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How to Become a Medical Doctor in Germany

Becoming a doctor is a challenging but rewarding journey — one that definitely opens up a world of possibilities. Anyone who has completed medical education and training abroad and gets an official license (Approbation) can work as a doctor in Germany.

Summary

  • Medical degrees in Germany take around 6 years to complete.Ìý
  • Foreign doctors who want to work in Germany should meet specific requirements, including equivalency assessments and German language proficiency.
  • To become a licensed doctor in Germany, you must pass the state exam (Approbation).Ìý
  • The Approbation Exam is the final step to obtaining a medical license in Germany.
  • German Universities like Heidelberg University, Charité Berlin, and others offer top medical programs.Ìý
  • Job prospects for doctors in Germany are quite promising, with a high demand for family doctors and opportunities in various medical sectors.

Applying to Medical School in Germany 

To get into a German medical school there are a certain set of criteria you must meet. These include having a high school diploma that qualifies you for university, plus good knowledge of scientific subjects such as math, biology, and chemistry.

To study medicine in Germany and then become a doctor, you must complete a medical degree that in Germany takes about six to seven years to complete. Once you complete your studies you must pass the state exam to receive your license and start practicing medicine.Ìý

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Getting the Approbation (Medical License)

In Germany, Approbation is the official medical license you need to get to work as a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or psychotherapist. The Approbation is proof that you meet all requirements to practice medicine in Germany.Ìý

Everyone, including international graduates, must have this license to practice medicine in Germany.Ìý

The requirements you must meet to apply for Approbation include the following:

For Individuals Studying Medicine in Germany  

Students first should complete a medical degree or Medizinsche Ausbildung, which includes both practical and theoretical training and takes about six years to complete.

After you complete your medical studies, you must pass the Staatesexamen, which is conducted in three parts:

  • M1 or First Exam is the one you take after the preclinical phase or after two years of studying medicine. The first exam tests your theoretical knowledge in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology.
  • M2 or the Second Exam is the one you take at the end of the clinical phase or after five years of studying medicine. The second exam tests your clinical knowledge and skills.Ìý
  • M3 or Third Exam is the one you take after a mandatory practical year in a medical setting (Praktisches Jahr) or after six years of medical studies. The third exam focuses on practical skills and case studies.

Once you complete the Staatsexamen and the 12-month practical training, you can apply for Approbation.

Where to apply for Approbation in Germany?

The application for Approbation is made to the state health authority (Gesundheitsamt) in the federal state where you want to work.Ìý

What documents do I need to apply for Approbation in Germany?

Typically, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of passing the Staatsexamen.
  • A certificate of good health.
  • A certificate of good conduct.
  • Identification documents.

For Foreign Medical Professionals

Doctors who trained outside the European Union and EEA can still practice in Germany but might need to go through some procedures before getting their Approbation.Ìý

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Doctors from EU/EEA/Switzerland can get a full license to practice without restrictions.
  • Doctors from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland have their education checked and they might receive a full license or a provisional one while preparing for an assessment test.
What if my qualifications don’t match?

As a foreign-trained doctor, you don’t have to sit the Staatsexamen, but if your qualifications don’t meet the German standards, you will be required to take the Knowledge Examination or Kenntnisprüfung. You have to pass this test to get permission to practice medicine.Ìý

The Kenntnisprüfung is a clinical-practical exam in which the doctor presents a patient case. It lasts 60 to 90 minutes and it is in German. So, you need to be proficient in medical German (C1 level) to understand the terminology.Ìý

While preparing for this test, you will be granted a provisional license for up to two years, during which you can engage in further study and practical training to meet the necessary medical standards.

If you fail the exam, you can retake it. But, the number of times is mainly determined by the regulations of the federal state where you live.Ìý

Who evaluates the education of foreign doctors?

The state health authorities, also known as Oberste Landesgesundheitsbehörde, are in charge of evaluating your education if you have a foreign medical qualification and want to work as a doctor in Germany.

In some federal states in Germany, there’s only one agency that deals with medical licenses or Approbationsbehörde. Some other states have several agencies, and each can have specific requirements.Ìý

Typically, most agencies require you to submit documents like a passport, clean criminal record, health certificate, proof of German language proficiency, birth certificate, CV in German format, and a copy of your degree.

What documents do I need to apply for Approbation as a foreign doctor in Germany?
  • Certified copies of your medical degree and transcripts.
  • Proof of clinical experience such as internships or residencies.Ìý
  • Language certificate (B2 or above).
  • Passport or valid ID.
  • Certificate of good conduct or criminal record check from your home country (and, Germany, if you have already been living in Germany).Ìý
  • Medical certificate to prove you are physically and mentally fit to practice medicine.Ìý

Meeting Language »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥

In terms of language proficiency, you must demonstrate at least a B2-level proficiency in general German. Additionally, in many regions, you’ll need C1-level proficiency in medical German. But, keep in mind that each German state has its own regulations for medical professionals.Ìý

In addition to language requirements, to obtain your medical license in Germany (Approbation), you might need to pass a specialized exam called the ¹ó²¹³¦³ó²õ±è°ù²¹³¦³ó±ð²Ô±è°ùü´Ú³Ü²Ô²µ, which assesses your oral and written medical German proficiency. Some language schools offer courses to help you prepare for this exam.

Strong German language skills are important for conveying medical information clearly and sensitively, and since the bond between doctor and patient lies in trust and respect, effective communication remains crucial when practicing medicine.Ìý

Job Prospects & Earnings

Each year, German medical schools hand out around 10,000 medical degrees. Yet, there is quite a demand for medical professionals in the country, especially in rural areas. That is why finding a job in the medical field is not a very difficult process.Ìý

A Doctor/Physician in Germany earns around €8,790 per month. Some areas where you can find employment include roles in areas such as medical tech, pharmaceuticals, and hospital management. Other roles include working in consulting and insurance companies.Ìý

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