German for hospital and rehabilitation
Language for hospital admission, examinations, discharge, and rehabilitation after surgery or serious illness.
Bring your insurance card and referral on admission
On hospital admission you need your insurance card and usually a referral from your GP. Without a referral you may have to pay a contribution.
Rehabilitation must be applied for
Rehabilitation after a hospital stay is not automatic. Contact the social services team in the hospital — they help with the application to the health or pension insurer.
Write down questions before the doctor talk
In hospital things move fast. Write your questions down before the doctor visit so you do not forget anything and can better understand the answers.
Report pain on the ward immediately
Nursing staff can only help you if they know about your pain. Say it directly: 'Ich habe starke Schmerzen' or press the call button. In German hospitals doctors and nurses use a pain scale from 0 to 10 — give a number, it makes assessment easier.
At hospital admission
You are at reception and being admitted.
Hello, I was referred by my GP. Here is my insurance card.
What happens next, and when will I be examined?
Asking the doctor about the diagnosis
You want to understand the diagnosis and next step.
Could you please explain what the examination showed and what happens now?
How much longer do I have to stay in hospital?
Raising rehabilitation before discharge
You want to know whether rehabilitation is possible.
Is rehabilitation possible after discharge, and who takes care of the application?
Will the health insurer cover the costs?
Before the operation: the informed-consent discussion
The ward doctor explains the upcoming procedure and asks whether you have any questions.
Yes, I have two more questions: how long will the operation roughly take, and what are the risks with the anaesthetic?
The doctor explains the risks and then hands you the consent form to sign.
What do I need at hospital admission?
Bring your insurance card, your ID, and a referral from your doctor. If you take regular medication, bring the list or the packaging.
How do I ask when I will be discharged?
Say: When can I expect to be discharged? This question is direct and clearly understood by nursing staff.
How do I apply for rehabilitation after hospital?
Contact the hospital social services team: I would like to apply for rehabilitation. Can you help me? They then guide you through the application process.
Does patient transport need prior approval from the Krankenkasse?
Yes, in most cases non-emergency patient transport — for example from hospital to a rehabilitation facility — needs prior approval from the Krankenkasse. The nursing staff or hospital social services team can help with this. In genuine emergencies (paramedic, ambulance) prior approval is not required.
What happens during the informed-consent discussion before an operation?
The doctor explains the procedure, possible risks, alternatives, and the anaesthetic. You can and should ask questions. At the end you sign a consent form. Prepare your questions in writing beforehand so you do not forget anything.
What is in the discharge letter and what do I need it for?
The discharge letter summarises the diagnosis, treatment, lab values, and medication. It is very important for your GP or the next treating facility. Ask for it at discharge and bring it to all follow-up appointments.
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.