The Complete Path to the German Medical Licence for International Doctors

The path to the German Approbation (medical licence) is not a single step but a chain of stages — each with its own requirements, deadlines and pitfalls. This guide gives you the overview and links into each topic.

1. Recognition of your training

First, the responsible state authority checks whether your medical degree is equivalent to the German one. If it is not fully equivalent, you must sit the Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge exam). Responsibility lies with the federal states — and procedures differ considerably.

2. The medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung / FSP)

Independently of professional recognition, you must prove your medical German in the Fachsprachprüfung. It usually has three parts: a doctor-patient conversation (history taking), writing a doctor's letter (Arztbrief), and a doctor-doctor conversation. We explain exactly how it works in Fachsprachprüfung: process & the three parts.

The FaMed exam is a recognised form of this language exam. More on our FaMed exam page.

3. Language level and preparation

The FSP requires at least B2 level, with C1 recommended. But what decides the outcome is not general language level — it is exam-specific preparation, and this is exactly where many fluent doctors lose points unnecessarily.

Two examples that almost no course covers: typing on the German keyboard and spelling in the Arztbrief. Read why this costs so many points: Keyboard & spelling — the silent point-losers.

4. Applying for the Approbation

With the language exam passed and your training recognised (after the Kenntnisprüfung if required), you apply for the Approbation at the responsible authority in your federal state. You may then practise as a doctor in Germany without restriction.

The fastest route: targeted preparation

Most delays come not from authorities but from failed exams. Focused, realistic preparation is therefore the best investment on this path.

This article is general orientation and does not replace official information from the responsible authorities.