You need more than general German to work as a nurse in Germany. Whether you're preparing for telc Pflege, Goethe Pflege, or simply building confidence on the job, here's exactly what speaking in German as a healthcare professional looks like.
These 6 core abilities cover every speaking situation you'll face as a nurse in Germany
Conduct intake interviews, describe a patient's state, and document the basics of a new admission
Give clear instructions for medication, wound care, pre-op preparation, and hygiene protocols
Assess pain, de-escalate complaints, refuse requests politely, and manage patient fears with empathy
Report on patients at shift handover, present cases on ward rounds, and brief discharge contacts
Argue a care plan, discuss ethical dilemmas, and hold your own in a multidisciplinary meeting
Switch perspective and practise as the patient — describe your symptoms, express worries, and ask questions about your care
Ward scenarios that come up every day and in exams like telc Pflege and Goethe Pflege
Admissions
Medication
Wound Care
Pain
Handovers
Education
Documentation
Discharge
MDT Meetings
Practise these exact scenarios with real ward conversations
Start practising now