20 useful phrases for a doctor's visit in Germany

16 July 2025

...and why therapists in Germany don't keep any free slots open – well, except for patients with private insurance

Healthcare in Germany is a world of its own. With its own rules, laws and, frankly speaking, surprises. Even if you already have experience of living here, a visit to the doctor can turn into a quest. If you have only recently arrived, all the more so.

My name is Inna Eck, I am a sworn translator, I work with official documents and often accompany people to doctor's appointments as an interpreter. So believe me — I know firsthand what all this looks like from the inside.

In this article I have collected useful phrases that will help you feel more confident at a consultation, and also talked a little about how the German healthcare system is organised.

What you need to know before visiting a doctor in Germany

1. No appointments, no entry
No, simply turning up and asking «can I come in?» won't work. Usually, you'll be offered an appointment... in three weeks' time. Or even two months. Exceptions do happen, but it's best not to count on a miracle.

Although for privately insured patients a miracle is a fairly systemic phenomenon: for them doctors sometimes suddenly free appointment slots become available. Why is this? Because within the public health insurance system (GKV), doctors have monthly limits on the number of consultations that are reimbursed. That is to say, by seeing too many patients, a doctor risks working for free. Therefore, appointments are strictly by booking only — and mostly not for tomorrow.

Whether you can see a doctor in Germany without a prior appointment, or secure the next available slot, depends primarily on how busy the particular practice and the doctor themselves are. The situation can vary considerably even within the same city or neighbourhood.

Please note that most therapists offer what is known as Consultation hours — walk-in consultation hours, when patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Recommendations:

Try contacting different practices — availability of appointments can vary considerably.
Be sure to ask for GP referral if you need to see a specialist — this speeds up the booking process considerably.
If you are already registered as a patient at a particular practice, your chances of getting an appointment soon are significantly higher.

Find out more about private medical insurance in our article

Read

2. The therapist is the centre of the universe
In practically any situation, the first step is a visit to a GPGP). He or she will then decide whether a referral to a specialist is needed. Sometimes you can go without a referral — but with one, the process is quicker and more organised. Well, as much as is possible within the German healthcare system.

3. Medical insurance — a passport to the world of medicine
In Germany, everyone has health insurance — either state-run or private. This determines which doctors you can see, which tests are covered, and which medicines are included in your cover. Without insurance, unfortunately, it’s a different story altogether. And, more likely than not, it’s not a medical issue, but a legal one.

20 useful phrases for a visit to the doctor

Below are some phrases that will help you at every stage: from calling the reception desk to collecting your prescription from the chemist’s. I’d advise you to save or print them out — they’ll come in handy.

When recording

1. I would like to make an appointment.
I would like to book an appointment.

2. How long is the waiting time?
How long do I need to wait?

3. I am in a lot of pain / I have acute symptoms.
I have severe pain / acute symptoms.

4. Do you also have open consultation hours?
Do you offer walk-in appointments?

5. I’m new here. Do you accept new patients?
I am new here. Are you taking on new patients?

At the reception

6. I’ve had a fever for three days.
I've had a temperature for three days already.

7. I’ve got a pain here. (and indicate with a gesture)
It hurts right here.

8. I am pregnant / I could be pregnant.
I am pregnant / possibly pregnant.

9. I am allergic to (clarify)
I have an allergy to …

10. I take the following medication: (clarify)
I am taking the following medicines…

11. I have state / private health insurance.
I have state / private health insurance.

12. I need a referral to a specialist.
I need a referral to a specialist.

13. Will I get a sick note?
Can I get a sick note?

I don't understand that. Could you please explain it more simply?
I don't quite understand. Could you explain it more simply, please?.

15. Are there alternative treatment options?
Are there alternative treatments?

At the chemist's

16. Is the medicine available over the counter?
Is this medicine over the counter?

Do you have anything herbal for (for example) Cough?
Do you have anything plant-based for a cough?

How often should I take this? Before or after food?
How often should I take it? Before or after meals?

19. Is there a cheaper alternative?
Is there a more affordable alternative?

I need help understanding the patient information leaflet.
Please help me with the medication leaflet.

A few words on cultural differences

If you are from a Russian-speaking country, you might be used to the doctor being almost a member of the family. You can call them in the evening, show them a photo of a rash and ask, «Doctor, will this go away, or is it time to pack my bags?»

In Germany, everything is different. Here, communication with doctors is strictly regulated. It is better to make an appointment, arrive on time and get straight to the point. Emotional stories along the lines of «it aches and pulls as if something is not right» are difficult to take. German doctors love facts, precise symptoms and a clear chronology.

If your German is not yet at the level where you can discuss symptoms and diagnoses, or you are simply nervous—that is completely normal. Sometimes even experienced patients get lost for words or do not manage to understand precisely what the doctor said.

This is particularly important in:
– receiving a diagnosis
- treatment planning
– complex examinations
– processing sick notes and medical certificates

Use qualified medical translators: they will accurately convey your symptoms, help you understand the doctor's recommendations and formulate the necessary questions. This is not just a literal translation, but full support, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed at every stage

In conclusion

Healthcare in Germany is a leisurely affair, but quite logical. The main thing is to know how it works and not to be afraid to ask questions.

I hope this selection of phrases will be useful to you during your appointment. And if you feel that it's difficult without support, please don't hesitate to reach out. Sometimes peace of mind and confidence are also part of the treatment.

Take care and stay healthy!