Visiting a German Doctor — Key Phrases
After this lesson you can book an appointment and explain what hurts.
Do this first: Dativ
Visiting a German Doctor — Key Phrases
A doctor visit starts with the appointment and the insurance card, and it runs on one phrase: something hurts ME. That is a dative sentence.
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Kulturnotiz
Two things differ sharply from the UK or US. You go straight to a specialist — an Augenarzt or Orthopäde — without a referral in most cases, though a Hausarzt (GP) is still your first stop for general problems. And the Krankschreibung is a formal document, not a courtesy: you are legally protected while signed off, and you send it to your employer rather than explaining yourself. Note also that many practices close on Wednesday afternoons.
Common questions
+What do I need to bring?
Your Versichertenkarte — the health insurance card. It is requested before anything else, and without it you may be treated as a private payer.
+How do I say something hurts?
Two ways: Ich habe Halsschmerzen, or the dative construction Mein Hals tut weh / Der Rücken tut mir weh. Both are completely normal.
+What is a Krankschreibung?
The official sick note (also called an AU — Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) that you give your employer. German employers are entitled to it, and it protects your position while you are off.
+Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Usually not — you can book directly with most specialists. A Hausarzt is still the sensible first stop for anything general, and will issue an Überweisung if one is needed.