Doctors, Dentists & Pharmacies (Leaving Cert German): Revision Notes
Doctors, Dentists & Pharmacies
This revision note covers essential German vocabulary and phrases you'll need when dealing with medical situations, visiting pharmacies, doctors, and dentists. These are practical, everyday expressions that will help you communicate effectively in healthcare settings.
Pharmacy vocabulary and phrases
When visiting a German pharmacy (die Apotheke), you'll need to know basic terms and be able to describe common health problems. German pharmacies are well-regulated and pharmacists can often provide helpful advice for minor ailments.
Essential pharmacy terms
| German | English |
|---|---|
| die Apotheke | pharmacy |
| die Notapotheke | duty chemist |
| das Rezept | prescription |
| das Antiseptikum | antiseptic |
| das Aspirin | aspirin |
| die Erkältung | cold |
| das Pflaster | plaster |
| die Zahnpasta | toothpaste |
| die Kondome | condoms |
| die Binden | sanitary pads |
| die Tampons | tampons |
| die Watte | cotton wool |
| die Zahnseide | dental floss |
| die Halsschmerzen | sore throat |
Describing symptoms and problems
When you need to explain what's wrong, these phrases will help you communicate with the pharmacist or doctor. Notice how German uses specific constructions for expressing feelings and symptoms.
Common expressions:
- Ich fühle mich nicht wohl - I don't feel well
- Haben Sie etwas gegen...? - Have you something for...?
- Ich habe einen Ausschlag - I have a rash
- Kopfschmerzen - headache
- Reisekrankheit - travel sickness
- Durchfall - diarrhoea
Example sentences in context
Practical Pharmacy Conversations
These sentences show how to use the vocabulary naturally:
- Ich brauche etwas gegen Kopfschmerzen. (I need something for headaches.)
- Haben Sie ein Mittel gegen Erkältung? (Do you have a remedy for colds?)
- Wo finde ich die Zahnpasta? (Where can I find the toothpaste?)
Understanding medication instructions
A crucial phrase you'll hear at the pharmacy:
Dreimal täglich vor dem/beim/nach dem Essen - Three times a day before/with/after meals
This instruction pattern is very common, so remember: täglich (daily), vor (before), beim (with/during), nach (after).
Doctor vocabulary and phrases
German healthcare is excellent, but you'll need to know key vocabulary for hospital visits and medical appointments. The formal register is typically used in medical settings.
Medical facilities and appointments
| German | English |
|---|---|
| das Krankenhaus | hospital |
| die Ambulanz | out-patients |
| die Sprechstunden | surgery hours |
| der Arzt / die Ärztin | doctor (male/female) |
| die Blutgruppe | blood group |
| die Versicherung | insurance |
| die Quittung | receipt |
Essential medical phrases
These phrases cover the most important situations you might encounter:
- Ich brauche einen Arzt - I need a doctor
- Ich habe Zucker - I'm diabetic (literally: I have sugar)
- Ich bin schwanger - I'm pregnant
- Ich bin allergisch gegen Penizillin - I'm allergic to penicillin
- Muss ich gleich bezahlen? - Will I have to pay now?
- Was wird es kosten? - How much will it cost?
Medical Consultation Dialogue
A: Mein Sohn ist krank. (My son is ill.) B: Hat er Fieber? (Does he have a temperature?) A: Nein, er hat Magenschmerzen. (No, he has stomach pains.) B: Er muss ins Krankenhaus. (He'll have to go to hospital.)
This dialogue shows the pattern of asking about symptoms and giving medical advice.
Dentist vocabulary and phrases
Dental appointments require specific vocabulary. German dental care is thorough, and you'll need these terms for treatments and procedures.
Dental terminology
| German | English |
|---|---|
| der Zahnarzt / die Zahnärztin | dentist (male/female) |
| die Füllung | filling |
| die Krone | crown |
| die Prothese | dentures |
| die Zahnschmerzen | toothache |
| der Abszess | abscess |
| die Krankenkasse | health insurance |
Common dental phrases
These expressions will help you communicate your dental needs effectively:
- Ich brauche einen Zahnarzt - I need a dentist
- Er/Sie hat Zahnschmerzen - He/She has toothache
- Können Sie mir eine provisorische Füllung machen? - Can you do a temporary filling?
- Ich glaube, ich habe einen Abszess - I think I have an abscess
- Das tut weh - It hurts
- Können Sie mir etwas gegen die Schmerzen geben? - Can you give me something for the pain?
- Wie teuer wird es? - How much will it be?
Useful instructions you might hear:
Bitte weit aufmachen - Please open wide Möchten Sie eine Spritze? - Do you want an injection?
These are common instructions during dental procedures.
Pronunciation tips
Key Pronunciation Guidelines
- Arzt is pronounced "artst" - the 'r' is rolled slightly
- Zucker - the 'u' sound is like 'oo' in "book"
- Schmerzen - 'sch' makes a 'sh' sound, 'z' is pronounced 'ts'
- Apotheke - stress is on the second syllable: a-po-TEH-ke
Common mistakes & tips
Grammar Mistake to Avoid
Mistake: Using 'bin' instead of 'habe' for ailments Correct: Say "Ich habe Kopfschmerzen" (I have headaches), not "Ich bin Kopfschmerzen"
Case Error to Watch
Mistake: Forgetting the accusative case after 'gegen' Correct: "etwas gegen die Schmerzen" (something for the pain) - 'die' stays as 'die' here
Study Tips for Success
- Tip: Learn body parts and symptoms together - they're often used in combination and this helps with retention.
- Tip: Practice the formal register (Sie-form) as this is always used in medical settings in Germany.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- die Apotheke is your first stop for minor ailments and over-the-counter medicines
- Always use formal address (Sie) when speaking to medical professionals
- Keep your insurance details (Versicherung) and any prescription (Rezept) with you
- Learn to describe symptoms clearly - "Ich habe..." (I have) + symptom is the most useful pattern
- German healthcare is excellent but can be formal - being polite and prepared with vocabulary helps enormously