Now the doctors are speaking: More language tests in Saxony-Anhalt!

Now the doctors are speaking: More language tests in Saxony-Anhalt!

There is a noticeable shortage of doctors in Saxony-Anhalt, and foreign doctors are increasingly moving into the spotlight in order to counteract this shortage. As early as 2023, 315 specialist language tests for foreign doctors have been completed by the Medical Association. This is a significantly increasing trend compared to 2022, when 307 exams took place. Since 2015, those who want to practice in Saxony-Anhalt have had to take a German language test to ensure that they have the necessary language skills to be able to communicate with patients. According to n-tv, the test, which includes various conversations and documentation, attempts to avoid communication problems in medical practice.

In 2022, 289 of 307 examinees were able to successfully pass the exam. The most common countries of origin for examinees are Azerbaijan, Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Turkey. If you look at the general development of foreign doctors, there are now around 1,900 working in Saxony-Anhalt, which represents an increase compared to 1,670 in 2022.

Strict requirements for admission

Anyone who wants to work as a doctor in Germany not only has to have medical knowledge, but also has to master the German language. From January 1, 2015, knowledge of the German language is legally required for professional practice. Doctors must provide proof of a certificate at the GER-B2 level as well as additional specialist language skills at level C1. These language tests are administered by the Saxony-Anhalt Medical Association, which carries out the exams at the Martin Luther University in Halle. Information about this is available on the Medical Chamber.

The exam consists of several parts. The requirements include a doctor-patient conversation as well as the processing of medical documents and certificates. Aids such as medical reference books are not permitted so as not to provide one-sided support to the examinees.

Shortage of doctors throughout Germany

This local trend is not isolated. According to [Deutschlandfunk](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/aerzte Mangel-deutschland-migration-buerocratie-100.html), there are now over 64,000 doctors from abroad working in Germany, which has doubled in the last ten years. This is happening against the backdrop of a growing shortage of doctors. Experts estimate that there will be a shortage of between 30,000 and 50,000 doctors by 2040. In particular, the number of doctors who do not have German citizenship has reached an all-time high.

It is important that not all foreign doctors are recognized in the same way. Doctors from the EU receive recognition in almost all cases, while colleagues from third countries often have to pass a knowledge test first. These procedures are considered complex and can take up to 24 months, which is currently criticized as being a hindrance. Initiatives to simplify and speed up these procedures are already underway.

Especially in a country that has to face the challenges of an aging population in terms of medical care, it is all the more interesting to look at the domestic structures. The German Medical Association and the Ministry of Health are working on strategies to solve Germany's shortage of doctors not by poaching foreign specialists, but by reforming the health system.