The 5 most common mistakes that Germans make when assessing English speaking patients:
1.
#Allergien
Haben Sie Allergien gegen etwas? In German people have allergies against something, however in English people have allergies to something. Are you allergic to any medication?
2.
#Since
Seit wann? Since is a tricky one in English, as we only use it when referring to a point in time (I’ve had the pain since 2pm). If we are referring to a length of time, then we need to use the preposition for (I’ve had the pain for three hours). To avoid this mix up, and to sound like a pro, simply use the following. Question: when did the pain start? Statement: the pain started three hours ago/at 2pm.
3.
#Auskultation
I would like to listen to your lungs. Listen is the correct verb to use in this sentence, try to avoid directly translating the German verb abhören.
4.
#Medikation
Haben Sie etwas gegen die Schmerzen eingenommen? Have you taken anything for the pain? If you can memorise the correct prepositions for your patient assessment questions, then your English will improve dramatically.
5.
#Aspirin
Und der lustigste Fehler… Acetylsalicylsäure, oder ASS. In English we call this medication aspirin, and if we are asked about ass then it could be at best interpreted as the animal (Esel), and at worst as the buttocks (Gesäß)!
Weitere Tipps und Tricks finden Sie in meinem Schnupperkurs
Viel Spaß beim Lernen!