How to say symptoms clearly to a German doctor
To say symptoms clearly to a German doctor, use the verb “haben” (to have) to describe what you feel, and specify the affected body part with “Schmerzen” (pains) for aches. For example, say “Ich habe Kopfschmerzen” (I have a headache) or “Ich habe Bauchschmerzen” (I have a stomach ache). For other symptoms, phrases like “Ich habe Fieber” (I have a fever), “Mir ist schwindelig” (I feel dizzy), or “Ich habe Husten” (I have a cough) are common.
If you need to mention allergies, say “Ich bin allergisch gegen…” (I am allergic to…). To talk about difficulty breathing, say “Ich habe Schwierigkeiten zu atmen.” If something is urgent or severe, using “Ich kann nicht aufhören zu zittern” (I can’t stop shaking) or “Mein ganzer Körper juckt” (My whole body is itching) helps convey seriousness.
Doctors in Germany will usually address you formally and ask questions about your symptoms with phrases like “Welche Symptome haben Sie?” (What symptoms do you have?) or “Seit wann haben Sie diese Symptome?” (Since when have you had these symptoms?). They may also ask about allergies, medications, or your medical history.
Summary of useful phrases:
- Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. (I have a headache.)
- Ich habe Bauchschmerzen. (I have stomach pain.)
- Ich habe Fieber. (I have a fever.)
- Mir ist schwindelig. (I’m feeling dizzy.)
- Ich habe Husten. (I have a cough.)
- Ich habe Schwierigkeiten zu atmen. (I have trouble breathing.)
- Ich bin allergisch gegen Penicillin. (I am allergic to penicillin.)
- Ich kann nicht aufhören zu zittern. (I can’t stop shaking.)
Questions your doctor might ask:
- Was ist los? Wie fühlen Sie sich? (What’s wrong? How do you feel?)
- Welche Symptome haben Sie? (What symptoms do you have?)
- Haben Sie irgendwelche Allergien? (Do you have any allergies?)
- Welche Medizin nehmen Sie gerade ein? (What medicine are you taking right now?)
- Wie lange ist es her, dass Sie das letzte mal beim Arzt waren? (How long has it been since you last visited the doctor?)
This should help communicate symptoms clearly and effectively to a German doctor.