Sanitäter
/ˌzaniˈtɛːtɐ/
The German word for medic is Sanitäter.
The term refers to a person trained to provide emergency medical treatment, particularly in military or field settings.
Which one should you use?
While Sanitäter refers to a medic in an emergency or military context, the word Arzt refers to a physician or doctor.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. The masculine form Sanitäter becomes Sanitäterin to refer to a single female medic. To refer to a group of female medics, use Sanitäterinnen. The plural form for a group of medics is also Sanitäter. For gender-neutral ways to describe medical staff, you can use medizinisches Fachpersonal for medical personnel or medizinisches Personal for medical staff.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌzaniˈtɛːtɐ/
Did you know?
- A person working in the plumbing industry might be called a Sanitärinstallateur, which sounds very similar to the medical term.
- In Germany, a Sanitäter is often a volunteer rather than a career professional. Many are trained through the Deutsche Rote Kreuz or other civil protection organizations to provide aid during public festivals and sporting events.
- The word Sanitäter shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'sanitary', though in German it has evolved to describe a person rather than a state of cleanliness.
Examples in context
- Der Sanitäter leistete sofort Erste Hilfe am Unfallort.The medic provided immediate first aid at the accident site.
- Der Rettungssanitäter versorgte den Patienten während des Transports ins Krankenhaus.The EMT cared for the patient during transportation to the hospital.
- Diese Veranstaltung richtet sich an angehende Mediziner.This event is aimed at aspiring medical professionals.
- Der Sanitäter leistet Erste Hilfe.The medic is providing first aid.
- Er arbeitet als Sanitäter beim Militär.He works as a medic in the military.
- Wir brauchen sofort einen Sanitäter.We need a medic immediately.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a film about a war zone.
- JuliaWar er in dem Film ein Sanitäter?Was he a medic in the film?
- JulianJa, er war ein Sanitäter im Feld.Yes, he was a medic in the field.
- JuliaDas ist eine sehr gefährliche Arbeit.That is a very dangerous job.
- JulianDas stimmt, Julia.That's true, Julia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Sanitäter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
