German doctors need 2 pain questions

Use one question for pain location. Then use one question for pain spreading.

This makes you sound clear in the German language exam for doctors (Fachsprachprüfung). You do not need 10 difficult pain words.

You need a small set you can say at 8am. You also need it while writing a patient report.

The 2 questions to learn

Ask where the pain is first. Then ask whether it moves anywhere else.

The patient can point with one hand. You can write the answer in one clean line.

• Wo genau haben Sie Schmerzen? Where exactly do you have pain?
• Strahlen die Schmerzen irgendwohin aus? Does the pain spread anywhere?
• Können Sie mit einem Finger zeigen, wo es am stärksten weh tut? Can you show me the worst spot with one finger?

Learn the first 2 questions as one pair. Say the first question, then pause.

Say the second question after the answer. This gives the patient time to speak.

Words for the pain location

Use body words the patient understands. Plain German is better than long medical language in the exam.

• in der Brust: in the chest
• im Oberbauch: in the upper abdomen
• im Unterbauch: in the lower abdomen
• im Rücken: in the back
• in der rechten Schulter: in the right shoulder

Words for pain spreading

Pain spreading starts in one place and is felt elsewhere. Chest pain going into the left arm is easy to picture.

• Die Schmerzen strahlen in den linken Arm aus. The pain spreads into the left arm.
• Die Schmerzen ziehen in den Rücken. The pain pulls into the back.
• Die Schmerzen gehen bis in die Schulter. The pain goes up to the shoulder.
• Die Schmerzen ziehen in die Leiste. The pain pulls into the groin.
• Die Schmerzen bleiben an einer Stelle. The pain stays in one place.

Say it in your handover

In the handover, do not repeat the patient question. State the answer clearly.

Give the starting point first. Give the direction second.

For example: Der Patient berichtet über Schmerzen im Oberbauch. Diese strahlen in den Rücken aus.

This is short and clear for the examiner. It also fits a written report.

If the pain does not spread, say it directly: Eine Ausstrahlung wird verneint.

This means the patient says there is no spreading pain. Write that sentence in your report.

What the exam tests

The language exam has 3 parts of about 20 minutes each. You speak with a patient and write a report.

Then you hand over to a doctor examiner. All 3 parts happen on the same exam day.

The exam tests medical German, not medical knowledge. A clear pain history helps in every part.

What to do today

1. Write the 2 main questions in one phone note.
2. Say each question aloud 10 times before your next study session.
3. Write 3 handover sentences for chest, abdominal, and back pain.
4. Record your voice while reading the sentences slowly.

Stand: 2026-10-11. This is a guide, not legal advice. Every German state has its own rules, and rules change. Check with your state's [medical chamber (Landesärztekammer)](https://www.bundesaerztekammer.de/aerztekammern) before you act.