Shortly after finding out we were expecting, I remember walking into my Gynecologist’s office.  The whole day felt like a blur and while I was overwhelmed, it was relieving to have finally found a Gynecologist (also within a 10-minute walk from our home). The only thing was – she felt more comfortable speaking in German than in English.

So there I was, sitting with my Gynecologist and trying to explain my situation. “Ich bin schwanger! Was passiert jetzt?” – “I am pregnant! What happens now?” You might read this in a more subtle tone but, there was nothing subtle about the way I was feeling. Though I had taken almost 6 months of intensive German courses at Goethe Institute at this point (Monday – Friday for approximately 5 hours each day), this was the first time I felt vulnerable and lacking confidence in my German skills. I was nervous and honestly, afraid at the fact that I was now consulting with a doctor who mostly spoke German, about a situation (expecting my first child) that is completely unfamiliar to me.

She smiled and was very reassuring and supporting so I did eventually leave her office feeling more at ease. However, I vowed on that day that I wanted to make sure I continued to learn the language and the necessary vocabulary to be able to advocate for myself – and my child moving forward.

I want you to feel confident in your parenting journey. Which in this case also means, speaking some of the language in order to more freely express yourself and not always have to rely on an interpreter.

For this reason, I have created a list of some of the most common words and phrases to help you advocate for yourself, express your feelings, and communicate your needs in German. Typically, in hospital settings doctors do speak English. However, it is important to also know these terms so you feel empowered to confidently communicate your needs throughout your pregnancy and labor experience.

So los geht’s! Let’s dive in!

Quick List of Common Words and Questions

Dilation: (der) Gebärmutterhals

Epidural: (die) Periduralanästhesie (PDA)

Maternity Ward: (der) Kreißsaal

Vaginal birth: (die) Vaginale Geburt

C-section: (der) Kaiserschnitt

How do I know I am in labor? Woher weiss ich, dass die Geburt beginnt?

What are the risks involved? Was sind die Risiken?

Are there family rooms available? (for hospitals) Gibt es Familienzimmer?

Which courses can I take to prepare for labor? Welche Kurse kann ich besuchen und mich auf die Geburt vorzubereiten?

This is a short list you can commit to memory and practice using with your partner, friend, midwife, or doctor. I understand preparing for your birth abroad requires emotional and physical strength. I hope this helps alleviate some of that pressure by helping you feel more comfortable with the language. For a more extensive list, check out my Master Glossary of Terms for Birth Abroad in Germany.

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