🗣️ German Nursing Vocabulary – Part II: Hospital Tasks & Equipment
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
As you step into the professional world of nursing in Germany, your ability to understand and use precise German medical vocabulary becomes critical—not just for exams or adaptation training, but for patient safety and effective communication.
Nursing goes far beyond wound care and medication—it includes emotional support, emergency interventions, hygiene protocols, and accurate documentation. Each setting brings a new context where language matters. The better your German, the more confident and competent you’ll feel, whether you’re assisting in surgery or comforting an anxious patient.
If you’re preparing for B1 or B2 German, consider joining one of our German courses for beginners designed specifically with healthcare learners in mind.
🏥 Hospital Routines & Equipment
Working in German clinics involves understanding tasks like setting up IVs, maintaining hygiene, or taking vitals—all with technical vocabulary that’s used daily.
Infusion – IV drip
Der Patient bekommt eine Infusion wegen Dehydration.
The patient is getting an IV due to dehydration.
Bettruhe – Bed rest
Der Arzt hat dem Patienten Bettruhe verordnet.
The doctor has ordered bed rest for the patient.
Untersuchung – Medical examination
Die Untersuchung dauert etwa 20 Minuten.
The examination takes around 20 minutes.
Desinfektionsmittel – Disinfectant
Bitte benutzen Sie Desinfektionsmittel vor dem Patientenzimmer.
Please use disinfectant before entering the patient room.
Handschuhe – Gloves
Ich trage Handschuhe zur Wundversorgung.
I’m wearing gloves for wound care.
đź’¬ Helpful German Phrases for Hospital Settings
- Ich bereite die Infusion jetzt vor. – I’m preparing the IV drip now.
- Sie müssen heute im Bett bleiben. – You need to stay in bed today.
- Wir machen jetzt die Untersuchung. – We’ll start the examination now.
- Ich desinfiziere meine Hände. – I’m disinfecting my hands.
- Ich ziehe Handschuhe an, bevor ich beginne. – I’ll put on gloves before I begin.
Related Posts
Everyday Life in Germany: A Guide for Expats and Visitors
German Nursing Vocabulary – Part V: Shift Handover & Reporting Phrases