What is the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)?
As of October 2026, all figures without guarantee
In short
The Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) proves that you, as a physician, have a confident command of medical German at C1 level — talking to patients, talking to colleagues and in written documentation. It is administered by the state medical chambers (Landesärztekammern) and is generally a prerequisite for the Approbation (medical licence) or a provisional work permit when your medical degree was not taught in German.
Who has to take the FSP?
Physicians with a degree from abroad who apply for the Approbation or a provisional licence in Germany must prove specialist language skills at C1 level — regardless of whether the degree is from the EU or a third country. A general B2 certificate (e.g. telc, Goethe, TestDaF) is additionally required for admission to the FSP almost everywhere.
The three parts
The exam takes about 60 minutes and covers a single patient case in three chained parts of roughly 20 minutes each: the doctor–patient conversation (history taking), the written documentation (discharge letter) and finally the doctor–doctor conversation (case presentation with examiners' questions). What you elicit in part 1 is what you need in parts 2 and 3 — which is exactly why fsppruefung.de always trains the complete chain.
telc Deutsch B2·C1 Medizin as an alternative
Some federal states recognise the telc exam “Deutsch B2·C1 Medizin Fachsprachprüfung” as equivalent (e.g. Baden-Württemberg); others insist on their own chamber's FSP. Before registering, confirm with the licensing authority (Approbationsbehörde) which certificate your state accepts.
Passing and retaking
The chambers grade against their own criteria; the Nordrhein chamber, for instance, requires 60% of the maximum score (36 of 60 points). Official nationwide pass rates are not published. The FSP can be retaken — but the full fee applies each time, and depending on the chamber you may wait weeks to months for the next slot. Focused preparation before the first attempt therefore saves both time and money.
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