Foreign doctors who wish to live and work in Germany face several obstacles, including passing a medical language test to obtain a license to practice medicine. Good German language skills are a requirement for this license.
Speaking to patients is crucial in the medical profession. A common language is necessary to gather medical history, build trust, explain treatment options, and provide comfort in difficult situations. Strict language skill requirements are in place for foreign doctors to ensure quality medical work.
German general language: level B2 is required, C1 is advantageous
To work as a doctor in Germany, you must demonstrate B2 level proficiency in general German. A certificate proving your language skills is required to apply for a licence to practise. General language proficiency is essential for everyday communication with colleagues and patients. In principle, anyone can learn German at a language school – whether in their home country or after moving to Germany. A certificate of proficiency at level B2 can be obtained after passing an exam. However, many clinics require a higher language level. Those who can demonstrate language skills at level C1 will have an easier time finding a job.
German medical terminology: level C1 is required
In Germany, doctors must pass a specialised language test to prove their language skills at level C1. This test assesses their ability to communicate fluently about medical topics with patients, nursing staff, and other doctors. The requirement was introduced nationwide in 2014 following a decision by the 117th German Medical Association.
Some doctors do not need the specialised language test:
- Doctors who have graduated from a German-speaking university
- doctors who have graduated from a German-speaking school with at least ten years of general school education
- doctors who have completed at least three years of vocational training in German
Registration for the specialised language test for doctors
To apply for a medical licence in Germany, you must first obtain a certificate of general German language proficiency (at least level B2). Submit this certificate along with your application for a licence or professional permit to the relevant state or district government. They will determine if a specialised language test is necessary. If the state or district government needs to contact the relevant medical association, the chamber will then contact the doctor who has applied for the licence to practise.
This means that the doctor does not have to register for the specialised language examination themselves, as the chamber handles it entirely.
The Medical Association will usually contact the doctor by email and ask them to pay an examination fee. The fee varies depending on the federal state and can range from 350 to 600 euros. The Marburger Bund provides information on examination fees in each federal state. Once payment is received, the chamber will schedule an examination date and send all relevant information, including the time and location, by post or email. It is important to arrive on time for the examination, as lateness will result in failure. Only a pen and blank notepad are permitted as aids.
The procedure for the specialised language
The test for doctors takes one hour and consists of three parts, each lasting 20 minutes. The exam is conducted individually.
Part 1: Doctor-patient interview
The first part of the exam is a simulated doctor-patient interview, with an actor or a member of the examination board playing the role of the patient. The goal is to have a conversation that is as realistic as possible, mirroring a typical day in a doctor's work. The doctor should propose potential diagnoses, suggest treatments, and explain everything to the patient in simple terms. This also includes answering any questions the patient may have. The examiners evaluate the candidate's listening comprehension, verbal fluency, and ability to respond to the patient. The use of foreign words and medical terms should be limited. During the examination, written notes are allowed.
Part 2: Documentation
In Part 2, the doctor must complete a medical history form and summarize the information from the patient interview in writing as part of the written documentation of the patient case from Part 1. The notes may be used for this purpose.
Part 3: Doctor-doctor discussion
During the final stage of the examination, the candidate presents their case to a panel of doctors. It is crucial to use appropriate medical terminology and present the information in a structured manner. The examinee should explain their diagnosis and treatment recommendations clearly. The examiners may ask additional questions or request medical terms to be translated into German.
Assessment of the examination
The examination is assessed by three examiners using structured assessment sheets. A candidate can score a maximum of 60 points. To pass, a minimum of 60% or 36 points is required. The candidate will be promptly informed of their result. You can retake the exam multiple times if you fail, but you will need to pay an examination fee for each attempt.
Source: Ärztekammer Nordrhein, Marburger Bund
Übersetzt mit KI / DeepL Translate
