What is the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)?
The Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) is a standard exam for international doctors who wish to work in Germany. It is administered by the respective Medical Chambers and assesses your medical communication skills in German—both with Patients and with colleagues.
Unlike the Kenntnisprüfung (KP), which tests your medical expertise, the FSP focuses exclusively on medical language and communication.
Who must take the FSP?
The FSP is mandatory for all Doctors from non-EU countries, as well as for EU doctors whose German proficiency has not been sufficiently proven. It is a requirement for:
- Approbation (permanent Berufserlaubnis)
- Berufserlaubnis (time-limited permission to practise)
Procedure of the Fachsprachprüfung 2026
In most Federal States, the FSP consists of three parts:
1. Patient interview (Medical History)
You conduct a conversation with a simulated patient. The goal is a complete Medical History: main complaint, Past Medical History, Medication, Allergy, Social History. Duration: approx. 20 minutes.
2. Doctor-Doctor Handover (Handover)
You hand over the case verbally to a colleague. You assess the key findings, state Suspected Diagnoses, and propose further diagnostics. Duration: approx. 10 minutes.
3. Written part (Medical Report)
You write a structured Medical Report based on the patient interview. Structure, medical terminology, and spelling are assessed. Duration: approx. 30 minutes.
What is assessed in the FSP?
The examiners assess the following competencies:
- Medical terminology — correct use of terms such as dyspnoea, palpitations, haemoptysis
- Patient communication — clear explanations in plain language
- Medical Report structure — introduction, Medical History, Diagnosis, procedure
- Grammar and pronunciation — fluent, low-error communication
FSP 2026: Differences between Federal States
The FSP is not standardised across Germany—each Federal State has its own rules:
| Federal State | Duration | Costs | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaria | 60 min | approx. €400 | Written part included |
| NRW | 60 min | approx. €350 | 3 parts + oral handover |
| Baden-Württemberg | 60 min | approx. €380 | Similar to Bavaria |
| Berlin | 60 min | approx. €400 | Current Waiting Period: 6–8 weeks |
FSP Preparation: How to prepare optimally
Step 1: Medical German at C1 level
You need more than general German. Focus specifically on medical language: organ-related terminology, symptom descriptions, differential diagnoses in German.
Step 2: Practise History Taking
Practise History Taking daily—ideally with real doctors or in structured practice sessions. Typical cases: Chest Pain, dyspnoea, Abdominal Pain, neurological symptoms.
Step 3: Medical Report training
Write one Medical Report every day. Memorise the standard structure: salutation → Medical History → Diagnosis → Findings → procedure → conclusion.
Step 4: Simulate handover conversations
The ISBAR framework is your friend: Identification, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
Common mistakes in the FSP
- ❌ Too much technical language when speaking to the patient (instead of clear explanations)
- ❌ Incomplete Medical History (forgetting Social History or Family History)
- ❌ Medical Report without a clear structure
- ❌ Too little practice with real conversation situations
- ❌ Preparation focused only on standard German—underestimating patients’ dialects
How Kennti.com helps you with FSP Preparation
At Kennti.com, we have developed a specialised FSP-Komplettkurs for doctors—created by experienced doctors who have successfully passed the FSP themselves.
The course includes:
- ✅ Over 50 realistic History Taking sessions with audio
- ✅ Medical Report templates for the most common cases
- ✅ Handover conversations based on ISBAR
- ✅ Vocabulary lists by specialty
- ✅ Live coaching with experienced doctors
If you are unsure where to start, book a free initial consultation—we will analyse your situation and create an individual learning plan.
FSP vs. Kenntnisprüfung: What is the difference?
Many Doctors confuse the FSP and KP. Here are the key differences:
| Feature | FSP | Kenntnisprüfung (KP) |
|---|---|---|
| Assesses | Medical German | Medical expertise |
| Conducted by | Medical Chamber | Competent authority |
| Duration | 60 min | 4–6 hours |
| Who needs it | Almost all third-country doctors | Only if equivalence is not recognised |
Conclusion: Successfully mastering the FSP 2026
For many international doctors, the Fachsprachprüfung is the first and most important step on the path to Approbation. With the right preparation—structured Learning, real practice interviews, and targeted feedback—it is very achievable.
Kennti.com supports you from your first vocabulary word to exam day. Take a look at our FSP course and start your Preparation today.
Kostenlose Lerntools von Kennti
- FSP-Simulator — 87 klinische Fälle kostenlos üben
- Karteikarten — 2.460 medizinische Lernkarten
- FSP-Wörterbuch — 150 ärztliche Redemittel
