Survival German #3
Germany has excellent healthcare — but it runs on appointments, an insurance card, and German. Here’s how to see a doctor without stress, and the exact phrases to use at the desk.
How it actually works
- Get health insurance (Krankenversicherung). Most people join a public Krankenkasse (TK, AOK, Barmer) and receive a Gesundheitskarte (insurance card).
- Find a Hausarzt (GP) near you and book a Termin. Bring your insurance card to every single visit.
- At reception, hand over your Gesundheitskarte and say why you’re there.
- For a Facharzt (specialist), you often need an Überweisung (referral) from your Hausarzt first.
- Get a Rezept (prescription) if needed and take it to any Apotheke (pharmacy). In an emergency, call 112.
The German you’ll need
Ich möchte einen Termin machen. — I’d like to make an appointment.
Ich fühle mich nicht gut. — I don’t feel well.
Ich habe Halsschmerzen. — I have a sore throat.
Hier ist meine Versichertenkarte. — Here is my insurance card.
Brauche ich eine Überweisung? — Do I need a referral?
Können Sie mir etwas verschreiben? — Can you prescribe me something?
At the counter: a real dialogue
Anna: Guten Tag, ich möchte einen Termin machen.
Hello, I’d like to make an appointment.
Empfang: Waren Sie schon einmal bei uns?
Have you been to us before?
Anna: Nein, ich bin neu. Hier ist meine Versichertenkarte.
No, I’m new. Here’s my insurance card.
Empfang: Danke. Was fehlt Ihnen denn?
Thanks. What’s the matter?
Anna: Ich habe seit Tagen Halsschmerzen.
I’ve had a sore throat for days.
Empfang: Können Sie morgen um neun?
Can you come tomorrow at nine?
Anna: Ja, das passt. Brauche ich etwas mitzubringen?
Yes, that works. Do I need to bring anything?
Empfang: Nur Ihre Karte. Bis morgen!
Just your card. See you tomorrow!
Vocabulary
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| die Krankenversicherung | health insurance |
| die Krankenkasse | health insurance provider |
| die Versichertenkarte | insurance card |
| der Hausarzt | GP / family doctor |
| der Facharzt | specialist |
| die Überweisung | referral |
| das Rezept | prescription |
| die Apotheke | pharmacy |
| die Praxis | doctor’s practice |
Quick check
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Quick check
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Nervous about speaking German at the doctor’s office? Rehearse this exact situation with a patient native tutor before you go — one lesson can turn dread into confidence.
Practise with a tutor on italki →Insider tips
- Public insurance (gesetzlich, e.g. TK or AOK) covers most people and most costs. Carry your Gesundheitskarte everywhere.
- GPs can be fully booked — call early, and ask about open hours (offene Sprechstunde).
- For a specialist, get an Überweisung from your Hausarzt first, or you may wait longer or pay.
- Pharmacies (Apotheken) are separate shops with a red „A“ sign — not supermarkets. Many medicines need a Rezept.
- Emergencies: 112 for ambulance, or 116117 for the non-emergency medical on-call service.
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