When visiting a sauna in Germany, there are certain cultural norms and etiquette that should be observed. It’s important to note that unlike many other countries, saunas in Germany are typically unisex and require guests to be completely nude. This may seem shocking or uncomfortable to some, but it’s important to respect the local customs and traditions. Many Germans view the sauna as a place of relaxation and rejuvenation for the mind and body.
Germany has implemented a new system for electronic prescriptions as part of their efforts to modernize their healthcare system. The electronic prescription system, also known as e-prescription, allows doctors to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies through a secure digital platform.
here are some basic phrases and terms to help you on your next general doctor’s visit.
A typical conversation to make an appointment will be as follows:
You must report at reception. A typical phrase would be – Hallo mein Name ist Frau xxx, ich habe um 10 Uhr einen Termin.
You will most like be asked to wait in the waiting room (das Wartezimmer) – warten Sie bitte im Wartezimmer
You will be called by name when the doctor can see you.
Most doctors can understand basic English so if you really struggle ask if you can describe your symptoms in English.
Have a look at the Terminology pages to help you prepare to describe your body parts in Germany.
If you are referred to a specialist (Facharzt) you will be given a Überweisung.
If you need medicine (Medikamente), you will be given a Rezept which you must take to the Pharmacy (Apotheke).
You do not have to tell your manager or HR department what is wrong with you when you are on sick leave.
You have to let your employer know that you are ill, even if you do not to the doctor.
If you receive a sicknote, (Krankschreibung/Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung/Gelbe Zettel) you have to submit it to your employer as soon as possible, please also refer to your company’s rules. As of 2023 your doctor will send a digital sick note (elektronischen Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigun or eAU) to your Medical insurance. Your employer will have access to this data. – currently only for public health insurance, private soon to follow.
You can let them know “ich bin krank geschrieben, und werde am 22. Juli wieder im Büro sein”
Tip – Always refer to your employment contract for your company rules and regulations.
“Grundsätzlich gilt gemäß Gesetz, dass bei einer Krankheit, die voraussichtlich länger als drei Tage dauert, eine ärztliche Bescheinigung vorgelegt werden muss, um der Nachweispflicht entsprechend nachzukommen. Diese sollte spätestens am vierten Tag der Krankheit beim Arbeitgeber liegen. Wie Sie dies bewerkstelligen, obliegt Ihnen. In diesem Zusammenhang sind die Kalender- und nicht die Arbeitstage entscheidend.” – Arbeitsrechte
In Germany, you are entitled to 6 weeks of paid sick leave
Disclaimer – The information on this page is based on personal experiences and research, we are not qualified to give any legal advice and we do not accept any form of liability resulting from reading this article.
A list of general body organs(die Körperorgane). The list is searchable Related content
A list of general body part (die Korperteile). The list is searchable Related Content
When I first came to Germany, I was fortunate to still frequently travel back to SA, so I did all my check-ups there and tried
A qualified pharmacist offered to assist in trying to answer questions regarding substitute suggestions for South African pharmaceutical products.Very important – always refer to your doctor or pharmacist before taking medicationThe Admin team of this website are not medical professionals and
Germany has implemented a new system for electronic prescriptions as part of their efforts to modernize their healthcare system. The electronic prescription system, also known as e-prescription, allows doctors to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies through a secure digital platform.
Thinking of starting or expanding your family in Germany? Luckily the standard of German healthcare is very high and Germany has great maternity and paternity benefits, but there are some differences between having a baby in Germany v.s giving birth in
We are not medical professionals and cannot give any medical advice. We do however have contact with a qualified Pharmacist who offered to answer questions you might have about substitutes for South African health products. We cannot give any information about
We created a searchable table to help you look up the German words you might need during and after your pregnancy.
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone visiting or living in Germany.When living in Germany you can either take our private (privaten Krankenversicherung – PKV) or public (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV) health insurance. Your choice will depend on your age, salary and
Moving can be such an exciting experience, but leaving your familiar surroundings and support networks behind can also be quite unnerving and stressful.It is very important to find or set up your support structures as soon as possible.Try to keep in
When visiting a sauna in Germany, there are certain cultural norms and etiquette that should be observed. It’s important to note that unlike many other countries, saunas in Germany are typically unisex and require guests to be completely nude. This may seem shocking or uncomfortable to some, but it’s important to respect the local customs and traditions. Many Germans view the sauna as a place of relaxation and rejuvenation for the mind and body.
Surviving winter in Germany. How to deal with Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or feeling blue during the winter months.
A list of general body part (die Korperteile). The list is searchable Related Content
A list of general body organs(die Körperorgane). The list is searchable Related content
When I first came to Germany, I was fortunate to still frequently travel back to SA, so I did all my check-ups there and tried to avoid going to a German doctor. But then I hurt my back and had to
here are some basic phrases and terms to help you on your next general doctor’s visit. Making an appointment A typical conversation to make an appointment will be as follows: Hallo, my name is Mrs xxx, and I would like to
Contraception Contraception is available at pharmacies, but you will need a prescription from your gynaecologist for birth control pills, IUD’s and diaphragms. Emergency contraception is also available at pharmacies and you do not need a prescription for that.Public Insurance (GVK) does not
Contraception is available at pharmacies, but you will need a prescription from your gynaecologist for birth control pills, IUD’s and diaphragms.
Emergency contraception is also available at pharmacies and you do not need a prescription for that.
Public Insurance (GVK) does not cover contraception costs
Public insurance GVK, covers all maternity costs, but some private insurers only offer it as an additional cost, so make sure you know what is covered by your plan.
We created a searchable table to help you look up the German words you might need during and after your pregnancy.
Thinking of starting or expanding your family in Germany? Luckily the standard of German healthcare is very high and Germany has great maternity and paternity
Public Insurance (GVK) covers annual screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. You will usually need a referral (die Überweisung) from your GP, unless you are over 50, then you will get an invitation letter every 2 years for a Mammogram
Finding a doctor can be a challenge especially if you are looking for an English-speaking doctor.
Specialists in gynaecology and obstetrics are called “Frauenarzte” and “Gynäkologe” and are the central contact persons for gender-specific diseases and other women’s concerns, such as Pregnancy, menstruation, family planning, contraception and preventive care.
The following websites can help in your search
| English | German |
|---|---|
| birth control pills | die Antibabypille |
| Hormones | die Hormone |
| Infertility | die Unfruchtbarkeit |
| coil | die Spirale |
| condom | das Kondom |
| breasts | die Brüste |
| vagina | die Scheide |
| Pelvic floor | der Beckenboden |
| uterus | die Gebärmutter |
| menstruation | die Menstruation |
| Thyroid | die Schilddrüse |
| fallopian tube | die Eileiter |
| pregnancy | die Schwangerschaft |
| egg | das Ei |
| induced labour | die eingeleitete Geburt |
| waters broken | die Fruchtblase ist geplatzt |
| placenta | die Plazenta |
| episiotomy | der Dammschnitt |
| epidural | die Epiduralanästhesie |
| cervix | der Gebärmutterhals |
| Mammogram | das Mammogram |
| Ultrasound | Ultraschalluntersuchung |
| Pap Smear | Pap-Abstrich |
| Gynaecologist | der Gynägeloge die Gynägelogin der Frauenarzt die Frauenarztin |
| Endocrinology | die Endokrinologie |
As new parents, both you and your partner are entitled to Germany’s generous parental allowance. If you or your partner has recently had a child,
Thinking of starting or expanding your family in Germany? Luckily the standard of German healthcare is very high and Germany has great maternity and paternity
When I first came to Germany, I was fortunate to still frequently travel back to SA, so I did all my check-ups there and tried
The following numbers can be dialled in an emergency, either from a landline or mobile phone. 112The national emergency number. This can be used for
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