Getting an earlier appointment in German

1. 1
   Termin/tɛʁˈmiːn/

   appointmentnoun

   A fixed time that you've arranged in advance with someone.
2. 2
   Überweisung/yːbɐˈvaɪ̯zʊŋ/

   referralnoun

   A slip with which a doctor sends you to another.
3. 3
   Facharzt/ˈfaxaʁtst/iAlso said ˈfaxaːɐ̯tst.

   specialistnoun

   A doctor for one particular field of medicine.
4. 4

   Wartelistewaiting list

5. 5

   Absagecancellation

6. 6

   Notfallemergency

7. 7

   vereinbarento arrange

8. 8

   schmerzento hurt

9. 9

   dringendurgent

10. 10

    kurzfristigat short notice

The sentences3 of 10

1. Ich brauche dringend einen früheren Termin beim Arzt.

   I urgently need an earlier appointment with the doctor.

2. Brauche ich für den Facharzt eine Überweisung?

   Do I need a referral to see the specialist?

3. Können Sie mir einen guten Facharzt in der Nähe empfehlen?

   Could you recommend a good specialist nearby?

Pronunciation

• Termin/tɛʁˈmiːn/

  The stress is on the second syllable, and the i in it is long: ter-MEEN.

• Facharzt/ˈfaxaʁtst/

  The ch after a is the back sound, as in Bach.

Good to know

Überweisung

You often need a referral from your family doctor to see a specialist. Ask about it when you book the appointment.

Terminservicestelle

People with statutory health insurance can contact the appointment service of the regional association of statutory health insurance doctors if a specialist appointment is too far away. You can usually reach it on 116117.

Akutsprechstunde

Many practices keep free slots or open consultation hours for urgent cases. Ask about them on the phone or arrive early in the morning.

Notaufnahme

In a real emergency, go to a hospital or call 112. The on-call medical service on 116117 is for problems outside normal practice hours.

Questions

What does Überweisung mean at the doctor's?

It is a slip with which one doctor sends you to another. You can ask "Brauche ich für den Facharzt eine Überweisung?" to find out if you need one.