Arzt
[aːɐ̯tst]
The German word for doctor is Arzt.
Arzt refers to a person who is qualified to treat people who are ill.
Which one should you use?
Arzt refers specifically to a male doctor, while Ärztin is the term for a female doctor. Do not confuse Arzt with Doktor, which is an academic title used for someone who has earned a PhD.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of Arzt is Ärztin. To refer to multiple doctors in the plural, use Ärzte.
What mistakes should you avoid?
In German, Doktor is an academic title for someone with a PhD degree.
Did you know?
- In Germany, you will often see the title Dr. listed on doorplates and business cards, but this is a protected legal title that can lead to fines if used falsely.
- The word Arzt comes from the Greek arkhíatros, which literally means 'chief physician'.
- While Doktor is an academic title, it is common in Germany to address a physician as Herr Doktor or Frau Doktor as a sign of respect, even if they are not acting in an academic capacity.
Examples in context
- Wo ist der Arzt?Where's the doctor?This example shows how to ask for the location of a specific doctor using Arzt.Tatoeba #3949547 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2254661 by CK
- Wo ist ein Arzt?Where is a doctor?This example shows how to ask for the location of any doctor using Arzt.Tatoeba #9971636 by wolfgangth, translation #1655503 by gleki
- Jim mag den Arzt.Jim likes the doctor.This example shows how to express a preference for a specific doctor using Arzt.Tatoeba #818979 by Zaghawa, translation #53314 by CN
- Ich muss einen Arzt aufsuchen.I need to visit a doctor.
- Herr Doktor, ich habe ein medizinisches Problem.Mr. Doctor, I have a medical issue.
- Hey, Doc, hast du einen Moment Zeit?Hey, Doc, do you have a moment?
- Gestern war ich bei der Ärztin und sie hat mir geholfen.Yesterday, I went to the doctor, and she helped me.
- 1024 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are talking about Felix's health.
- FelixIch muss morgen zum Arzt gehen.I have to go to the doctor tomorrow.
- JuliaWas hast du denn?What is wrong with you?
- FelixMein Rücken tut sehr weh.My back hurts very much.
- JuliaDann ist der Arzt die beste Idee.Then the doctor is the best idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Arzt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Arzt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
