The Fachsprachprüfung in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Doctors

If you are a foreign doctor who wants to work in Germany, one crucial step is passing the Fachsprachprüfung — the specialized language exam required to practice medicine. With solid preparation in medical German / medical technical language, you can confidently master every part of the exam.

The Fachsprachprüfung tests both oral and written language skills, which are essential for daily communication with patients and colleagues in Germany. The exam is conducted in Germany by the Landesärztekammer (State Medical Chamber) of the federal state where you wish to work.

Structure of the Exam: 3 Main Parts

1. Medical History Interview (Doctor–Patient Conversation) – OralIn this part, you will conduct a conversation with an actor playing a patient. Your task is to ask targeted questions to identify the causes of the patient’s complaints. It is crucial to have strong skills in doctor–patient communication and solid C1-level medical German / medical terminology preparation so you can clearly explain diagnoses and therapeutic measures.You will be provided with a notepad and pen; no other aids are allowed.This section tests your practical communication skills, just like in realistic Fachsprachprüfung simulations.

2. Writing a Medical Report – WrittenIn the second part, you must summarize the information collected during the medical history interview in the form of a short written medical report, using medical terminology exclusively.

This stage requires the ability to write medical reports in German, structure information clearly and precisely, and apply your medical German knowledge as an international doctor accurately. You may use the notes taken during Part 1.

3. Presenting the Case to a Medical Colleague – OralIn the final part, you will present the patient’s case to a colleague, using technical medical language only. This is where the skills you’ve developed through doctor–doctor communication exercises and your online Fachsprachprüfung preparation course come into play.

The simulated colleague may ask follow-up questions about the patient or the case. Your answers must be fluent, technically correct, and grammatically accurate — demonstrating your FSP preparation as a foreign doctor and your medical language competence 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 get ready with targeted materials, realistic simulations, and full support to pass the exam in Germany with confidence.