Bring your card and documents
At reception, say clearly that you have your insurance card, ID, or older medical documents with you.
Essential phrases and vocabulary for appointments, symptoms, prescriptions, and follow-up questions at the doctor.
Short cues that help immediately in a stressful real-life moment.
At reception, say clearly that you have your insurance card, ID, or older medical documents with you.
Start with the problem, then say how long you have had it, and then how severe it is.
If things move too fast, ask: could you explain that more slowly or more simply, please?
If you can say how strong the pain is, your description becomes clearer and more useful immediately.
Short scripts for common moments you are likely to face on site.
You have an appointment and want to check in.
Good morning, I have an appointment with Dr Weber at ten o clock.
Should I show my insurance card now?
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.
You need something practical after the appointment.
Do I need a prescription or a sick note?
Can I take that with me today?
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.
Short, useful lines you can actually say out loud.
I would like to make an appointment.
Hello, I would like to make an appointment with Dr. Müller.
I need a sick note.
Can you issue me a sick note for three days?
I have pain here.
I have had pain here in my back for three days.
Do I need a referral?
Do I need a referral for the specialist?
Since when have you had the symptoms?
Since when have you had the symptoms? – For about a week.
Do you take medication regularly?
Do you take medication regularly? – Yes, I take blood pressure pills.
I have had a fever since yesterday.
I have had a fever since yesterday and feel very weak.
Could you explain that slowly, please?
I do not understand everything. Could you explain that slowly, please?
I am allergic to penicillin.
Important: I am allergic to penicillin.
Can I please get a copy of the test result?
Can I please get a copy of the test result for my records?
I do not have my health insurance card with me today.
I do not have my health insurance card with me today. Is my ID enough?
Do I need to come to the examination fasting?
Do I need to come fasting for the blood test, or may I eat something beforehand?
Can I go back to work afterwards?
Can I go back to work after the examination, or should I rest?
Could you write that down for me, please?
I will forget it otherwise. Could you write that down for me, please?
Core nouns and terms that come up again and again in this situation.
referral
I need a referral to the specialist.
sick note
Can you give me a sick note?
consultation hours
The consultation hours are Monday to Friday.
prescription
The doctor wrote me a prescription.
waiting time
The waiting time is about 30 minutes.
health insurance card
Do you have your health insurance card with you?
symptom / complaint
Please describe your symptoms as precisely as possible.
specialist
For this examination you need an appointment with a specialist.
test result / findings
You can pick up the test result tomorrow.
allergy
Please tell us whether you have an allergy.
waiting room
Please take a seat in the waiting room for a moment.
general practitioner
Your general practitioner can issue you a referral.
blood draw
You need to come fasting tomorrow for the blood draw.
examination
The examination only takes a few minutes.
Natural wording for the follow-up questions people ask all the time in this situation.
A natural sentence is: I need an appointment as soon as possible because I am in a lot of pain.
Use since plus a time expression: I have had these symptoms since yesterday, for three days, or since last week.
Ask directly: Will my health insurance cover this, or do I have to pay for it myself?
Practical language for medication, dosage, side effects, and quick questions at the pharmacy.
Phrases and vocabulary for medical emergencies, the emergency call, theft, lost documents, and help at the police station.