Navigating 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 these German terms will help you feel more confident.
We've put together a comprehensive glossary to help you communicate effectively and understand your options.
| 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 | e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist, neurologist |
| Zahnarzt | Dentist | |
| Frauenarzt/Gynäkologe | Gynaecologist | |
| Apotheke | Pharmacy | Where you collect prescriptions |
| Krankenhaus | Hospital | |
| Notaufnahme | Emergency room/A&E | |
| Rettungswagen | Ambulance | Emergency number: 112 |
| German | English | When You'll Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Rezept | Prescription | Needed to collect medications |
| Überweisung | Referral | From your GP to a specialist |
| Krankschreibung | Sick note | Required after 3 days of illness for your employer |
| Medikament | Medication | |
| Impfung | Vaccination | |
| Patient | Patient | |
| krank | Sick/ill | |
| Termin | Appointment |
| 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 | 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 types of hospitals:
| Type | German Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Öffentliches Krankenhaus | Owned and operated by the government |
| Non-profit | Frei gemeinnütziges Krankenhaus | Run by charitable organisations or churches |
| Private | Privatkrankenhaus | Privately owned and operated |
All three types accept patients with public or private insurance, though private hospitals may offer enhanced amenities.
Around 90% of residents in Germany are covered by public insurance. Key points:
Available if you earn above the threshold, are self-employed, or are a freelancer:
Your eligibility depends on three factors:
| 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) |
Public insurance covers all medically necessary pregnancy care, including:
Private insurance may have waiting periods or exclusions for pregnancy-related care depending on your plan.
Public insurance covers mental health treatment, though wait times for therapists can be long. Private insurance often provides faster access to psychologists and psychiatrists.
Treatments like acupuncture, osteopathy, or naturopathy (Heilpraktiker) are generally not covered by public insurance but may be included in private plans.
1. Register your address (Anmeldung) at your local citizens' office
2. Receive your social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer)
3. Choose or be assigned an insurance provider
4. Receive your insurance card for medical appointments
If you need help navigating the system, we're here to guide you through every step.