erklärt die Narkose. |
| die Behandlung | treatment | Die Behandlung beginnt heute. |
| das Medikament | medication | Ich nehme ein Medikament. |
| die Wunde | wound | Die Wunde muss versorgt werden. |
If you or someone you know is admitted to hospital, these German terms may appear in conversations or documents.
Memorise these phrases to ask for help, explain a problem or understand basic instructions.
| German phrase | English translation |
|---|---|
| Ich brauche medizinische Hilfe. | I need medical help. |
| Ich brauche einen Dolmetscher. | I need an interpreter. |
| Können Sie mir bitte helfen? | Could you please help me? |
| Ich verstehe das nicht. | I don't understand that. |
| Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? | Could you please repeat that? |
| Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen? | Could you please speak more slowly? |
| Ich habe starke Schmerzen. | I have severe pain. |
| Ich nehme regelmäßig Medikamente. | I take medication regularly. |
| Ich habe eine Allergie gegen dieses Medikament. | I have an allergy to this medication. |
| Wo kann ich mich anmelden? | Where can I register? |
| Wo ist die nächste Toilette? | Where is the nearest toilet? |
| Kann meine Familie mich besuchen? | Can my family visit me? |
Practise this simple conversation between a patient and a hospital staff member. Read each line aloud, then try repeating the dialogue without looking at the translation.
These sentence structures help you turn individual medical words into useful German sentences.
Ich brauche + noun.
I need …
Example: Ich brauche einen Arzt.
I need a doctor.
Ich habe + symptom.
I have …
Example: Ich habe Fieber.
I have a fever.
Wo ist + place?
Where is …?
Example: Wo ist die Notaufnahme?
Where is the emergency department?
Ich muss + infinitive.
I have to …
Example: Ich muss zum Röntgen.
I have to go for an X-ray.
Können Sie bitte + infinitive?
Could you please …?
Example: Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
Could you please help me?
Ich habe seit + time + symptom.
For an ongoing symptom
Example: Ich habe seit gestern Schmerzen.
I have had pain since yesterday.
Recognising emergency words is useful when you need urgent assistance or must understand a public sign.
der Notfall — emergency
der Rettungsdienst — emergency medical service
der Krankenwagen — ambulance
der Rettungswagen (RTW) — ambulance used by emergency medical services in Germany
der Notruf — emergency call
die Erste Hilfe — first aid
die Bewusstlosigkeit — unconsciousness
die Verletzung — injury
der Unfall — accident
Hilfe! Bitte rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen! — Help! Please call an ambulance!
Try the questions before opening the answers. This quick revision helps you remember common hospital words and phrases.
Answer: Hospital.
Answer: Die Notaufnahme.
Answer: Discharge from hospital.
Answer: I need medical help.
Answer: Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?
Answer: Blood test.
Answer: die — “Wo ist die Notaufnahme?”
Answer: Die Station.
Use this compact list for a final review or as a starting point for your own vocabulary flashcards.
Learn German pharmacy vocabulary with English translations, including medicine-related words, prescriptions, dosage instructions, common pharmacy questions and practical conversations. This guide helps German beginners, travellers, international students and people preparing to live in Germany communicate more confidently at an Apotheke.
Start with these common words you may see on signs, medicine packaging or during a conversation with a pharmacist.
| German word | English meaning | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| die Apotheke | pharmacy | Wo ist die nächste Apotheke? |
| der Apotheker / die Apothekerin | male pharmacist / female pharmacist | Ich frage die Apothekerin. |
| das Medikament | medication / medicine | Ich brauche ein Medikament. |
| das Arzneimittel | medicinal product | Dieses Arzneimittel ist verschreibungspflichtig. |
| das Rezept | prescription | Ich habe ein Rezept. |
| das Privatrezept | private prescription | Der Arzt hat mir ein Privatrezept ausgestellt. |
| das Schmerzmittel | painkiller / pain-relief medicine | Was bedeutet dieses Wort: Schmerzmittel? |
| das Fiebermittel | medicine used to reduce fever | Die Ärztin erklärt das Fiebermittel. |
| die Salbe | ointment | Die Salbe ist für die Haut. |
| die Creme | cream | Die Creme ist in der Packung. |
| die Tropfen | drops | Die Tropfen sind für die Augen. |
| der Hustensaft | cough syrup | Ich möchte nach Hustensaft fragen. |
| das Pflaster | adhesive plaster / bandage | Haben Sie ein Pflaster? |
| die Packung | package / pack | Wie viel kostet eine Packung? |
| die Nebenwirkung | side effect | Welche Nebenwirkungen hat das Medikament? |
These German words describe common forms of medicines and health-related products. The vocabulary helps you understand a conversation; it is not a recommendation to use a particular product.
| German | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| die Tablette | tablet | Die Tablette ist weiß. |
| die Kapsel | capsule | Die Kapsel ist klein. |
| der Saft | liquid / syrup | Der Saft ist in der Flasche. |
| die Flüssigkeit | liquid | Die Flüssigkeit ist klar. |
| das Spray | spray | Das Spray ist für die Nase. |
| der Inhalator | inhaler | Der Inhalator liegt in der Tasche. |
| die Augentropfen | eye drops | Die Augentropfen sind für die Augen. |
| die Ohrentropfen | ear drops | Die Ohrentropfen sind in der Packung. |
| das Zäpfchen | suppository | Das Zäpfchen ist ein Arzneimittel. |
| der Verband | dressing / bandage | Der Verband ist sauber. |
If you need to explain why you are visiting a pharmacy, these phrases can help you describe your symptoms in simple German.
| German phrase | English translation |
|---|---|
| Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. | I have a headache. |
| Ich habe Halsschmerzen. | I have a sore throat. |
| Ich habe Husten. | I have a cough. |
| Ich habe Schnupfen. | I have a runny or blocked nose. |
| Ich habe Fieber. | I have a fever. |
| Ich habe eine Hautreizung. | I have skin irritation. |
| Ich habe mich verletzt. | I have injured myself. |
| Ich habe eine Allergie. | I have an allergy. |
| Ich nehme bereits Medikamente. | I am already taking medication. |
| Ich bin schwanger. | I am pregnant. |
These polite German phrases are useful when asking a pharmacist for information or explaining what you need.
| German phrase | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Guten Tag. Ich habe eine Frage. | Hello. I have a question. |
| Können Sie mir bitte helfen? | Could you please help me? |
| Ich habe ein Rezept. | I have a prescription. |
| Ist dieses Medikament rezeptpflichtig? | Is this medicine prescription-only? |
| Ist dieses Medikament rezeptfrei erhältlich? | Is this medicine available without a prescription? |
| Wie wird dieses Medikament angewendet? | How is this medicine used? |
| Wie lese ich diese Packungsbeilage? | How do I read this package leaflet? |
| Welche Nebenwirkungen sind möglich? | What side effects are possible? |
| Gibt es Wechselwirkungen mit meinen anderen Medikamenten? | Are there interactions with my other medicines? |
| Gibt es eine günstigere Alternative? | Is there a less expensive alternative? |
| Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen? | Can I pay by card? |
| Wie viel kostet das? | How much does that cost? |
In Germany, some medicines require a prescription while others may be available without one. These terms help you understand the distinction.
| German term | English meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| das Rezept | prescription | Ich habe ein Rezept vom Arzt. |
| verschreibungspflichtig | prescription-only | Dieses Medikament ist verschreibungspflichtig. |
| rezeptfrei | available without a prescription | Ist das Medikament rezeptfrei? |
| die Packungsbeilage | package leaflet | Bitte lesen Sie die Packungsbeilage. |
| die Dosierung | dosage | Wo steht die Dosierung? |
| die Einnahme | taking / administration of medicine | Die Einnahme wird erklärt. |
| die Wechselwirkung | interaction between substances or medicines | Fragen Sie nach möglichen Wechselwirkungen. |
| das Verfallsdatum | expiry date | Wo finde ich das Verfallsdatum? |
| die Zuzahlung | patient co-payment | Muss ich eine Zuzahlung leisten? |
| die Krankenkasse | health insurance fund / insurer | Meine Krankenkasse übernimmt die Kosten. |
These words often appear on packaging or in conversations about medicines. Learn their meanings so you can recognise instructions and ask questions when something is unclear.
| German | English meaning | Language example |
|---|---|---|
| die Einnahme | taking a medicine | Die Einnahme steht auf dem Etikett. |
| vor dem Essen | before a meal | Was bedeutet „vor dem Essen“? |
| nach dem Essen | after a meal | Was bedeutet „nach dem Essen“? |
| mit Wasser | with water | Was bedeutet „mit Wasser“? |
| einmal täglich | once daily | Auf dem Etikett steht „einmal täglich“. |
| zweimal täglich | twice daily | Ich möchte diese Angabe verstehen. |
| die Dosis | dose | Wie wird die Dosis angegeben? |
| die Anwendung | use / application | Die Anwendung ist in der Packungsbeilage beschrieben. |
| äußerlich | for external use | Was bedeutet „nur zur äußerlichen Anwendung“? |
| die Gebrauchsanweisung | instructions for use | Bitte lesen Sie die Gebrauchsanweisung. |
Practise this everyday conversation between a customer and a pharmacist. It uses polite German suitable for beginners.
Use these structures to form your own sentences instead of memorising isolated vocabulary.
Ich brauche + noun.
I need …
Example: Ich brauche ein Pflaster.
I need an adhesive plaster.
Ich habe + symptom.
I have …
Example: Ich habe Halsschmerzen.
I have a sore throat.
Haben Sie + noun?
Do you have …?
Example: Haben Sie Pflaster?
Do you have adhesive plasters?
Wie viel kostet + noun?
How much does … cost?
Example: Wie viel kostet die Packung?
How much does the pack cost?
Können Sie bitte + infinitive?
Could you please …?
Example: Können Sie das erklären?
Could you explain that?
Ich bin allergisch gegen + noun.
I am allergic to …
Example: Ich bin allergisch gegen Penicillin.
I am allergic to penicillin.
Recognise these terms when looking for a pharmacy or reading a sign in a German-speaking environment.
Try to answer each question before revealing the solution. These short exercises help reinforce the German words and phrases in this lesson.
Answer: Pharmacy.
Answer: Das Rezept.
Answer: Side effect.
Answer: Ich habe eine Frage zu diesem Medikament.
Answer: Available without a prescription.
Answer: Wie viel kostet das?
Answer: The package leaflet.
Answer: I am already taking medication.
Use this list for a quick review, flashcards or vocabulary notebook.
Fortgang Institut · German Vocabulary Guide
Learn essential German medical vocabulary with English translations, from body parts and everyday health problems to describing pain, explaining symptoms and speaking to a doctor in Germany. This practical guide is designed for German learners at A1–B1 level, with additional vocabulary useful for healthcare workers, nurses, international students and anyone preparing for life in a German-speaking country.
When you feel unwell, knowing a few medical words can make communication much easier. You may need to explain that your throat hurts, describe a headache, tell a doctor how long you have been coughing, or understand basic questions about your symptoms.
In German, it helps to learn each noun together with its article: der, die or das. Also notice the difference between saying that a body part hurts and saying that you have a particular symptom.
01 · Körperteile
These German body-part names are useful when describing where you feel pain, identifying an injury or answering a healthcare professional's questions. Learn the article and plural form together whenever possible.
On a phone, swipe the vocabulary table horizontally to see all columns.
| German | Plural | English | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| der Kopf | die Köpfe | head | Mein Kopf tut weh. — My head hurts. |
| das Gesicht | die Gesichter | face | Mein Gesicht ist rot. — My face is red. |
| das Auge | die Augen | eye | Mein linkes Auge tut weh. — My left eye hurts. |
| das Ohr | die Ohren | ear | Mein Ohr tut weh. — My ear hurts. |
| die Nase | die Nasen | nose | Meine Nase ist verstopft. — My nose is blocked. |
| der Mund | die Münder | mouth | Öffnen Sie bitte den Mund. — Please open your mouth. |
| der Zahn | die Zähne | tooth | Mein Zahn tut weh. — My tooth hurts. |
| der Hals | die Hälse | neck / throat, depending on context | Mein Hals tut weh. — My throat/neck hurts. |
| die Schulter | die Schultern | shoulder | Meine Schulter tut weh. — My shoulder hurts. |
| der Arm | die Arme | arm | Mein rechter Arm tut weh. — My right arm hurts. |
| der Ellbogen | die Ellbogen | elbow | Mein Ellbogen ist verletzt. — My elbow is injured. |
| die Hand | die Hände | hand | Meine Hand ist geschwollen. — My hand is swollen. |
| der Finger | die Finger | finger | Mein Finger blutet. — My finger is bleeding. |
| die Brust | die Brüste | chest / breast, depending on context | Ich habe Schmerzen in der Brust. — I have chest pain. |
| der Rücken | die Rücken | back | Mein Rücken tut weh. — My back hurts. |
| der Bauch | die Bäuche | abdomen / belly | Ich habe Bauchschmerzen. — I have abdominal pain. |
| der Magen | die Mägen | stomach | Mein Magen tut weh. — My stomach hurts. |
| das Herz | die Herzen | heart | Das Herz schlägt schnell. — The heart is beating quickly. |
| die Lunge | die Lungen | lung | Die Lunge ist ein Organ. — The lung is an organ. |
| das Bein | die Beine | leg | Mein Bein tut weh. — My leg hurts. |
| das Knie | die Knie | knee | Mein Knie ist geschwollen. — My knee is swollen. |
| der Fuß | die Füße | foot | Mein Fuß tut weh. — My foot hurts. |
| die Haut | usually no plural in everyday use | skin | Meine Haut ist trocken. — My skin is dry. |
| das Blut | usually no plural in everyday use | blood | Ich sehe Blut. — I can see blood. |
Language tip: Hals or Rachen?
Der Hals can mean the neck or the throat area. Der Rachen means the pharynx or the back of the throat. In everyday German, Ich habe Halsschmerzen. is a very common way to say “I have a sore throat.”
02 · Symptome
Symptoms are things a person experiences or notices. The vocabulary below helps you describe discomfort in everyday German without needing complicated medical terminology.
| German word or phrase | English meaning | Example in German |
|---|---|---|
| die Kopfschmerzen | headache | Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. |
| die Zahnschmerzen | toothache | Ich habe starke Zahnschmerzen. |
| die Bauchschmerzen | stomach / abdominal pain | Ich habe seit heute Bauchschmerzen. |
| die Halsschmerzen | sore throat | Ich habe Halsschmerzen. |
| die Rückenschmerzen | back pain | Ich habe Rückenschmerzen. |
| das Fieber | fever | Ich habe Fieber. |
| der Husten | cough | Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Husten. |
| der Schnupfen | runny or blocked nose / nasal symptoms | Ich habe Schnupfen. |
| die Übelkeit | nausea | Mir ist übel. |
| das Erbrechen | vomiting | Ich muss mich übergeben. |
| der Durchfall | diarrhoea | Ich habe Durchfall. |
| die Verstopfung | constipation | Ich habe Verstopfung. |
| der Schwindel | dizziness | Mir ist schwindelig. |
| die Müdigkeit | tiredness / fatigue | Ich bin sehr müde. |
| die Atemnot | shortness of breath | Ich habe Atemnot. |
| der Ausschlag | rash | Ich habe einen Ausschlag. |
| die Schwellung | swelling | Die Schwellung ist größer geworden. |
| die Blutung | bleeding | Die Blutung hört nicht auf. |
| der Juckreiz | itching | Ich habe Juckreiz. |
| die Heiserkeit | hoarseness | Ich bin heiser. |
| die Schwäche | weakness | Ich fühle mich schwach. |
| die Gliederschmerzen | aches in the limbs / body aches | Ich habe Gliederschmerzen. |
| das Herzklopfen | palpitations / a pounding heartbeat | Ich habe Herzklopfen. |
| die Atembeschwerden | breathing difficulties | Ich habe Atembeschwerden. |
English translations describe common usage; the exact meaning can depend on the situation.
03 · Krankheiten
Learn the German names for common illnesses and health conditions. These words are useful when explaining why you need an appointment, understanding everyday conversations, or describing your medical history.
Common cold
Influenza / flu
Allergy
Asthma
Migraine
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Infection
Inflammation
Bone fracture
Injury
Skin disease / skin condition
Important distinction: Erkältung or Grippe?
Die Erkältung means a common cold, while die Grippe means influenza. These are different terms, and symptoms alone cannot always tell you which illness a person has.
04 · Schmerzen beschreiben
One of the most useful skills in medical German is explaining where it hurts, what the pain feels like and when it started. Start with these simple patterns.
Ich habe Kopfschmerzen.
I have a headache.
Ich habe Bauchschmerzen.
I have abdominal pain.
Mein Kopf tut weh.
My head hurts.
Mein Rücken tut weh.
My back hurts.
Mein Knie tut mir weh.
My knee hurts.
Die Hand tut mir weh.
My hand hurts.
Ich habe Schmerzen im Rücken.
I have back pain.
Ich habe Schmerzen in der Brust.
I have chest pain.
| German expression | English meaning |
|---|---|
| leichte Schmerzen | mild pain |
| starke Schmerzen | severe pain |
| stechende Schmerzen | sharp / stabbing pain |
| dumpfe Schmerzen | dull pain |
| brennende Schmerzen | burning pain |
| pochende Schmerzen | throbbing pain |
| plötzlich | suddenly |
| seit gestern | since yesterday |
| immer wieder | repeatedly / from time to time |
| beim Atmen | when breathing |
| bei Bewegung | when moving |
05 · Beschwerden erklären
Memorise complete sentences instead of isolated words. You can adapt these examples to explain how you feel during a doctor's appointment or when speaking with a pharmacist.
| German sentence | English translation |
|---|---|
| Mir geht es nicht gut. | I am not feeling well. |
| Ich fühle mich krank. | I feel ill. |
| Ich habe seit gestern Fieber. | I have had a fever since yesterday. |
| Ich huste seit zwei Tagen. | I have been coughing for two days. |
| Ich bekomme schlecht Luft. | I am having difficulty getting enough air. |
| Mir ist schwindelig. | I feel dizzy. |
| Mir ist übel. | I feel nauseated. |
| Ich muss mich übergeben. | I feel that I need to vomit / I need to throw up. |
| Ich habe keinen Appetit. | I have no appetite. |
| Ich kann nicht gut schlafen. | I cannot sleep well. |
| Ich bin gegen Penicillin allergisch. | I am allergic to penicillin. |
| Ich nehme regelmäßig Medikamente. | I take medication regularly. |
| Die Beschwerden haben heute Morgen angefangen. | The symptoms started this morning. |
| Die Schmerzen werden stärker. | The pain is getting worse. |
| Die Schmerzen kommen und gehen. | The pain comes and goes. |
| Ich hatte in der Vergangenheit ähnliche Beschwerden. | I have had similar symptoms in the past. |
Grammar tip: seit + present tense
When a condition started in the past and is still continuing, German commonly uses seit with the present tense:
Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Husten. — I have had a cough for two days.
Ich bin seit gestern krank. — I have been ill since yesterday.
English often uses “have had” or “have been” here, but German generally uses the present tense for an ongoing situation.
06 · Zustand beschreiben
These descriptive words help you explain how you feel or what you notice. Pay attention to adjective endings when using them before nouns; the examples below mostly show them in simple sentences.
| German | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| krank | ill / sick | Ich bin krank. — I am ill. |
| gesund | healthy | Ich fühle mich gesund. — I feel healthy. |
| müde | tired | Ich bin müde. — I am tired. |
| schwach | weak | Ich fühle mich schwach. — I feel weak. |
| schwindelig | dizzy | Mir ist schwindelig. — I feel dizzy. |
| übel | nauseated / sick | Mir ist übel. — I feel nauseated. |
| geschwollen | swollen | Mein Knie ist geschwollen. — My knee is swollen. |
| verletzt | injured | Mein Fuß ist verletzt. — My foot is injured. |
| entzündet | inflamed | Das Zahnfleisch ist entzündet. — The gums are inflamed. |
| verstopft | blocked / congested | Meine Nase ist verstopft. — My nose is blocked. |
| heiser | hoarse | Ich bin heiser. — I am hoarse. |
| blass | pale | Ich sehe blass aus. — I look pale. |
| stark | strong / severe | Ich habe starke Schmerzen. — I have severe pain. |
| leicht | light / mild | Ich habe leichte Schmerzen. — I have mild pain. |
07 · Im Gespräch
Read the dialogue aloud. Notice how the doctor asks about duration and symptoms, and how the patient answers in short, natural sentences.
Practise speaking
Replace the symptoms in the dialogue with Bauchschmerzen, Rückenschmerzen, Schwindel or Übelkeit. Then practise answering: Seit wann haben Sie diese Beschwerden? — “How long have you had these symptoms?”
08 · Fragen verstehen
These common questions are worth learning because you may hear them during an appointment. The formal pronoun Sie is standard when speaking to a doctor you do not know.
| German question | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Was fehlt Ihnen? | What seems to be the problem? |
| Wo tut es weh? | Where does it hurt? |
| Seit wann haben Sie die Beschwerden? | How long have you had the symptoms? |
| Wie stark sind die Schmerzen? | How severe is the pain? |
| Haben Sie Fieber? | Do you have a fever? |
| Haben Sie Allergien? | Do you have any allergies? |
| Nehmen Sie Medikamente? | Do you take any medication? |
| Hatten Sie das schon einmal? | Have you had this before? |
| Haben Sie Vorerkrankungen? | Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions? |
| Sind Sie schwanger? | Are you pregnant? |
| Rauchen Sie? | Do you smoke? |
| Haben Sie Schwierigkeiten beim Atmen? | Are you having difficulty breathing? |
09 · Zeitangaben
Duration is an important part of describing symptoms. Practise combining the time phrases below with a symptom or a complete sentence.
| German | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| seit heute Morgen | since this morning | Ich habe seit heute Morgen Kopfschmerzen. |
| seit gestern | since yesterday | Ich bin seit gestern krank. |
| seit zwei Tagen | for two days | Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Husten. |
| seit einer Woche | for one week | Ich habe seit einer Woche Rückenschmerzen. |
| vor einer Stunde | an hour ago | Die Schmerzen haben vor einer Stunde angefangen. |
| plötzlich | suddenly | Die Schmerzen haben plötzlich angefangen. |
| seit Kurzem | recently / for a short time | Ich habe seit Kurzem Schlafprobleme. |
| immer wieder | repeatedly / from time to time | Ich habe immer wieder Kopfschmerzen. |
10 · Selbsttest
Test your understanding before moving on. Choose a question to reveal its answer and English explanation. Try answering aloud before opening the answer.
Example: Mein Rücken tut weh. — My back hurts.
You can also say: Mein Kopf tut weh. — My head hurts.
Die Grippe means influenza or flu.
This is a natural German expression for nausea.
Das Knie means the knee; geschwollen means swollen.
Meaning: I have had a cough for two days. Other suitable symptoms can also complete the sentence.
Sie is the formal “you” used in professional situations.
This describes breathing difficulty.
Example: Ich habe einen Ausschlag. — I have a rash.
You can answer with phrases such as seit gestern or seit zwei Tagen.
11 · Wiederholung
Use this checklist to review the essential learning goals. Before you finish, try to describe three symptoms, name five body parts and answer a doctor's question in complete German sentences.
Mini speaking challenge
Say this aloud, then replace the symptoms and time phrase with your own examples:
Guten Tag. Ich fühle mich seit gestern nicht gut. Ich habe Kopfschmerzen und Halsschmerzen. Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
English: Good morning. I have not been feeling well since yesterday. I have a headache and a sore throat. Could you please help me?
Keep learning with Fortgang Institut
Medical vocabulary is easier to remember when you practise it in context. Continue with doctor visits, hospital terminology, pharmacy conversations and essential German phrases. Learn a little every day and use complete sentences whenever possible.
Educational note: This resource teaches German vocabulary and communication. It is not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional medical care. If someone in Germany has a life-threatening emergency, call 112.
Fortgang Institut · Practical German
Learn practical German medical phrases with English translations for doctor's appointments, hospitals, pharmacies and everyday health situations. These useful German sentences help A1–B1 learners explain symptoms, understand common questions, communicate allergies and describe pain more confidently.
Knowing individual medical words is a good start, but complete sentences help you communicate more naturally. In this lesson, you will practise what to say when you feel unwell, how to ask for an appointment, how to explain how long symptoms have lasted and how to request clarification when you do not understand something.
Most phrases use polite, everyday German suitable for speaking to doctors, receptionists, pharmacists and hospital staff in Germany.
01 · Einen Termin vereinbaren
These phrases are useful when calling a doctor's office, speaking to reception or requesting an appointment in Germany. Die Arztpraxis means doctor's office, and der Termin means appointment.
Useful distinction
Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren. is a polite way to request an appointment. Ich habe einen Termin. means that you already have one. The verb verschieben means to reschedule or move something to another time.
02 · Beim Arzt
Use these expressions when explaining your problem, answering the doctor's questions or asking what happens next.
03 · Symptome beschreiben
These sentence patterns help you explain common symptoms. Replace the example word with the symptom or body part that fits your situation.
| German phrase | English translation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. | I have a headache. | Describing a headache |
| Ich habe starke Bauchschmerzen. | I have severe abdominal pain. | Describing pain in the abdomen |
| Ich habe Halsschmerzen. | I have a sore throat. | Describing throat pain |
| Ich habe Fieber. | I have a fever. | Reporting fever |
| Mir ist schwindelig. | I feel dizzy. | Describing dizziness |
| Mir ist übel. | I feel nauseated. | Describing nausea |
| Ich habe Atembeschwerden. | I have breathing difficulties. | Describing breathing problems |
| Ich habe einen Ausschlag. | I have a rash. | Describing a skin problem |
| Ich bin sehr müde. | I am very tired. | Describing tiredness |
| Ich fühle mich schwach. | I feel weak. | Describing weakness |
| Ich kann nicht gut schlafen. | I cannot sleep well. | Describing sleep problems |
| Ich bekomme schlecht Luft. | I am having difficulty getting enough air. | Describing breathing difficulty |
Important: breathing difficulties
The expressions Ich habe Atemnot and Ich bekomme schlecht Luft describe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. If someone is experiencing severe or sudden breathing difficulty, seek emergency medical help rather than relying on a language lesson.
04 · Allergien & Medikamente
It is useful to learn how to mention allergies, regular medication and previous medical conditions. Share accurate information with the healthcare professional.
Example: Ich bin gegen Penicillin allergisch. — I am allergic to penicillin.
Useful vocabulary
die Allergie — allergy; das Medikament — medication; die Nebenwirkung — side effect; die Vorerkrankung — pre-existing medical condition; die Krankengeschichte — medical history.
If you are unsure of a medicine's name, showing its packaging or a written medication list can help avoid misunderstandings.
05 · Nachfragen
You do not need perfect German to ask for clarification. These polite expressions can help you slow down a conversation, request simpler language or confirm what you heard.
A useful sentence to memorise
Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht perfekt. Können Sie bitte langsam sprechen?
My German is not perfect yet. Could you please speak slowly?
06 · In der Apotheke
Practise these expressions when explaining what you need, asking about a prescription or requesting an explanation of a medicine's instructions.
| German phrase | English translation |
|---|---|
| Können Sie mir bitte helfen? | Could you please help me? |
| Ich habe ein Rezept. | I have a prescription. |
| Ist das Medikament rezeptpflichtig? | Is this medicine prescription-only? |
| Gibt es dieses Medikament auch ohne Rezept? | Is this medicine also available without a prescription? |
| Wie wende ich dieses Medikament an? | How do I use this medicine? |
| Können Sie mir die Packungsbeilage erklären? | Could you explain the package leaflet to me? |
| Welche Nebenwirkungen kann es geben? | What side effects can there be? |
| Ich bin gegen … allergisch. | I am allergic to … |
| Wie viel kostet das? | How much does that cost? |
| Gibt es eine günstigere Alternative? | Is there a cheaper alternative? |
These phrases are for communication practice, not instructions to start, stop or change medication. Ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure.
07 · Im Krankenhaus
Hospital situations can be stressful. Learning these short sentences can help you communicate basic needs and understand where to ask for assistance.
Emergency vocabulary in Germany
die Notaufnahme — emergency department; der Rettungsdienst — emergency medical service; der Krankenwagen — ambulance; der Notruf — emergency call.
In Germany, call 112 for life-threatening emergencies. Do not delay emergency assistance while trying to speak perfect German.
08 · Satzmuster
These simple structures make it easier to create your own sentences. Practise changing the final word or phrase to suit different situations.
Ich habe Fieber.
I have a fever.
Ich habe Kopfschmerzen.
I have a headache.
Ich bin krank.
I am ill.
Ich bin allergisch.
I am allergic.
Mir ist übel.
I feel nauseated.
Mir ist schwindelig.
I feel dizzy.
Können Sie bitte helfen?
Could you please help?
Können Sie bitte wiederholen?
Could you please repeat?
Ich habe seit gestern Fieber.
I have had a fever since yesterday.
Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Husten.
I have had a cough for two days.
Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren.
I would like to make an appointment.
Ich möchte mit dem Arzt sprechen.
I would like to speak with the doctor.
09 · Dialoge
This short dialogue combines appointment vocabulary, symptoms and polite requests. Read both roles aloud or practise with a learning partner.
10 · Selbsttest
Try to answer each question before opening the answer. This revision activity uses native expandable sections, so it works without an external quiz plugin.
11 · Wiederholung
Before moving on, check whether you can use these phrases without reading the examples.
Continue your learning journey
You have now practised essential German medical phrases for appointments, symptoms, pharmacies and hospitals. Reinforce your learning by reviewing body parts and illness vocabulary, then move on to practical dialogues and grammar patterns.
Educational note: This page is for German-language learning and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment advice. In Germany, call 112 for life-threatening emergencies.
Fortgang Institut · German in Real Life
Practise realistic German medical conversations with English translations. Learn what to say at a doctor's office, how to explain symptoms, how to ask for medicine at a pharmacy, and how to communicate basic needs in a hospital. These dialogues are designed for German learners at A1, A2 and B1 levels.
Medical situations can be difficult when you are learning a new language. You may understand individual words but struggle to put them together into a complete sentence. Dialogue practice helps you connect vocabulary, grammar and everyday communication.
Read the German lines aloud, study the English translations, and then repeat the conversation without looking. You can practise both roles alone or with a partner.
01 · Beim Arzt
Learn how to request an appointment, explain why you are calling and agree on a time. This is a useful model for speaking to reception at a German doctor's office.
02 · In der Arztpraxis
Practise answering common questions during a consultation. The symptoms in this sample conversation are illustrative language-learning examples.
Language tip: seit + time
Use seit to describe something that began in the past and is still continuing. For example: Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Husten. — I have had a cough for two days.
03 · In der Apotheke
Learn how to ask a pharmacist about a product, explain a symptom and request clarification about instructions. The conversation does not recommend a particular medicine or treatment.
04 · Im Krankenhaus
Practise basic communication at hospital reception. In a real emergency, do not delay getting help because of language difficulties.
Useful emergency expression
Ich brauche dringend Hilfe. — I urgently need help.
In Germany, call 112 for a life-threatening emergency. For urgent situations, communicate the location and nature of the emergency as clearly as possible.
05 · Symptome genauer beschreiben
This conversation practises body-part vocabulary and simple descriptions of pain.
06 · Allergien & Medikamente
Practise explaining an allergy and mentioning medication you currently take. In real healthcare situations, be specific and accurate about names and reactions.
Grammar note
In Ich bin gegen Penicillin allergisch, the adjective allergisch describes the person's condition. In Ich nehme regelmäßig Medikamente, nehmen means “to take” and is used for medication.
07 · Kommunikation verbessern
This conversation is especially useful for learners who are still developing their listening skills in German.
08 · Beim Kinderarzt
This sample conversation shows how a parent might describe a child's symptoms. It is a language-learning example, not a medical assessment.
09 · Satzmuster
Instead of memorising every dialogue word for word, learn these reusable sentence patterns. Replace the example with information that matches your situation.
Ich habe Bauchschmerzen.
I have abdominal pain.
Ich habe seit gestern Fieber.
I have had a fever since yesterday.
Seit wann haben Sie Husten?
How long have you had a cough?
Seit zwei Tagen.
For two days.
Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?
Could you please speak more slowly?
Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
Could you please help me?
Ich bin gegen Nüsse allergisch.
I am allergic to nuts.
Ich bin gegen dieses Medikament allergisch.
I am allergic to this medicine.
Wo ist die Notaufnahme?
Where is the emergency department?
Wo ist die Anmeldung?
Where is registration?
Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren.
I would like to make an appointment.
Ich möchte mit dem Arzt sprechen.
I would like to speak with the doctor.
10 · Sprechtraining
Try each situation without reading a prepared dialogue. Use the prompts to build your own sentences, then open the suggested response to compare your answer.
Say that you want to arrange an appointment.
Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren.
I would like to make an appointment.
Use seit and the present tense.
Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Husten.
I have had a cough for two days.
Make a polite request with Können Sie bitte …?
Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?
Could you please speak more slowly?
Start with Ich habe eine Frage …
Ich habe eine Frage zu diesem Medikament.
I have a question about this medicine.
Use the pattern Ich bin gegen … allergisch.
Ich bin gegen Penicillin allergisch.
I am allergic to penicillin.
Begin with Wo ist …?
Wo ist die Notaufnahme?
Where is the emergency department?
11 · Wiederholung
You are ready to move on when you can perform these tasks using simple German sentences without relying entirely on the English translations.
Keep building your German
Real communication improves when vocabulary, grammar and speaking practice work together. Review the medical words, practise these dialogues aloud and continue with the grammar patterns that make your German sentences clearer.
Explore more lessons in the A1 German Vocabulary Hub.
Educational note: These dialogues are for language learning and are not medical advice. In life-threatening emergencies in Germany, call 112.
Fortgang Institut · Grammar Hub
Learn the German grammar you need for medical situations. Practise describing symptoms, explaining how long you have been ill, asking polite questions, talking about allergies and understanding common sentences used at a doctor's office, hospital or pharmacy.
Knowing medical vocabulary is an important first step. But to explain a problem clearly, you also need to know how German sentences work. The good news is that many useful medical sentences follow a small number of repeatable patterns.
This lesson focuses on practical A1–B1 grammar. Read the examples aloud and replace the highlighted information with your own words.
01 · Haben oder sein?
German often uses haben (“to have”) for symptoms and conditions, while sein (“to be”) appears in descriptions of how someone feels. Learn the whole expression rather than translating each word separately.
Important distinction: Say Mir ist schwindelig, not a word-for-word translation of “I have dizziness.” The German expression uses mir, the dative form of ich.
02 · Dativ
Some common German expressions use the dative case. In these sentences, the person experiencing the feeling is expressed with a dative pronoun.
| Subject pronoun | Dative form | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ich | mir | Mir ist schlecht. | I feel sick. |
| du | dir | Ist dir schwindelig? | Are you feeling dizzy? |
| er | ihm | Ihm ist kalt. | He feels cold. |
| sie | ihr | Ihr ist schlecht. | She feels sick. |
| wir | uns | Uns ist kalt. | We feel cold. |
| Sie | Ihnen | Ist Ihnen schwindelig? | Are you feeling dizzy? (formal) |
On a phone, swipe the table horizontally if needed.
Remember: The formal pronoun Ihnen is capitalised. For example: Ist Ihnen schlecht? is a polite way to ask a patient how they feel.
03 · Schmerzen ausdrücken
The expression wehtun is separable. In a simple present-tense statement, tut appears in the second position and weh goes at the end.
Mein Kopf tut weh.
My head hurts.
Mein Rücken tut weh.
My back hurts.
Meine Beine tun weh.
My legs hurt.
Meine Augen tun weh.
My eyes hurt.
Wo tut es weh?
Where does it hurt?
Tut Ihr Arm weh?
Does your arm hurt?
Grammar rule: Use tut with a singular subject and tun with a plural subject. Compare Mein Arm tut weh with Meine Arme tun weh.
04 · Zeitangaben
German commonly uses seit with the present tense when a situation began in the past and is still continuing. English often translates this with “have been” or “have had.”
seit einer Stunde — for one hour
seit gestern — since yesterday
seit zwei Tagen — for two days
seit letzter Woche — since last week
seit drei Wochen — for three weeks
Common mistake: When describing symptoms that are still continuing, learners often try to copy the English perfect tense. In German, the present tense is normally used here: Ich habe seit drei Tagen Bauchschmerzen.
05 · Fragen stellen
German questions are easier when you recognise the two main patterns: questions that begin with a question word, and yes/no questions that begin with the verb.
06 · Modalverben
Modal verbs help you ask for help, explain what you need and understand instructions. The second verb normally appears in the infinitive at the end of the sentence.
Können Sie mir helfen?
Can you help me?
Können Sie das wiederholen?
Can you repeat that?
Ich muss einen Termin vereinbaren.
I have to make an appointment.
Muss ich warten?
Do I have to wait?
Was soll ich mitbringen?
What should I bring?
Soll ich hier warten?
Should I wait here?
Word order: In Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?, the conjugated modal verb können comes first and the infinitive sprechen comes at the end.
07 · Höflichkeit
In a professional healthcare setting, formal address is usually a safe starting point when speaking to an adult you do not know.
Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
Could you please help me?
Können Sie mir das erklären?
Could you explain that to me?
Wie geht es Ihnen?
How are you feeling?
Entschuldigung. — Excuse me.
Vielen Dank. — Thank you very much.
Könnten Sie bitte …? — Could you please …?
Ich habe eine Frage. — I have a question.
Capitalisation matters: formal Sie and Ihnen are capitalised.
08 · Fehler vermeiden
Use these comparisons to correct common sentence-building problems.
Ich bin schwindelig.
Mir ist schwindelig.
I feel dizzy.
Mein Kopf tut weh machen.
Mein Kopf tut weh.
My head hurts.
Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Husten.
I have had a cough for two days.
Use the German present tense for a continuing situation.
Können Sie helfen mir?
Können Sie mir helfen?
Can you help me?
Sie haben Fieber?
Haben Sie Fieber?
Do you have a fever?
The first sentence can occur conversationally with rising intonation, but the second is the standard yes/no question pattern.
Ich habe Kopfschmerzen.
I have a headache.
Ich bin krank.
I am ill.
09 · Interaktives Lernen
Answer each question before revealing the solution. These short exercises test the grammar patterns covered in this lesson.
Which verb belongs in the blank?
Answer: habe
Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. — I have a headache.
How do you say “I feel sick”?
Answer: Mir
Mir ist schlecht. — I feel sick.
Choose the correct form of tun.
Answer: tut
Mein Rücken tut weh. — My back hurts.
Use seit and the present tense.
Answer: Ich habe seit drei Tagen Husten.
Make a polite question.
Answer: Können Sie mir helfen?
Can you help me?
You are speaking formally to a patient.
Answer: Sie
Haben Sie Fieber? — Do you have a fever?
A. Mir ist schwindelig. B. Mich ist schwindelig.
Answer: A — Mir ist schwindelig.
The expression uses the dative pronoun mir.
Answer: Wo tut es weh?
10 · Lernkontrolle
Before moving on, make sure you can use these patterns in your own sentences.
Fortgang Institut · Keep progressing
Grammar becomes useful when you apply it in real conversations. Return to the medical dialogues, practise speaking aloud, and review the vocabulary until you can explain basic symptoms and ask for help confidently.
Continue learning in the Fortgang Institut German Vocabulary Hub.
Fortgang Institut · Test Your German
How well can you communicate in German at a doctor's office, hospital or pharmacy? Test your medical vocabulary, symptoms, grammar and everyday healthcare conversations with this interactive German quiz.
Before you begin
Choose the best answer for each question. You'll receive feedback and a short explanation after every answer. At the end, review your score and revisit any questions you missed.
Suggested level: A1–B1. This is a language-learning quiz, not a medical assessment.
Medical vocabulary
Your results
Open a question to review the correct answer and explanation.
Keep learning
A quiz is a starting point. Revisit the lessons, practise speaking aloud, and use complete German sentences to describe symptoms, ask questions and understand everyday healthcare conversations.
Fortgang Institut · Study & Revise
Your practical recap of German for the doctor, hospital and pharmacy. Review essential vocabulary, learn useful phrases, refresh key grammar patterns and check whether you can use medical German in everyday situations.
01 · Essential vocabulary
Start with the words you are most likely to need when describing a problem, speaking to healthcare staff or asking for help.
02 · Ready-to-use phrases
Learn these complete sentences instead of memorising isolated words only.
Communication tip: If you do not understand an instruction, say so. You can ask someone to repeat or explain it more slowly. Clear communication is more important than producing a perfect sentence.
03 · Grammar in one glance
| Pattern | German example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| haben + symptom | Ich habe Husten. | I have a cough. |
| mir ist + feeling | Mir ist schlecht. | I feel sick. |
| subject + tut/tun weh | Mein Kopf tut weh. | My head hurts. |
| seit + present tense | Ich habe seit zwei Tagen Schmerzen. | I have had pain for two days. |
| modal verb + infinitive | Können Sie mir helfen? | Can you help me? |
On a phone, swipe the table horizontally if needed.
In a standard question with a question word, the conjugated verb usually follows that word.
Use formal Sie and Ihnen when speaking politely to an adult you do not know.
04 · Mini conversation
Read both roles aloud. Then cover the English translations and try again.
05 · Active recall
Try to answer each prompt before opening the card. This helps you practise retrieving German from memory.
Das Rezept.
Example: Haben Sie ein Rezept? — Do you have a prescription?
Mir ist schwindelig.
Remember the dative pronoun mir.
Seit wann haben Sie diese Beschwerden?
Beschwerden means complaints or symptoms in a medical context.
Meine Beine tun weh.
Use tun with the plural subject Beine.
Ich brauche eine Apotheke.
Apotheke is feminine: die Apotheke, eine Apotheke.
Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?
The infinitive sprechen goes at the end.
06 · Self-assessment
Tick the skills you can perform without looking at the examples.
0 of 10 skills checked
Study recommendation: If a skill is difficult, revisit that topic, write three example sentences, and practise saying them aloud. Repeat the checklist after your next revision session.
Fortgang Institut · Your next step
You have reviewed essential medical vocabulary, useful expressions and key grammar patterns. Continue practising with the full lesson series and the interactive quiz. Regular revision will help you recall expressions more confidently when you need them.
Explore more learning material in the Fortgang Institut German Vocabulary Hub.