FSP (Fachsprachprüfung) Question Types
Every question format explained with tips and strategies to maximize your score.
Overview
The Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) is the German medical language proficiency test required for internationally trained physicians to receive their Approbation (medical license) in Germany. It tests medical communication in German, not general language. Each German state (Bundesland) administers its own FSP through its medical association (Landesärztekammer).
Question Types
History taking (Anamnese)
Open history from a standardized patient on a complaint (e.g., chest pain, abdominal pain).
Strategies
- ✓Open questions first: 'Was führt Sie zu mir?' / 'Wo genau haben Sie die Schmerzen?'
- ✓Use the OPQRST model: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Timing
- ✓Close with: 'Haben Sie noch etwas, das Sie mir mitteilen möchten?'
Arztbrief writing
Write a structured case summary letter from the history you just took.
Strategies
- ✓Structure: Diagnose → Anamnese → Untersuchungsbefund → Weiteres Prozedere
- ✓Use passive/formal constructions: 'Der Patient gibt an...' / 'Es wird berichtet...'
- ✓Medical abbreviations: Z.n. (Zustand nach), V.a. (Verdacht auf), ED (Erstdiagnose)
General Strategies
- 1.Learn the Anamnese structure cold: Hauptbeschwerde → HPI → Vorerkrankungen → Medikamente → Allergien → Familienanamnese → Sozialanamnese.
- 2.Practice history-taking with a study partner 3× per week — fluency in the Anamnese is the biggest differentiator.
- 3.Write one Arztbrief every day for 3 weeks from sample cases. Focus on structure and formal register.
- 4.Medical abbreviations are heavily tested in documentation: V.a., Z.n., ggf., i.v., p.o., s.c., o.B. (ohne Befund), AZ, EZ.
- 5.Watch German medical education videos (Amboss, Lecturio auf Deutsch) to internalize how doctors speak.