In order to be able to work as a doctor in Germany, you need the German Approbation - a permanent medical license that allows the holder to practice medicine without any time limit.
- Requirements for Approbation:
1. Recognition of qualifications
- Medicine graduates from EU countries or Switzerland have their medical degrees automatically recognized in Germany.
- Non-EU graduates have to get their qualifications recognized. The process takes time and usually they get a temporary medical license, Berufserlaubnis, valid for two years. If the medical study is not equivalent to German standards, it is necessary to be passed an equivalency examination (Kenntnisprüfung) and after this, the Approbation will be issued.
2. German Language knowledge
One of the primary concerns in healthcare is the patient safety. Misunderstandings due to language barriers can lead to misdiagnoses, incorrect treatments, and other medical errors. This is the reason why the foreign doctors who want to practice medicine in Germany need German language skills:
- at generally B2/C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), depending on the federal state.
- And additionally a FSP –Fachsprachenprüfung - a specialized language examination focusing on medical terminology. This exam tests the language proficiency in medical German to ensure they can communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare staff. The structure and content of the Fachsprachenprüfung may differ depending on the state (Bundesland) in Germany and it is organized by the chamber of the doctors. Generally, the exam comprises the following parts:
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- Doctor-patient discussions: This checks whether the examinee is able to conduct anamnesis discussions, inform patients about diagnoses and treatment options and explain medical issues in language that the patient can understand.
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Written report: The candidate summarizes the knowledge gained from the doctor-patient conversation in a medical report.
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- Doctor-Doctor-discussion: This tests whether the examinee is able to communicate with colleagues in a professional manner, with competent use of medical vocabulary.
Specialization in Germany
Germany is the best option for the young doctors who want to begin their specialization. In order to get into the medical system as a resident doctor, all you have to do is to apply for a position in the desired specialty. You do not have to pass a specific exam or register in a national residency program, like in many other countries.
