Introduction: In Germany, insurance language is half the system
If you’re an expat in Germany, you quickly learn that healthcare is not only about doctors. It’s also about letters, forms, deadlines, and categories. Most of that lives in German — and the words are not intuitive.
This article is a language-first survival guide. We focus on the German insurance terms you see on membership letters, doctor bills, pharmacy receipts, and official mail. You’ll learn what the terms mean, what they usually imply, and how to react without panic.
We are not giving legal advice and we’re not trying to cover every edge case. The goal is practical understanding: so you can read your documents, ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes.
Every German sentence comes with phonetic reading for English speakers, so you can recognize it on the phone or in an appointment.
Core idea: In German insurance letters, a single word often signals a process: who pays, what you must submit, and what deadline you have.
1) The big map: the words that describe the system
Before you decode letters and bills, you need the map words. These are the categories that appear everywhere.
Krankenversicherung is health insurance. You’ll see it in company onboarding, tax paperwork, and almost every healthcare letter.
Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) usually refers to statutory/public health insurance. Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) refers to private health insurance.
Ich bin gesetzlich krankenversichert. (ish bin geh-ZETS-likh KRAN-ken-fer-ZI-khert) — I’m insured in the public/statutory system.
Ich bin privat krankenversichert. (ish bin prah-VAHT KRAN-ken-fer-ZI-khert) — I’m privately insured.
You will also see Krankenkasse (your insurance fund/provider) and Versicherte (insured person). Many letters use a formal tone and refer to you as “die/der Versicherte.”
2) Membership, proof, and the documents you must recognize
Insurance life in Germany runs on proof. These terms show up when you start a job, move, or change status.
Mitgliedschaft means membership. A Mitgliedsbescheinigung is a membership confirmation you may need for an employer.
Können Sie mir bitte eine Mitgliedsbescheinigung schicken? (KÖN-nen zee meer BIT-teh AI-neh MIT-glids-beh-SHYE-nee-goong SHI-ken) — Could you please send me a membership confirmation?
Versicherungsnummer is your insurance number. Gesundheitskarte or elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK) is the health insurance card.
Hier ist meine Gesundheitskarte. (heer ist MY-neh geh-ZOOND-hites-kar-teh) — Here is my health insurance card.
Some letters ask for Nachweise (proof documents), such as proof of residence, student status, or income.
Welche Nachweise brauchen Sie? (VEL-kheh NAKH-vy-zeh BROW-khen zee) — Which documents/proofs do you need?
3) Contributions, payroll, and the words that affect your monthly cost
Many expats first notice insurance language on their payslip. These terms explain what is deducted and why.
Beitrag is the contribution (the amount paid into insurance). Beitragssatz is the contribution rate.
Arbeitgeber (employer) and Arbeitnehmer (employee) matter because contributions are often shared. On payslips, you may see employer and employee portions.
Wie hoch ist mein Beitrag? (vee hohkh ist mine BY-trahk) — How high is my contribution?
Zahlt der Arbeitgeber einen Anteil? (tsahlt dair AR-bite-gay-ber AI-nen AN-tyl) — Does the employer pay a share?
Bemessungsgrundlage and Beitragsbemessungsgrenze are intimidating words. You don’t need to love them, but you should recognize them in letters about income and contribution calculation.
If a letter mentions Einkommensnachweis, it means proof of income. That usually signals that the insurer is calculating or recalculating your contributions.
4) Coverage language: what’s included, what needs approval
German insurance letters often separate what is generally covered from what needs explicit approval.
Leistung means benefit/service. Leistungskatalog is the catalog of covered benefits. Leistungsanspruch is your entitlement to benefits.
Kostenübernahme is a crucial word: it means the insurer will take over the costs. If you see it, read carefully — it often relates to approvals.
Brauche ich eine Kostenübernahme? (BROW-kheh ish AI-neh KOS-ten-ü-ber-NAY-meh) — Do I need cost coverage approval?
Können Sie die Kosten übernehmen? (KÖN-nen zee dee KOS-ten ü-ber-NAY-men) — Can you cover the costs?
Genehmigung means approval. Antrag means application/request. When you see Antrag auf Kostenübernahme, it usually means you must submit a request before the insurer pays.
5) Co-payments, invoices, receipts: the money words on bills and pharmacy slips
Even with insurance, you may pay parts yourself. The words are consistent once you know them.
Zuzahlung is a co-payment. You see it commonly for prescriptions and some therapies.
Muss ich eine Zuzahlung leisten? (moos ish AI-neh TSOO-tsah-loong LYE-sten) — Do I have to pay a co-payment?
Rechnung is an invoice/bill. Quittung is a receipt. Beleg is a document/receipt proof (very common in reimbursement processes).
Können Sie mir eine Quittung geben? (KÖN-nen zee meer AI-neh KVI-toong GAY-ben) — Can you give me a receipt?
Erstattung is reimbursement. If you pay first (common in private insurance), you submit the invoice for reimbursement.
Wie beantrage ich die Erstattung? (vee beh-AN-trah-geh ish dee er-SHTAT-toong) — How do I apply for reimbursement?
6) Prescriptions and the pharmacy: words you will hear fast
At pharmacies, the German is quick and practical. These terms help you keep up.
Rezept is a prescription. Kassenrezept (public insurance prescription) and Privatrezept (private prescription) affect how you pay.
Haben Sie ein Rezept? (HAH-ben zee ine reh-TSEPT) — Do you have a prescription?
Ist das ein Kassenrezept oder ein Privatrezept? (ist das ine KAS-sen-reh-TSEPT OH-der ine prah-VAHT-reh-TSEPT) — Is that a public-insurance prescription or a private one?
Arzneimittel means medication. Generikum is a generic. Wirkstoff is the active ingredient.
Gibt es ein Generikum? (gibt es ine geh-NAY-ree-koom) — Is there a generic?
7) Sick leave, wage continuation, and the words that appear when you’re ill
When you get sick, the insurance system intersects with work. You may see different documents and terms.
Arbeitsunfähigkeit means inability to work (medical). The famous document is the AU or Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung.
Ich brauche eine Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung. (ish BROW-kheh AI-neh AR-bites-oon-FÄ-higs-beh-SHYE-nee-goong) — I need a sick note (certificate of inability to work).
Krankengeld is sick pay paid by insurance under certain conditions (not always immediately). You may see letters about eligibility, documentation, or duration.
Lohnfortzahlung means continued wage payment by the employer for a period. These details are context-heavy, but the key is: if a letter mentions Krankengeld, read it carefully.
8) The letter words: what insurers use to sound official
German insurance letters often contain formal vocabulary that signals process steps. Recognizing these words reduces stress.
Bescheid is an official decision/notice. Ablehnung is rejection/denial. Bewilligung is approval/granting.
Ich habe einen Bescheid bekommen. (ish HAH-beh AI-nen beh-SHYT beh-KOM-men) — I received an official decision letter.
Warum wurde der Antrag abgelehnt? (vah-ROOM VUR-deh dair AN-trahk AP-geh-laynt) — Why was the request rejected?
Widerspruch means objection/appeal. If you see “Widerspruchsfrist,” it means the appeal deadline.
Wie lange ist die Widerspruchsfrist? (vee LANG-eh ist dee VEE-der-shprookhs-frist) — How long is the appeal period?
Frist (deadline) and fristgerecht (within deadline) appear frequently.
9) Doctors, billing, and the words that show up on invoices
If you’re privately insured, you may receive detailed invoices with codes. Even in public insurance, some documents contain billing terms.
Behandlung is treatment. Diagnose is diagnosis. Überweisung is referral.
Ich brauche eine Überweisung. (ish BROW-kheh AI-neh ü-ber-VY-zoong) — I need a referral.
Hausarzt is general practitioner/family doctor. Facharzt is specialist. Some insurers or practices structure care around these roles.
Gebührenordnung is a fee schedule (you may see it on private invoices). You don’t need to master it — but if an insurer questions an invoice, the discussion may reference fee schedule language.
10) Phone scripts: what to say when you don’t understand a letter
Insurance calls can be stressful because the German is fast and formal. A script helps.
Ich habe einen Brief von Ihnen bekommen und habe eine Frage dazu. (ish HAH-beh AI-nen brief fon EE-nen beh-KOM-men oont HAH-beh AI-neh FRAH-geh da-TSOO) — I received a letter from you and I have a question about it.
Können Sie mir bitte erklären, was ich jetzt machen muss? (KÖN-nen zee meer BIT-teh er-KLÄ-ren, vahs ish yetst MAH-khen moos) — Could you please explain what I need to do now?
Welche Unterlagen soll ich einreichen? (VEL-kheh OON-ter-lah-gen zol ish IN-ry-khen) — Which documents should I submit?
Bis wann ist die Frist? (bis vahn ist dee frist) — What is the deadline?
These sentences keep the call structured: letter → required action → required documents → deadline.
12) Public vs private insurance language: what the words imply
Many expats know the basic distinction: public (GKV) versus private (PKV). What surprises people is that the language changes too.
In public insurance, you’ll often see vocabulary about membership, contributions, and eligibility. Bills are less visible because the system uses “direct billing” with the card in many situations.
In private insurance, you’ll see vocabulary about invoices, reimbursement, tariffs (plans), and coverage conditions. You often pay first and then claim money back.
Language clue: if letters mention Tarif, Rechnung, and Erstattung, it often signals a private-insurance workflow.
In meinem Tarif sind bestimmte Leistungen ausgeschlossen. (in MY-nem tah-REEF zint beh-SHTIM-teh LYE-stoong-en OWS-geh-shlos-sen) — In my plan, certain services are excluded.
In public insurance letters, you may see Pflichtversicherung (mandatory insurance) or freiwillig versichert (voluntary insured). These terms influence how contributions are calculated.
Ich bin freiwillig versichert. (ish bin fry-VIL-likh fer-ZI-khert) — I’m voluntarily insured.
13) Family insurance and dependents: words that decide who is covered
If you have a partner or children, family coverage vocabulary becomes critical.
Familienversicherung is family insurance (often relevant in statutory insurance under conditions). Angehörige are dependents/family members. mitversichert means co-insured.
Ist mein Kind mitversichert? (ist mine kint mit-fer-ZI-khert) — Is my child covered as well?
Insurers may ask about Einkommen (income) and Beschäftigung (employment) of the partner because those factors can affect eligibility for family insurance. If you receive a questionnaire, it often includes these words.
Two administrative words that show up frequently are Fragebogen (questionnaire) and Angaben (information you provide). The tone can feel strict — it’s normal.
Ich habe den Fragebogen ausgefüllt. (ish HAH-beh den FRAH-geh-boh-gen OWS-geh-fült) — I filled out the questionnaire.
14) Switching insurers and status changes: language around changes
Life changes trigger paperwork: changing jobs, changing salary, becoming self-employed, or moving between public and private insurance.
Look for words like Wechsel (switch), Kündigung (termination/cancellation), Beginn (start), and Ende (end). Dates matter.
Ich möchte die Krankenkasse wechseln. (ish MÖKH-teh dee KRAN-ken-kas-seh VEK-seln) — I want to switch health insurers.
A key word is Kündigungsfrist (cancellation period). If you miss it, the switch may be delayed.
Wie lang ist die Kündigungsfrist? (vee lang ist dee KÜN-dee-goongs-frist) — How long is the cancellation period?
Status letters may mention Versicherungspflicht (insurance obligation) and Versicherungsfreiheit (exemption from mandatory insurance). These are high-impact terms because they affect whether you must be in public insurance.
15) Pre-approval and ‘cost coverage’: the vocabulary of permission
One of the most expensive mistakes expats make is assuming something is covered without checking whether approval is required.
If you see any of these words, slow down and clarify: Genehmigung (approval), Kostenübernahme (cost coverage), vorab (in advance), Antrag (request/application).
Common areas where approval language appears include therapy, rehabilitation, certain diagnostics, and medical aids.
Brauche ich eine Genehmigung vorab? (BROW-kheh ish AI-neh geh-NAY-mee-goong fohr-AP) — Do I need approval in advance?
Bitte schicken Sie mir eine schriftliche Bestätigung. (BIT-teh SHI-ken zee meer AI-neh SHRIFT-likh-eh beh-SHTÄ-tee-goong) — Please send me a written confirmation.
Written confirmation (“schriftlich”) is a powerful word. If you’re unsure, asking for written confirmation protects you.
16) Therapy, rehab, and aids: terms that appear in real letters
Even if you’re healthy now, it helps to recognize common terms that appear when something goes wrong.
Physiotherapie is physiotherapy. Ergotherapie is occupational therapy. Psychotherapie is psychotherapy. Reha is rehabilitation.
Hilfsmittel are medical aids/devices (for example, crutches, certain equipment). Heilmittel are therapeutic remedies (often therapy-related services). These two words are easy to confuse, but they appear in different administrative contexts.
Ist das ein Heilmittel oder ein Hilfsmittel? (ist das ine HYL-mit-tel OH-der ine HILFS-mit-tel) — Is this a therapeutic remedy or a medical aid?
Letters may also mention Verordnung (doctor’s prescription/order) and Behandlungsplan (treatment plan).
17) Dental language: why teeth create paperwork
Dental care is one area where expats often encounter unexpected insurance vocabulary.
Key words: Zahnarzt (dentist), Zahnersatz (dental prosthetics), Heil- und Kostenplan (treatment and cost plan), Eigenanteil (your own share).
If you hear “Heil- und Kostenplan,” you’re in a world of approvals and cost shares. Don’t guess — ask.
Gibt es einen Heil- und Kostenplan? (gibt es AI-nen HYL oont KOS-ten-plahn) — Is there a treatment and cost plan?
Wie hoch ist mein Eigenanteil? (vee hohkh ist mine AI-gen-AN-tyl) — How high is my own share?
Even if insurance covers part, you may see an Eigenanteil. Recognizing the word prevents surprise.
18) Reading a typical insurer letter: what each paragraph usually means
German letters are often structured in predictable blocks. If you recognize the block, you can predict what to do.
Block 1: reference and subject. Look for Betreff (subject) and a reference number.
Block 2: decision or request. Words like wir informieren Sie (we inform you) or wir bitten Sie (we ask you) indicate whether this is informational or requiring action.
Wir bitten Sie, die Unterlagen bis zum 15. Januar einzureichen. (veer BIT-ten zee, dee OON-ter-lah-gen bis tsoom FÜNF-tsayn yan-NOO-ar IN-ry-khen) — We ask you to submit the documents by January 15.
Block 3: legal tone. You may see references to paragraphs or regulations. Don’t panic — focus on the action requested.
Block 4: deadline and consequences. Watch for Frist, spätestens (at the latest), sonst (otherwise).
Bitte senden Sie die Unterlagen spätestens bis …, sonst können wir nicht entscheiden. (BIT-teh ZEN-den zee dee OON-ter-lah-gen SHPÄ-tes-tens bis, zonst KÖN-nen veer nikht ent-SHY-den) — Please send the documents by … at the latest, otherwise we cannot decide.
Once you can identify these blocks, letters become manageable instead of scary.
19) Reimbursement workflow (especially private insurance): terms for each step
If you have private insurance, reimbursement vocabulary is daily life. Here is the typical flow and the words you’ll see:
- Invoice arrives: Rechnung, sometimes with Fälligkeitsdatum (due date).
- You pay: überweisen (to transfer), Zahlung (payment).
- You submit: einreichen (submit), Belege (documents).
- Insurer checks: Prüfung (review), Rückfrage (follow-up question).
- Money returns: Erstattung (reimbursement), Auszahlung (payout).
Ich möchte die Rechnung zur Erstattung einreichen. (ish MÖKH-teh dee REKH-noong tsoor er-SHTAT-toong IN-ry-khen) — I’d like to submit the invoice for reimbursement.
If the insurer asks a Rückfrage, it means they need clarification. Respond quickly to avoid delays.
Welche Informationen fehlen Ihnen? (VEL-kheh in-for-ma-TSYOH-nen FAY-len EE-nen) — Which information is missing?
20) The confusing pairs: German words that look similar but mean different things
Some German insurance words are confusing because they look similar. Here are pairs that cause real mistakes.
- Versicherung (insurance) vs Versicherte (insured person)
- Leistung (benefit/service) vs Leistungsbescheid (benefit decision notice)
- Nachweis (proof) vs Hinweis (note/remark)
- Überweisung (referral) vs Überweisung (bank transfer) — same word, different contexts
- Heilmittel (therapy remedy/service) vs Hilfsmittel (medical device/aid)
When you see a confusing word, use one safe sentence on the phone: ask what category it is in.
Ist das medizinisch gemeint oder finanziell? (ist das meh-DEE-tsi-nish geh-MYNT OH-der fee-NAN-tsi-el) — Do you mean this medically or financially?
21) The ‘do not ignore’ checklist for insurer mail
Most letters are routine, but some words indicate that you should respond quickly. Treat these as warning lights:
- Frist / fristgerecht (deadline)
- fehlende Unterlagen (missing documents)
- Rückforderung (repayment request)
- Ablehnung (denial)
- Widerspruchsfrist (appeal deadline)
If you see these, make the next action explicit: what to submit, how, and by when. Use the phone script from section 10.
Ich möchte sicherstellen, dass ich die Frist einhalte. (ish MÖKH-teh ZI-kher-shtel-len, das ish dee frist IN-hahl-teh) — I want to make sure I meet the deadline.
22) Common mistakes expats make (and the language that prevents them)
Most costly mistakes come from misreading a single term. Here are the big ones, with the language fix.
Mistake 1: Assuming coverage without approval. Fix: ask about Genehmigung and Kostenübernahme.
Mistake 2: Paying an invoice too late. Fix: look for Fälligkeit (due date) and ask if uncertain.
Mistake 3: Ignoring a letter because it looks legal. Fix: search for wir bitten Sie and Frist.
Mistake 4: Sending incomplete documents. Fix: ask exactly which Unterlagen are required.
Können Sie mir eine Liste der benötigten Unterlagen schicken? (KÖN-nen zee meer AI-neh LIS-teh dair beh-NÖ-tee-gtən OON-ter-lah-gen SHI-ken) — Could you send me a list of the required documents?
Mistake 5: Not appealing in time. Fix: check Widerspruchsfrist.
23) At the doctor’s office: insurance words you’ll hear at reception
Many insurance misunderstandings happen at the front desk. Reception staff are not trying to be rude; they are trying to classify you correctly.
Typical questions include whether you are publicly or privately insured, whether you have your card, and whether you have a referral.
Sind Sie gesetzlich oder privat versichert? (zint zee geh-ZETS-likh OH-der prah-VAHT fer-ZI-khert) — Are you publicly or privately insured?
Haben Sie Ihre Gesundheitskarte dabei? (HAH-ben zee EE-re geh-ZOOND-hites-kar-teh da-BY) — Do you have your health insurance card with you?
Haben Sie eine Überweisung? (HAH-ben zee AI-neh ü-ber-VY-zoong) — Do you have a referral?
If you don’t have the card, ask what the office needs instead. The key word is Ersatzbescheinigung (replacement certificate).
Kann ich eine Ersatzbescheinigung nachreichen? (kan ish AI-neh AIR-zats-beh-SHYE-nee-goong NAKH-ry-khen) — Can I submit a replacement certificate later?
24) When the office asks for ‘Kostenvoranschlag’ or ‘Privatleistung’
Two words often trigger confusion: Kostenvoranschlag (cost estimate) and Privatleistung (a privately paid service). These can appear even if you are publicly insured.
A service can be medically useful but not covered under your plan, or it may require special approval. The office may offer it as a private service.
Ist das eine Privatleistung? (ist das AI-neh prah-VAHT-ly-stoong) — Is that a private-pay service?
Wird das von der Krankenkasse übernommen? (virt das fon dair KRAN-ken-kas-seh ü-ber-NOM-men) — Is that covered by the health insurer?
If they mention a Kostenvoranschlag, ask whether the insurer needs it for approval.
Braucht die Krankenkasse den Kostenvoranschlag für die Genehmigung? (BROW-kht dee KRAN-ken-kas-seh den KOS-ten-fohr-an-shlahk für dee geh-NAY-mee-goong) — Does the insurer need the cost estimate for approval?
25) Emergency language: Notfall, Bereitschaftsdienst, and what to say fast
In urgent situations, you may need to communicate quickly. Even if you don’t remember perfect grammar, key words help.
Notfall means emergency. Notaufnahme is emergency department. Bereitschaftsdienst is out-of-hours medical service.
Es ist ein Notfall. (es ist ine NOT-fahl) — It’s an emergency.
Ich brauche dringend einen Arzt. (ish BROW-kheh DRING-ent AI-nen artst) — I urgently need a doctor.
Wo ist die Notaufnahme? (voh ist dee NOT-owf-nah-meh) — Where is the emergency department?
Insurance-wise, emergencies can still create paperwork later. Keep receipts and note dates. If you get invoices, use the reimbursement vocabulary from section 19.
26) Moving to Germany: the onboarding vocabulary checklist
If you are new in Germany, you will face a predictable sequence: choose insurer (or register), get membership confirmation, receive your card, and provide proof to your employer.
Here are the key words that map to that sequence:
- Krankenkasse wählen — choosing a health insurer
- Anmeldung — registration
- Mitgliedsbescheinigung — membership confirmation for employer
- Gesundheitskarte — insurance card
- Versicherungsnummer — insurance number
If your employer asks for proof, a simple sentence works.
Ich schicke Ihnen die Mitgliedsbescheinigung heute. (ish SHI-keh EE-nen dee MIT-glids-beh-SHYE-nee-goong HOY-teh) — I’ll send you the membership confirmation today.
27) Mini FAQ: quick decoding questions expats ask most
“What does ‘wir bitten um Rückmeldung’ mean?” It means they want a reply. Rückmeldung is feedback/response.
Wir bitten um Rückmeldung bis … (veer BIT-ten oom RÜK-mel-doong bis) — We ask for a response by …
“What is ‘Rückforderung’?” It usually means they are asking for repayment (money back). Treat it as urgent.
“What is ‘Zuzahlungsbefreiung’?” It is exemption from co-payments (context-specific). If you see it, it’s about limits and proof.
“What does ‘unter Vorbehalt’ mean?” It means “subject to reservation” — provisional. It signals a decision could change after review.
“What is ‘Bearbeitungszeit’?” Processing time. If they mention it, your request is being processed.
Wie lange ist die Bearbeitungszeit? (vee LANG-eh ist dee beh-AR-bite-oongs-tsyt) — How long is the processing time?
28) A complete call script: from confusion to clarity in 3 minutes
This is a longer script you can follow. The structure prevents you from getting lost in German legal wording.
Guten Tag. Ich rufe wegen eines Schreibens an. (GOO-ten tahk. ish ROO-feh VAY-gen AI-nes SHRAY-bens an) — Hello. I’m calling about a letter.
Können Sie mir bitte sagen, was der nächste Schritt ist? (KÖN-nen zee meer BIT-teh ZAH-gen, vahs dair NÄKS-teh shrit ist) — Can you tell me what the next step is?
Welche Unterlagen fehlen noch? (VEL-kheh OON-ter-lah-gen FAY-len nokh) — Which documents are still missing?
Wie soll ich das einreichen? Per Post oder online? (vee zol ish das IN-ry-khen? pair post OH-der ON-line) — How should I submit it—by mail or online?
Bis wann ist die Frist, damit es fristgerecht ist? (bis vahn ist dee frist, da-mit es frist-geh-REKHt ist) — What is the deadline so it’s on time?
Können Sie mir das bitte auch schriftlich bestätigen? (KÖN-nen zee meer das BIT-teh owkh SHRIFT-likh beh-SHTÄ-tee-gen) — Could you confirm this in writing as well?
This script is powerful because it forces the conversation into action items: missing docs, channel, deadline, written confirmation.
29) Co-payment limits and exemptions: the words around ‘Befreiung’
Some expats encounter co-payment exemption language, especially when they have frequent prescriptions or chronic conditions. The important point here is not the details of the rules, but recognizing the administrative vocabulary.
Befreiung means exemption. Zuzahlungsbefreiung refers to exemption from co-payments. Belastungsgrenze refers to a burden limit (a threshold concept). You may be asked to provide receipts as proof.
If you see a letter asking for Quittungen or Belege to prove payments, it’s often part of an exemption process.
Ich möchte eine Zuzahlungsbefreiung beantragen. (ish MÖKH-teh AI-neh TSOO-tsah-loongs-beh-FRY-oong beh-AN-trah-gen) — I would like to apply for a co-payment exemption.
Welche Belege brauche ich dafür? (VEL-kheh BAY-geh BROW-kheh ish da-FÜR) — Which receipts/proofs do I need for that?
Even if you are not sure you qualify, you can ask for the required documents list. That keeps the conversation practical and avoids misunderstandings.
30) Children, school, and pediatric care: the insurance terms you’ll meet as a parent
If you have children, you’ll see insurance language in pediatric care, vaccinations, and school-related paperwork.
Kinderarzt is pediatrician. Impfung is vaccination. Vorsorgeuntersuchung refers to preventive check-ups for children.
Wir brauchen einen Termin beim Kinderarzt. (veer BROW-khen AI-nen tair-MEEN beim KIN-der-artst) — We need an appointment with the pediatrician.
Administrative words can appear too: Bescheinigung (certificate) and Nachweis (proof). Schools or kindergartens may request proof of certain vaccinations or check-ups.
Insurance-wise, the key is not to debate at the front desk. Ask what document they need and who must issue it.
Wer stellt die Bescheinigung aus? (vair shtelt dee beh-SHYE-nee-goong ows) — Who issues the certificate?
31) Self-employed and freelancers: contribution language you will see
Self-employed expats often face more paperwork because contributions are linked to declared income and status.
You may see words like Selbstständig (self-employed), Einkommensschätzung (income estimate), Steuerbescheid (tax assessment notice), and Nachforderung (additional payment).
If an insurer requests a Steuerbescheid, they usually want to validate your income. If they mention Nachforderung, it may mean you owe additional contributions after recalculation.
Ich bin selbstständig. Welche Unterlagen brauchen Sie für die Beitragsberechnung? (ish bin ZELBST-shten-dikh. VEL-kheh OON-ter-lah-gen BROW-khen zee für dee BY-trahks-beh-REKH-noong) — I’m self-employed. Which documents do you need to calculate my contributions?
The safest habit: keep a folder of key documents and respond quickly to questionnaires. Delays can create provisional calculations that later result in unpleasant adjustments.
32) One-page summary: the terms to highlight in any letter
If you only remember one section, remember this: most insurance letters can be decoded by highlighting a small set of words.
Action words: bitten (ask/request), einreichen (submit), nachreichen (submit later), prüfen (review).
Decision words: Bescheid (decision), Bewilligung (approval), Ablehnung (denial).
Money words: Beitrag (contribution), Zuzahlung (co-pay), Erstattung (reimbursement), Eigenanteil (your share).
Deadline words: Frist (deadline), spätestens (at the latest), fristgerecht (on time).
Process words: Widerspruch (appeal), Rückfrage (follow-up question), Bearbeitungszeit (processing time).
With this highlight method, you can identify whether the letter requires action, what action, and by when — even if the legal phrasing is hard.
33) Digital portals, apps, and online submissions: the modern vocabulary
Many insurers now push digital channels: apps, online portals, and digital document uploads. The German terms can look unfamiliar, but they are usually straightforward once you map them.
Look for Online-Portal (online portal), App (app), Upload (upload), Dokument hochladen (upload a document), and Postfach (message inbox).
If a letter says Sie können die Unterlagen auch online einreichen, that means you can submit documents online. This can be faster and gives you a digital proof of submission.
Kann ich die Unterlagen online hochladen? (kan ish dee OON-ter-lah-gen ON-line HOHKH-lah-den) — Can I upload the documents online?
Another common word is Eingangsbestätigung (confirmation of receipt). If the portal provides one, save it.
Bekomme ich eine Eingangsbestätigung? (beh-KOM-meh ish AI-neh IN-gangs-beh-SHTÄ-tee-goong) — Do I receive a confirmation of receipt?
34) Choosing doctors and clinics: words that affect billing and coverage
Insurance language also appears when you choose providers. The key point is not medical quality — it’s billing and access rules.
Kassenarzt (a doctor who treats public-insurance patients) and Privatarzt (private doctor) can determine whether your card is accepted for direct billing.
If you are publicly insured and you visit a doctor who only treats private patients, you may have to pay yourself. The language clue is often “nur Privatpatienten.”
Behandeln Sie auch Kassenpatienten? (beh-HAN-del-n zee owkh KAS-sen-pah-tsyEN-ten) — Do you also treat public-insurance patients?
Nehmen Sie meine Krankenkasse an? (NAY-men zee MY-neh KRAN-ken-kas-seh an) — Do you accept my health insurer?
These questions are direct and normal in Germany. Asking them early prevents unpleasant billing surprises later.
35) The calm rule: translate the process, not every sentence
When you read German insurance mail, you don’t need to translate every word. You need to identify the process. Is this letter asking you to do something? Is it confirming a decision? Is it requesting proof? Is it setting a deadline?
If you focus on those process signals — action, documents, deadline, and consequences — you can handle 90% of situations. Then use one phone call to fill the remaining gaps, using the scripts in this article.
11) Mini glossary: the 10 words that change everything
Below is a practical glossary of terms you will see often. Read it once and you’ll recognize half your letters immediately.
- Antrag — application/request (you submit something)
- Unterlagen — documents (you submit proofs)
- Nachweis — proof (document evidence)
- Bewilligung — approval (request accepted)
- Ablehnung — denial (request rejected)
- Erstattung — reimbursement (money returned)
- Kostenübernahme — cost coverage (insurer pays)
- Zuzahlung — co-payment (you pay part)
- Frist — deadline
- Widerspruch — objection/appeal