German Medical Terminology

Medical German for Students Studying Medicine in English

Students who choose to study medicine in English and plan to complete clinical training in Germany need strong German language skills for communicating with patients and healthcare professionals. The German Medical Terminology (GMT) course at UMFST-UMCH combines general German language training with medical German and medical terminology, preparing students for their clinical experience in German teaching hospitals.

Starting from the 2026/27 academic year, German Medical Terminology is an integral part of the UMCH medical curriculum and comprises 4 ECTS credits.

From A1 to B2 German During Your Medical Studies

During the first and second years of study, students attend three 120-minute GMT sessions per week. The course follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and systematically develops students’ German language skills from A1 to B2 level.

Alongside everyday German, students learn German medical terminology and language skills relevant to clinical practice. This allows international students to combine their medical studies in English with structured German language training from the beginning of their studies.

Preparing for Clinical Training in Germany

The goal of German Medical Terminology is to ensure that students achieve B2 German proficiency by the end of the course. Reaching B2 level and successfully completing GMT are prerequisites for participating in the teaching hospital phase in Germany from the third year of study.

For students looking to study medicine in Germany in English, the GMT course therefore provides an important link between an English-taught medical education and practical clinical training in a German-speaking healthcare environment.

Recognition of Existing German Language Skills

Native German speakers and students who already have German language skills may have their previous language qualifications recognized. Proof of proficiency, such as relevant school certificates or recognized Goethe or telc certificates, must be provided within the first week of study.

With German Medical Terminology integrated into the curriculum, UMCH students can study medicine in English while learning German for medical practice, helping them prepare for the linguistic requirements of their clinical training in Germany.