Getting familiar with Germany's healthcare system is much easier when you understand the key terminology. Whether you're visiting a doctor, filling a prescription or dealing with your insurance provider, knowing this vocabulary will help you feel more confident.
In this guide, we've put together a comprehensive German-English glossary to help you communicate effectively and understand your options.
Before your first doctor's visit in Germany, it helps to know the basic words used in medical settings. You'll see these terms on clinic signs, appointment confirmations and medical forms:
| German | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arzt | Doctor | General term for any physician |
| Hausarzt | General practitioner (GP) | Your primary care doctor, often the first point of contact |
| Facharzt | Specialist | For example cardiologist, dermatologist, neurologist |
| Zahnarzt | Dentist | |
| Frauenarzt/Gynäkologe | Gynaecologist | |
| Apotheke | Pharmacy | Where you collect prescribed medication |
| Krankenhaus | Hospital | |
| Notaufnahme | Emergency room/A&E | |
| Rettungswagen | Ambulance | Emergency number: 112 |
During medical appointments, certain administrative and treatment-related words appear frequently. Understanding them will make conversations with doctors, clinics, and pharmacies much clearer.
| German | English | When You'll Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Rezept | Prescription | Required to collect medication from the pharmacy |
| Überweisung | Referral | A document from your GP to see a specialist |
| Krankschreibung | Sick note | Usually required by employers after 3 days of illness |
| Medikament | Medication | |
| Impfung | Vaccination | |
| Patient | Patient | |
| krank | Sick/ill | |
| Termin | Appointment |
Health insurance plays a central role in the German healthcare system, so you'll likely encounter these terms when signing up for coverage or visiting a medical practice.
| German | English | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Krankenversicherung | Health insurance | General term |
| Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) | Public/statutory health insurance | The government-regulated system |
| Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) | Private health insurance | For higher earners, freelancers, and self-employed |
| Krankenkasse | Health insurance provider | The organisation managing your public insurance |
| Krankenversichertenkarte | Health insurance card | You present this at every medical appointment |
| Sozialversicherungsnummer | Social security number | Your unique ID in the German system |
| Familienversicherung | Family insurance | Coverage for dependents under public insurance |
Germany has three main types of hospitals, and the differences mainly relate to ownership rather than the medical care you receive:
| Type | German Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Öffentliches Krankenhaus | Owned and operated by the government |
| Non-profit | Frei gemeinnütziges Krankenhaus | Managed by charitable organisations or churches |
| Private | Privatkrankenhaus | Privately owned and operated |
All three hospital types treat patients with both public and private insurance. However, private hospitals sometimes offer additional services or upgraded room options.
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany. The system is built around two main options: public insurance and private insurance. The one that applies to you usually depends on your employment status and income level.
Public health insurance covers the majority of residents in Germany and provides comprehensive medical care. It is the standard option for most employees and offers predictable costs tied to income. Its key features include:
Private health insurance is available to people who meet certain eligibility requirements, such as higher-earning employees, freelancers, or self-employed professionals. Its main characteristics include:
Deciding between public and private coverage depends on several personal factors. Understanding these can help you choose the option that best fits your situation.
Your income and job type determine whether private insurance is even available to you.
| Status | Insurance Options |
|---|---|
| Employee earning <€77,400/year | Public (mandatory) |
| Employee earning >€77,400/year | Public or private (your choice) |
| Self-employed/Freelancer | Public or private (your choice) |
| Civil servant | Private (with state subsidy) |
Family structure can play an important role in deciding which system works best.
Personal health considerations also influence the decision.
Public health insurance covers all medically necessary pregnancy care. This typically includes:
Private insurance plans may cover similar services, but some policies include waiting periods or specific conditions for pregnancy-related care.
Mental Health Services
Public insurance covers mental health treatment, though wait times for therapists can be long. Private insurance often provides faster access to psychologists and psychiatrists.
Alternative Medicine
Treatments like acupuncture, osteopathy, or naturopathy (Heilpraktiker) are generally not covered by public insurance but may be included in private plans.
Getting Started
Germany's healthcare system may seem complex at first, especially if you're adjusting to a new language and unfamiliar procedures. But once you understand the key terms and how the insurance system works, everyday situations become much easier to handle.