Essential Medical Words in German to Pass the FSP
If you are preparing for the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) or already working as a doctor in Germany, you know how important both medical terminology in German and seemingly "small" words and expressions are. They frequently appear in real-life work: in documentation, on surgical consoles, and in conversations with colleagues and patients.
Today, we will share 10 such words and phrases and explain the contexts in which they are used.
Today, we will share 10 such words and phrases and explain the contexts in which they are used.
1. Auflockerung
Example: Auflockerung der Bandstrukturen
Translation: Loosening of ligaments or connective tissue
Why is it important?
It appears in clinical descriptions of imaging/ultrasound scans and when describing changes in connective tissue during pregnancy or musculoskeletal pathology.
2. Sorgfalt / sorgfältig
Example: Trotz aller Sorgfalt…
Translation: "Diligence / Diligently / Despite all diligence…"
Where does it appear?
Frequently found in informed consent forms (Aufklärung), for example, when explaining potential side effects to patients that may occur "despite all diligence" in examination or treatment.
3. Einklemmung
Example: Zerebrale Einklemmung
Translation: "Brain herniation" (a life-threatening condition due to increased intracranial pressure).
Where does it appear?
Very important when discussing lumbar puncture results and various neurosurgical conditions.
4. Kongenitale Fehlbildungen
Translation: "Congenital malformations."
Context: Commonly used in pediatrics, neonatology, and genetics, as well as in prenatal screenings to describe developmental anomalies.
5. Elektrolythaushalt
Literal meaning: "Electrolyte household"
What does it mean?
It refers to the balance and regulation of electrolytes in the body. This term is commonly used in therapeutic practice, intensive care medicine, and nephrology.
6. Blasenmole
Translation: "Hydatidiform mole."
Why is it important?
A rare but significant pathology in obstetrics and gynecology. It frequently appears in FSP exam questions related to differential diagnosis of early pregnancy complications.
7. Windkesselfunktion
Definition: The ability of large vessels (primarily the aorta) to convert the pulsatile flow of blood from the heart into a more uniform flow to the organs.
Why is it important?
While primarily a physiological term, knowledge of this concept is sometimes required in a clinical context, particularly in cases involving large vessel pathology.
8. "Senior" Patient – Different Categories
In Germany, specific age categories are used to describe elderly and geriatric patients:
It is used in medical reports, scientific articles, and ethical/legal discussions regarding treatment planning and surgical decisions.
9. Mit dem Leben nicht zu vereinbarenden Verletzungen
Translation: "Injuries incompatible with life."
Context: This expression is used to describe severe injuries that make continued survival impossible. It is often found in forensic medicine and death reports.
10. Insasse
Translation: "Passenger."
Example: Insasse eines Fahrzeugs bei einem Verkehrsunfall — "Passenger of a vehicle in a traffic accident."
Why is it important?
In medicine, especially in trauma surgery, it is crucial to clearly state the role of the injured person at the time of the accident (pedestrian, driver, passenger). This word is frequently used in documentation and accident reports.
Example: Auflockerung der Bandstrukturen
Translation: Loosening of ligaments or connective tissue
Why is it important?
It appears in clinical descriptions of imaging/ultrasound scans and when describing changes in connective tissue during pregnancy or musculoskeletal pathology.
2. Sorgfalt / sorgfältig
Example: Trotz aller Sorgfalt…
Translation: "Diligence / Diligently / Despite all diligence…"
Where does it appear?
Frequently found in informed consent forms (Aufklärung), for example, when explaining potential side effects to patients that may occur "despite all diligence" in examination or treatment.
3. Einklemmung
Example: Zerebrale Einklemmung
Translation: "Brain herniation" (a life-threatening condition due to increased intracranial pressure).
Where does it appear?
Very important when discussing lumbar puncture results and various neurosurgical conditions.
4. Kongenitale Fehlbildungen
Translation: "Congenital malformations."
Context: Commonly used in pediatrics, neonatology, and genetics, as well as in prenatal screenings to describe developmental anomalies.
5. Elektrolythaushalt
Literal meaning: "Electrolyte household"
What does it mean?
It refers to the balance and regulation of electrolytes in the body. This term is commonly used in therapeutic practice, intensive care medicine, and nephrology.
6. Blasenmole
Translation: "Hydatidiform mole."
Why is it important?
A rare but significant pathology in obstetrics and gynecology. It frequently appears in FSP exam questions related to differential diagnosis of early pregnancy complications.
7. Windkesselfunktion
Definition: The ability of large vessels (primarily the aorta) to convert the pulsatile flow of blood from the heart into a more uniform flow to the organs.
Why is it important?
While primarily a physiological term, knowledge of this concept is sometimes required in a clinical context, particularly in cases involving large vessel pathology.
8. "Senior" Patient – Different Categories
In Germany, specific age categories are used to describe elderly and geriatric patients:
- „ältere“ Menschen (65–74 years)
- „alte“ Menschen (75–89 years)
- „hochbetagte“ Menschen (>90 years)
It is used in medical reports, scientific articles, and ethical/legal discussions regarding treatment planning and surgical decisions.
9. Mit dem Leben nicht zu vereinbarenden Verletzungen
Translation: "Injuries incompatible with life."
Context: This expression is used to describe severe injuries that make continued survival impossible. It is often found in forensic medicine and death reports.
10. Insasse
Translation: "Passenger."
Example: Insasse eines Fahrzeugs bei einem Verkehrsunfall — "Passenger of a vehicle in a traffic accident."
Why is it important?
In medicine, especially in trauma surgery, it is crucial to clearly state the role of the injured person at the time of the accident (pedestrian, driver, passenger). This word is frequently used in documentation and accident reports.
These words and expressions are just a small part of what might be needed in a doctor's daily practice in Germany. Mastering them will significantly boost your confidence in communicating with colleagues, patients, and when completing medical documentation.
If you want to improve your medical German and expand your vocabulary, the "Medizinisches Deutsch" app can help. It offers numerous useful phrases, terms, and expressions that will help you navigate the medical field in Germany.
If you want to improve your medical German and expand your vocabulary, the "Medizinisches Deutsch" app can help. It offers numerous useful phrases, terms, and expressions that will help you navigate the medical field in Germany.
Need more medical German?
Download the Medical German app and learn 1,000+ medical terms and expressions through effective and diverse exercises