Autor: Match Doctors
17. Dezember 2025
For international doctors who want to work in Germany, language proficiency in a medical context is essential. One of the key requirements in this process is the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP). This exam evaluates whether doctors can communicate safely and professionally in German healthcare settings.
In this article, we explain what the Fachsprachprüfung is, which topics are tested, how the exam is structured, and how common exam formats such as TELC FSP and FAMED fit into the process.
The Fachsprachprüfung is a medical language examination designed specifically for doctors trained outside Germany. Its main goal is to assess whether a doctor can:
Communicate clearly with patients
Take structured medical histories (Anamnese)
Explain diagnoses and treatment plans in understandable German
Communicate professionally with colleagues
Use correct medical terminology in everyday clinical work
Unlike general German language exams, the FSP focuses on practical medical communication rather than academic language skills.
The Fachsprachprüfung is usually required for:
Doctors applying for Approbation (full medical license)
Doctors applying for a Berufserlaubnis (temporary work permit)
Medical professionals who need proof of medical German proficiency
The exact requirements may vary slightly depending on the federal state.
Although the format can differ, the content of the FSP is very similar across Germany. Typical topics include:
Current symptoms
Past medical history
Medication and allergies
Family and social history
Explaining medical findings in simple language
Discussing treatment options and procedures
Answering patient questions clearly and calmly
Case presentations
Handover conversations
Communication with senior physicians
Writing structured medical reports
Using correct terminology
Clear and concise documentation
Most Fachsprachprüfungen include:
An oral exam
A simulated patient conversation
A case discussion with examiners
A documentation task
The total duration is usually around 20–30 minutes.
In addition to state-organized Fachsprachprüfungen, many candidates take standardized exams such as TELC FSP Medizin or FAMED.
Although these exams are organized by different institutions, they all assess the same core competencies:
Patient communication
Medical documentation
Professional communication with colleagues
The structure and scenarios are highly comparable, which means that focused preparation in medical German is relevant for all three formats.
Effective preparation should focus on real clinical communication, not just vocabulary lists. Key preparation elements include:
Practicing patient interviews and explanations
Learning standard medical phrases used in German hospitals
Training structured case presentations
Practicing written documentation
Simulating exam situations
Match Doctors FSP preparation course is designed around these exact topics and competencies. Because the content of the Fachsprachprüfung, TELC FSP, and FAMED largely overlaps, the course supports candidates preparing for any of these exam formats.
The Fachsprachprüfung is a crucial step for doctors who want to work in Germany. While the exam can be challenging, understanding its structure and focusing on practical medical communication makes preparation much more effective.
Whether you are preparing for a state Fachsprachprüfung, TELC FSP, or FAMED, targeted training in medical German and exam-relevant scenarios can significantly increase your chances of success.
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