German Doctor Visit: How to Book, What to Say

Going to the doctor in Germany can feel intimidating when you're still learning the language. The system works differently from many other countries, and most appointments happen entirely in German. This German doctor visit guide covers how to find a doctor, book an appointment, describe your symptoms, and handle the paperwork that comes with it.

A German doctor visit typically starts with calling the practice to book a “Termin” (appointment), bringing your insurance card, checking in at reception, and then seeing the doctor. The entire process is conducted in German, so knowing the right phrases beforehand helps you communicate clearly and get better care.

How the German Doctor Visit System Works

In Germany, you usually register with a “Hausarzt” (general practitioner) as your first point of contact. The Hausarzt handles common illnesses, routine checkups, and referrals to specialists. You do not always need a referral, but for some specialists your insurance may require one.

Most doctor's offices are private practices, not hospital outpatient clinics. They have limited opening hours and specific consultation times called “Sprechzeiten”. Some practices accept walk-ins during open consultation hours, but booking ahead is always better.

When you arrive, you'll hand your health insurance card (“Gesundheitskarte”) to the receptionist. This happens every quarter, at least for the first visit that quarter. After that, you wait in the “Wartezimmer” (waiting room) until your name is called.

How to Book a Doctor Appointment in German

Most people book appointments by phone. Some practices now offer online booking through platforms like Doctolib, but calling is still the most common method, especially for smaller practices.

Here is what a typical phone call sounds like:

• “Guten Tag, ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren.” - Good day, I would like to make an appointment.
• “Ich bin ein neuer Patient.” - I am a new patient.
• “Haben Sie diese Woche noch etwas frei?” - Do you have anything available this week?
• “Ich brauche eine Überweisung zum Facharzt.” - I need a referral to a specialist.

The receptionist will ask for your name, date of birth, and insurance details. They may also ask what the appointment is about. You do not need to give a full medical history on the phone. A short answer like “Ich habe seit einer Woche Halsschmerzen” (I have had a sore throat for a week) is enough.

Practice this conversation before you call. The Doctor Visit scenario in EverydayDeutsch simulates a realistic appointment dialogue so you can rehearse the phrases at your own pace.

German Phrases for Describing Symptoms

Once you're in the examination room, the doctor will typically ask “Was kann ich für Sie tun?” (What can I do for you?) or “Was führt Sie zu mir?” (What brings you to me?). Being able to describe your symptoms clearly is the most important part.

Common symptom phrases

• “Ich habe Kopfschmerzen.” - I have a headache.
• “Ich habe Bauchschmerzen.” - I have a stomachache.
• “Mir ist übel.” - I feel nauseous.
• “Ich habe Fieber und Husten.” - I have a fever and a cough.
• “Ich habe Rückenschmerzen.” - I have back pain.
• “Es tut hier weh.” - It hurts here. (Point to the area.)
• “Ich bin allergisch gegen Penicillin.” - I am allergic to penicillin.

A helpful pattern to remember: “Ich habe ... seit [Zeitraum].” This translates to “I have had ... for [time period].” For example: “Ich habe Husten seit drei Tagen.” (I have had a cough for three days.) Giving the doctor a timeline helps them assess how urgent your condition is.

What to Do After the Appointment

The doctor may write you a prescription (“Rezept”) or give you a sick note (“Krankmeldung”). Understanding what happens next prevents confusion.

Picking up a prescription

Take your Rezept to any pharmacy (Apotheke). Hand it to the pharmacist and they will prepare your medication. With public insurance, you usually pay a small co-payment of around 5 to 10 euros per item. Some medications are fully covered.

• “Ich habe ein Rezept.” - I have a prescription.
• “Wie oft soll ich das nehmen?” - How often should I take this?

Sick notes and your employer

If you are employed and too sick to work, you need a Krankmeldung. Most employers require one after three consecutive sick days, though some ask for it from day one. Since 2023, the system is electronic. Your doctor sends the sick note directly to your health insurance, and your employer retrieves it from there. You still need to inform your employer by phone or message that you are sick.

• “Ich bin krank und kann heute nicht kommen.” - I am sick and cannot come today.
• “Ich brauche eine Krankmeldung.” - I need a sick note.

If you work in Germany and want to learn the phrases for calling in sick and communicating with colleagues, the Working in Germany guide covers workplace communication in detail.

Do You Need to Speak German at the Doctor?

Many doctors in larger cities speak English, but you should not assume this. Receptionists often speak only German, and forms are almost always in German. Even if your doctor speaks English, knowing the German medical vocabulary means you can read your own prescriptions, understand pharmacy instructions, and fill out intake forms without help.

Start with the basics. Words like “helfen” (to help) and “brauchen” (to need) come up constantly in medical conversations. Building your vocabulary around real situations like doctor visits is one of the fastest ways to gain confidence in German.

If you want to practice a full doctor visit conversation before your next appointment, try the Doctor Visit scenario. It covers checking in, describing symptoms, and understanding the doctor's instructions.