German for a doctor visit
Essential phrases and vocabulary for appointments, symptoms, prescriptions, and follow-up questions at the doctor.
Bring your card and documents
At reception, say clearly that you have your insurance card, ID, or older medical documents with you.
Describe symptoms briefly and clearly
Start with the problem, then say how long you have had it, and then how severe it is.
Ask for simpler language
If things move too fast, ask: could you explain that more slowly or more simply, please?
Describe pain on a scale
If you can say how strong the pain is, your description becomes clearer and more useful immediately.
Checking in at reception
You have an appointment and want to check in.
Good morning, I have an appointment with Dr Weber at 10:00.
Should I show my insurance card now?
Describing symptoms
You want to explain the main problem without a long story.
I have had a bad sore throat and a fever for three days.
It is getting worse, especially in the evening.
Asking about a prescription or sick note
You need something practical after the appointment.
Do I need a prescription or a sick note?
Can I take that with me today?
Asking for an earlier appointment
You already have an appointment, but the problem is becoming more urgent.
If something earlier becomes available, could you please call me?
The symptoms have become much worse since yesterday.
How do I say that I need an appointment quickly?
A natural sentence is: I need an appointment as soon as possible because I am in a lot of pain.
How do I say how long I have had the symptoms?
Use since plus a time expression: I have had these symptoms since yesterday, for three days, or since last week.
How do I ask whether health insurance covers it?
Ask directly: Will my health insurance cover this, or do I have to pay for it myself?
Do I need to show my eGK (health card) at every visit or only once per quarter?
Your eGK only needs to be scanned at your first visit to a practice in each quarter. For further appointments at the same practice in the same quarter you just need to give your name. However, if you visit a new practice or a new quarter starts, the card must be scanned again.
How do I ask about my test results if the doctor has not mentioned them yet?
Ask directly: "Haben meine Laborwerte etwas Auffälliges ergeben?" (Did my lab results show anything unusual?) or "Können Sie mir meinen Befund erläutern?" (Could you explain my findings to me?). If you have the results on paper, you can also say: "Ich habe hier die Ergebnisse — was bedeutet dieser Wert genau?" Doctors are happy to explain results when you ask.
Can I request a repeat prescription for long-term medication by phone or app without coming in person?
Yes, many practices offer this service. Call during consultation hours or use the practice app if available. Say: "Ich nehme [medication] als Dauermedikation und benötige ein Folgerezept." For certain medications — such as some controlled substances — a personal appointment is legally required. The prescription can often be left directly at the pharmacy if you do not want to collect it in person.
Related Verbs
Open verb collectionsRelated Topics
These texts are for language learning and general orientation only and may be simplified or out of date — they are not legal, financial, medical, or tax advice. Some content is AI-generated. Please confirm important details with the responsible authority or a qualified professional.