Mastering German Vocabulary for Illnesses: A Guide for German Learners

One of the most crucial aspects of learning a new language is expanding your vocabulary, especially when it’s most needed—like when you're under the weather. This guide shows essential German vocabulary related to sickness and health, helping you communicate effectively in various situations. Whether you're visiting a doctor in Germany, explaining symptoms, or simply understanding health-related conversations, this vocabulary will be invaluable.

Recommended study materials on the topic:

• Langenscheidt Go Smart - German Verbs

• A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)

• German self-study book for A1-B1  (incl. answers)

• German Verb Charts: Learning Regular and Irregular Verbs at a glance

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Common Symptoms in German

When you're feeling unwell, the first step is often describing your symptoms. In German, most of the symptoms you'll need to express are typically used with the verb "haben" (to have), which is followed by an Accusative object. This means that the symptom you're describing will be in the accusative case.

Here are some of the most common symptoms you might need to express:

1. der Schmerz (pain) – Ich habe Schmerzen. (I have pain.)

2. das Fieber (fever) – Ich habe Fieber. (I have a fever.)

3. der Husten (cough) – Ich habe Husten. (I have a cough.)

4. die Erkältung (cold) – Ich habe eine Erkältung. (I have a cold.)

5. die Grippe (flu) – Ich habe die Grippe. (I have the flu.)

6. die Kopfschmerzen (headaches) – Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. (I have headaches.)

7. die Halsschmerzen (sore throat) – Ich habe Halsschmerzen. (I have a sore throat.)

8. die Bauchschmerzen (stomach ache) – Ich habe Bauchschmerzen. (I have a stomach ache.)

9. der Schnupfen (runny nose) – Ich habe Schnupfen. (I have a runny nose.)

10. die Übelkeit (nausea) – Ich habe Übelkeit. (I have nausea.)

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Phrases to Describe How You Feel

Sometimes, knowing specific symptoms isn't enough. You may need to describe your general condition.

Here are some useful phrases:

1. Mir ist schlecht. (I feel sick.)

2. Ich fühle mich nicht wohl. (I don’t feel well.)

3. Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. (I have a headache.)

4. Mir ist übel. (I feel nauseous.)

5. Ich habe hohes Fieber. (I have a high fever.)

6. Ich bin erkältet. (I have a cold.)

Phrases to Describe How You Feel

Sometimes, knowing specific symptoms isn't enough. You may need to describe your general condition.

Here are some useful phrases:

1. Mir ist schlecht. (I feel sick / nauseous.)

2. Ich fühle mich nicht wohl. (I don’t feel well.)

3. Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. (I have a headache.)

4. Mir ist übel. (I feel nauseous.)

5. Ich habe hohes Fieber. (I have a high fever.)

6. Ich bin erkältet. (I have a cold.)

Visiting the Doctor: Essential Vocabulary

If you find yourself needing to visit a doctor, here are some key terms and phrases to help you navigate the situation:

1. der Arzt / die Ärztin (doctor, male / female)

2. die Sprechstunde (consultation hours)

3. das Rezept (prescription)

4. die Apotheke (pharmacy)

5. die Untersuchung (examination)

6. die Krankenkasse (health insurance)

7. das Wartezimmer (waiting room)

8. die Diagnose (diagnosis)

9. die Behandlung (treatment)

Prescription and Medication Vocabulary

Understanding prescriptions and medication instructions is crucial for your recovery. Here’s a list of standard terms:

1. die Tablette (tablet, pill)

2. die Salbe (ointment)

3. der Sirup (syrup)

4. die Tropfen (drops)

5. das Antibiotikum (antibiotics)

6. Zweimal täglich (twice a day)

7. vor dem Essen (before meals)

8. nach dem Essen (after meals)

Emergency Situations: What to Say

In emergencies, it’s important to know how to express urgent needs.

Here are some phrases that might be life-saving:

• Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen! (Call an ambulance!)

• Ich brauche Hilfe! (I need help!)

• Ich habe einen Unfall gehabt. (I had an accident.)

• Ich habe starke Schmerzen. (I am in severe pain.)

• Ich bin allergisch gegen… (I am allergic to…)

German Health Idioms and Expressions

The German language is rich with idioms and expressions, some of which are health-related. Here are a few that might come in handy or expand your language knowledge:

• Ich fühle mich wie vom Zug überfahren. (I feel like I've been hit by a train - meaning you feel very ill or exhausted.)

• Das ist nicht gesund. (That’s not healthy.)

• Du siehst blass aus. (You look pale.)

• Ich brauche frische Luft. (I need some fresh air.)

Tips for German Learners

1. Practice Regularly: Use flashcards or language apps to reinforce this vocabulary.

2. Watch German Medical Dramas: Shows like "In aller Freundschaft" can provide context for medical vocabulary.

3. Speak with Natives: Engage in conversations with native speakers to practice these terms in real-life situations.

4. Visit German Medical Websites: Websites like Apotheken Umschau or the Gesundheit.de offer articles that can help you see these terms in context.

Conclusion

Understanding and using health-related vocabulary in German is essential for anyone living in or traveling to German-speaking countries. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll be better equipped to handle medical situations confidently. Whether you’re describing symptoms, visiting a doctor, or picking up medication, this guide provides you with the necessary tools to communicate effectively.

Check out also How to apologize in German!

Bis bald!

Steffie

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Hi there, I'm Stefanie, the author of the blog post you're reading.

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