What is a Fachsprachenprüfung?
FSP or Fachsprachenprüfung is a specialised medical German language exam designed to assess your proficiency in medical German. If you are an foreign doctor, with an education that was completed in any language OTHER than in German, you must take this test to prove your competency in medical German in order to start your PG/Residency in Germany.
Watch a video discussing the FSP and all the parts of the exam with examples by clicking here.
For most students, it is a challenge to understand what this test truly entails. "Is this going to be completely in German"? Some are worried if they are going to be good enough "Are they going to test my knowledge in medicine/surgery or gynaecology"? or even "How can i prepare for this dreaded exam and what happens if i FAIL"? Don't worry as by the end of reading this, you will have answers to all of your questions. Promise.
What are the Parts of the German Medical Language Exam?
Unlike other tests, this one focuses solely on your command over the language as it applies to medical settings, and not on your medical knowledge per se. You will be tested in three key areas to mimic real-world hospital situations. This 60-minute exam is divided into three parts, each lasting 20 minutes.
Part 1: Doctor-Patient Conversation (Arzt-Patienten-Gespräch)
Objective
You will engage in a medical history discussion with a patient, who will be played by an actor. The objective is to simulate an everyday doctor-patient conversation.
Procedure
- You will start by asking the patient various questions to take their medical history, just like you learned in your medical training.
- You will then explain your preliminary diagnosis and suggest further diagnostics and treatment.
- Be prepared to answer any follow-up questions the patient might have.
Evaluation
- Coherence: Make sure your statements are logically sound. For example, suggesting to cast a foot for a "Humerus fracture" will raise questions.
- Language Flexibility: You are expected to use flexible and descriptive language.
- Clarity: The patient should clearly understand you; avoid medical jargon as much as possible.
Part 2: Documentation
Objective
You are required to document the medical history discussion that took place in Part 1.
Procedure
- You will be provided with a standard Anamnesebogen (medical history form) by ÄkNo.
- Transfer the details of the patient's medical history onto this form.
Evaluation
- Completeness: Ensure all fields are accurately filled out.
- Clarity: The information should be easy to understand for other medical professionals.
Part 3: Doctor-Doctor Conversation (Arzt-Arzt-Gespräch)
Objective
This part simulates a ward round situation where you discuss the patient's case with two other doctors, possibly a chief doctor and a senior doctor.
Procedure
- You will present the patient's case in a structured manner, summarizing the medical history, your preliminary diagnosis, and treatment suggestions.
- The two doctors will then ask you follow-up questions and may present additional information about the patient for you to evaluate.
Evaluation
- Professional Language: Use medical terms, as you are speaking to professionals.
- Structure: Present the information in a logical sequence.
- Personal Insight: Include your own assessments and ideas for further treatment.
Part 4: Medical German translations
Objective
You are required to translate 10 formal medical German terms into common German.
How to Prepare for the Medical German Language Exam
To pass the Fachsprachenprüfung, you need to demonstrate effective language use across these three situations. You are NOT being assessed for your medical skills or diagnosis, but for the clarity, flexibility, and appropriateness of your language skills in a medical context.
Start with the preparations for the FSP exam with the FSP Vocab Trainer here.
Remember, practice is the name of the game. Get enough practice in with the medical German vocabulary and you shall easily pass the dreaded practical exam.
If however, you do not pass in the first attempt, do not lose heart. You can apply again! Just remember to concentrate on your German language and do not worry about the medicinal knowledge.
Alles Gute! 😊
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