21. What language skills are required for full registration (Approbation)?
One of the basic requirements which must be met by foreign physicians intending to work in Germany is the proof of adequate knowledge of the German language. The physician is to contact the registration authority responsible for the geographic area in which he wants to work (see list:
Addresses of Registration Authorities). The competent authority decides which level is adequate and which certificates/attestations it recognises.
With the aim to establish a more coherent system the State Ministers of Health agreed on key points for the required German language skills in June 2014. Among other things they came to an understanding that foreign physicians should at least have completed level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in general German. Additionally, they should also pass a specific medical German language test (Level C1 of CEFR). It is worth noting that the key points are legally not binding for the states, but most states have adjusted their rules in the meantime. More information about this agreement (in German) can be found on the following websites:
https://www.gmkonline.de/documents/TOP73BerichtP_Oeffentl_Bereich.pdf
An overview of the requirements in the different states is posted here:
German language requirements for full registration. Please note that the requirements can change anytime. Therefore, the competent registration authority should be contacted before any decision is taken.