The Fachsprachprüfung in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Doctors

If you want to work as a foreign doctor in Germany, a decisive step 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 every part of the exam.

The Fachsprachprüfung tests the oral and written language skills that are essential for daily communication with patients and colleagues in Germany. The exam takes place in Germany before the responsible Landesärztekammer (State Medical Chamber) of the federal state where you want to work.

Structure of the Exam: 3 Main Parts

1. Medical History Interview (Doctor-Patient Conversation) – OralIn this phase, you conduct a conversation with an actor playing a patient, asking targeted questions to determine the causes of the complaints. It is crucial to have good practice in doctor-patient communication and solid C1-level preparation in medical German / medical technical language, so you can clearly and understandably explain diagnoses and therapeutic measures. You will be given a notepad and pen as aids; no other aids are allowed. This part of the exam tests your practical communication skills – just like in realistic Fachsprachprüfung simulations.

2. Writing a Medical Report (Written)In the second part, you must summarize the information gathered during the medical history interview in the form of a short written medical report. Only medical technical terminology may be used here. This phase requires the ability to write medical reports in German, present information clearly and in a structured way, and apply your medical German knowledge precisely as an international doctor. You may use the notes you took in Part 1.

3. Patient Presentation to a Medical Colleague In the final part, you present the case to a medical colleague – using only technical language. This is where the skills you've learned through doctor-doctor communication exercises and your online Fachsprachprüfung preparation course come into play.

The simulated colleague may ask you follow-up questions about the patient or the case. Your answers should be fluent, technically correct, and grammatically accurate – proof of your preparation for the FSP as a foreign doctor and your medical language proficiency required for 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 optimally for the exam in Germany with targeted materials, realistic simulations, and comprehensive support.