Learning German can be particularly useful for healthcare workers. As Germany’s healthcare system is renowned worldwide, understanding German medical vocabulary can enhance communication between healthcare professionals and patients, and among international colleagues. Here is a list of essential Medical German vocabulary that every healthcare worker should know.
Krankenhaus (n.) – Hospital
Der Patient wurde ins Krankenhaus eingeliefert.
This word refers to the place where patients are treated and cared for.
Arzt (m.) / Ärztin (f.) – Doctor
Der Arzt prüft die medizinischen Unterlagen des Patienten.
These words signify a medical professional who is qualified to treat people.
Krankenschwester (f.) / Krankenpfleger (m.) – Nurse
Die Krankenschwester bereitet die Medikamente für die Patienten vor.
These terms are used for healthcare professionals who care for patients but are not doctors.
Patient (m.) / Patientin (f.) – Patient
Die Patientin erholt sich von einer Operation.
This word is used to refer to a person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.
Behandlung – Treatment
Die Behandlung muss sofort beginnen.
This term describes the management and care of a patient for the purpose of combating disease or disorder.
Medikament – Medication
Das Medikament muss dreimal täglich eingenommen werden.
This word refers to a substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug.
Diagnose – Diagnosis
Die Diagnose wurde nach mehreren Tests gestellt.
This term is used for the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
Symptom – Symptom
Kopfschmerzen sind ein häufiges Symptom dieser Krankheit.
This word is used to describe any feature which is noticed by the patient and is typically associated with a particular disease.
Therapie – Therapy
Die Therapie wird wahrscheinlich mehrere Monate dauern.
This term refers to the treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
Operation – Surgery
Die Operation war erfolgreich und der Patient erholt sich gut.
This word is used to describe a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments, performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body.
Notfall – Emergency
Im Falle eines Notfalls rufen Sie bitte sofort den Notarzt.
This term is used for a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
Röntgen – X-ray
Das Röntgenbild zeigt deutlich den Bruch im Knochen.
This word refers to a type of radiation used to take images of the inside of the body.
Blutdruck – Blood pressure
Der Blutdruck des Patienten muss regelmäßig kontrolliert werden.
This term describes the pressure of the blood in the circulatory system.
Impfung – Vaccination
Die Impfung schützt vor vielen schweren Krankheiten.
This word refers to treatment with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease.
Infektion – Infection
Die Infektion breitet sich schnell aus und muss behandelt werden.
This term describes the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body.
Schmerz – Pain
Der Patient klagt über starken Schmerz im unteren Rückenbereich.
This word is used to describe a highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury.
Rezept – Prescription
Der Arzt hat ein Rezept für die notwendigen Medikamente ausgestellt.
This term refers to an instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.
Understanding and using these medical German vocabulary words effectively can greatly improve your ability to work efficiently and communicate clearly in a German-speaking healthcare environment. Whether you are interacting with patients or collaborating with other healthcare providers, these words are fundamental to fostering a professional and supportive atmosphere.
