The Fachsprachprüfung in Germany: A Complete Guide for Foreign Doctors

If you are a foreign doctor and want to work in Germany, one of the fundamental steps is passing the Fachsprachprüfung, the language-specific exam required to practice the profession. With good preparation in medical German / medical technical language, you can confidently master all phases of the exam.

The Fachsprachprüfung assesses the oral and written language skills that are fundamental for daily communication with patients and colleagues in Germany. The exam takes place in Germany before the competent Landesärztekammer of the federal state where you want to work.

Structure of the Exam: 3 Main Parts

1. Medical History Interview (Doctor-Patient) – OralIn this phase, you conduct a conversation with an actor playing a patient, asking targeted questions to understand the causes of the symptoms. It is essential to master doctor-patient communication exercises and solid B2/C1-level preparation in medical German, so you can clearly explain diagnoses and therapies. You will be given a notepad and pen as aids; no other aids are allowed. This part allows you to practice your practical communication skills, just like in realistic Fachsprachprüfung simulations.

2. Writing a Medical ReportYou must summarize the information gathered during the medical history interview in the form of a short written report, using only specialized medical terminology. This phase requires the ability to write medical reports in German, organize information clearly and precisely, and apply your medical German knowledge as an international doctor. You may use the notes you took in the first part.

3. Patient Presentation to a Medical ColleagueFinally, you must present the case to a colleague, using only technical terms. This is where the skills developed through doctor-doctor communication exercises and mastery of the online Fachsprachprüfung preparation course come into play.

During this phase, the simulated colleague may ask you questions about the patient or the case, which you must answer confidently and fluently – proof of your FSP preparation as a foreign doctor and your medical German knowledge required to obtain professional licensing in Germany.

Invest in your preparation and increase your chances of success!

➡ Sign up for my German courses for the FSP and prepare with dedicated materials, simulations, and comprehensive support to confidently pass the exam in Germany.