German for English speakers Hospital · Lesson 1

Medical checks

German at the doctor — Können Sie bitte den Mund aufmachen? (Can you open your mouth, please?) — with the modal können and politeness.

Conversation

  1. Bolin Bolin

    Kannst du den Mund aufmachen?

    Can you open your mouth, please?

  2. Honey Honey

    Aaa.

    Aaaaa.

  3. Bolin Bolin

    Gut, der Rachen ist nicht gerötet.

    Good. Your throat doesn't look too red.

    Tip: <gerötet> = has the word <rot> in it.

  4. Yennifer Yennifer

    Gott sei Dank.

    Thanks goodness!

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

Why use Sie in medical settings?

Sie is the formal 'you' — used with strangers, professionals, doctors. Du is reserved for friends, family, children.

What is aufmachen?

'To open' — separable verb. Ich mache den Mund auf = 'I open the mouth'. The prefix 'auf' moves to the end of the clause.

German body parts?

Der Mund (mouth), der Kopf (head), der Arm, das Bein (leg), der Bauch (stomach), das Auge (eye), die Nase (nose).

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