Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) in Germany: What Every International Doctor Needs to Know

The Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) is an oral exam that international doctors must pass to prove their proficiency in medical German. It’s a crucial part of the recognition process required to obtain your Approbation (official medical license) or professional permit in Germany.

🔎 What is the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)?

The FSP is an oral language exam for foreign-trained physicians to demonstrate their command of medical German, necessary for both the Approbation and professional permit.

The professional permit allows you to work as a supervised doctor in Germany for up to two years after passing the FSP. This permit is limited to the federal state where it’s issued. For doctors from EU countries, the professional permit is usually not required, as they can apply directly for full Approbation after passing the FSP. Learn more about the professional permit here.

The Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) lasts about 60 minutes and is divided into three parts:

1. Doctor-Patient Conversation (approx. 20 minutes)

In this section, an examiner role-plays a patient. Your task is to conduct a complete medical history interview. You ask questions about the patient’s illness history, symptoms, and potential risk factors. During the interview, you may take handwritten notes to assist with your later medical report. At the end, you discuss your suspected diagnosis and possible further examinations or treatments with the patient.

💡 Key tips:

• Use patient-friendly communication — explain medical terms in an understandable way.
• Handle difficult situations professionally, for example if the patient seems unsure or anxious.

2. Medical Report (approx. 20 minutes)

After the interview, you write a medical report. This tests your written skills in medical German. You need to clearly and accurately document all relevant information from the patient conversation. You can use your notes from the interview.

💡 Key tips:

• Use correct medical terminology, avoid colloquial language.
• Ensure spelling and grammar are flawless.
• Structure the report clearly with sections such as history, findings, suspected diagnosis, and therapy recommendations.

3. Doctor-Doctor Conversation (approx. 20 minutes)

In the final part, the examiner plays the role of a senior physician. You present the case from the anamnesis in detailed medical language. Focus on a structured and clear presentation of the medical facts. You will be asked questions about suspected diagnoses, diagnostics, and possible treatments.

💡 Key tips:

• Use medical language confidently and correctly.
• Avoid misunderstandings that could lead to misdiagnosis or treatment errors.

🔎 In Lower Saxony, you must also translate 12 medical terms between technical and layman’s language in this section.

To pass the FSP, you need to demonstrate:

• C1 language level: Speak German fluently without searching for words.
• Medical terminology: Correct use of medical terms is essential.
• Patient communication: Explain complex medical information clearly.
• Basic medical knowledge: Be familiar with common diseases like pneumonia, acute coronary syndrome, or migraine.

💡 Tip: The exam focuses more on your ability to communicate medically rather than in-depth specialist knowledge.

Yes, the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) can be repeated unlimited times. This means you can retake the exam whenever you need to prove your medical German skills. However, each retake requires payment of the exam fee again. That’s why solid preparation is highly recommended to avoid extra costs and stress.

The cost of the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) varies by federal state, typically ranging between €350 and €650 (as of September 2024). For example, in Lower Saxony, the exam fee is currently €490. Besides the exam fee, consider costs for preparation courses, study materials, or language training, which vary depending on the provider and your needs.

Nationwide statistics on pass rates for the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) aren’t uniformly recorded. For instance, in Berlin about one third of candidates fail the exam, meaning over 60% pass successfully. A well-structured preparation significantly increases your chance of success.

The Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) is your gateway to obtaining the Approbation and pursuing your medical career in Germany. With the right preparation and a focused study plan, you’ll confidently overcome this key hurdle.

Ready to take the next step? Download our app ApproLearn and train effectively for your Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)!

👉🏼 Get to know ApproLearn

• How many times can I retake the FSP? You can retake it unlimited times, but each attempt requires paying the exam fee again.
• Is the FSP mandatory for Approbation? Yes, it is a compulsory part of the licensing process for foreign-trained doctors.
• How long does the exam last? Approximately 60 minutes, divided into three 20-minute sections.
• Is there a written exam? No, the FSP is oral with a written medical report component.
• Where can I take the FSP? The Fachsprachprüfung is organized by the respective state medical chambers in Germany.