Who is a Facharzt (medical specialist)?

A Facharzt is a physician who has completed:

• University medical studies, usually around 6 years

• Obtained the general medical licence (Approbation)

• Completed a specialist training period (Weiterbildung), which typically lasts 5 to 6 years, depending on the specialty

• Passed the final specialist examination (Facharztprüfung)

After completing all these stages, the doctor receives an official specialist qualification, allowing them to work independently as a specialist in their field, such as internal medicine (Innere Medizin), surgery (Chirurgie), paediatrics (Pädiatrie), cardiology (Kardiologie) and many others.

How specialization works during the Weiterbildung years

Choosing a specialty

After obtaining the general licence, the doctor chooses the field of specialization according to their interests and abilities.
They then apply to approved hospitals or medical centres in order to start their specialist training.

Practical and theoretical specialist training

This period is called Weiterbildung (specialist training).

• The duration is usually 5–6 years, varying by specialty (for example, neurosurgery often takes longer than general internal medicine).

• It includes:

  • Daily clinical work on wards and in outpatient clinics

  • Attendance and participation in operations and procedures

  • Performing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions

  • On-call duties and night shifts

  • Participation in courses, seminars and scientific conferences in the chosen field

Documenting medical activities (Logbuch)

The doctor must document all relevant medical activities in an official training logbook (Logbuch).

• For many specialties, a minimum number of procedures, operations or examinations must be documented.

• This documentation is a mandatory requirement to be admitted to the final Facharzt examination.

The final specialist examination (Facharztprüfung)

Once all training requirements have been fulfilled, the doctor can apply to sit the Facharztprüfung before a medical examination board.

• The exam is usually oral and partly theoretical,

• assessing medical knowledge, practical experience, and clinical decision-making skills in the specific specialty.

Obtaining the Facharzt certificate

After passing the examination, the doctor receives the official specialist certificate and is authorised to work as an independent specialist.

• They may work as a specialist in hospitals,

• open their own private practice,

• or later apply for senior positions, such as Oberarzt (senior physician) or Chefarzt (head of department).

Importance of the Facharzt stage

• It grants the doctor a legally and professionally recognised status as a specialist.

• It opens access to public and private healthcare institutions, with a high level of therapeutic autonomy.

• It is an essential prerequisite for advancement to senior and leadership roles in hospitals.

Summary

The path to becoming a Facharzt is long and demanding, requiring patience, commitment and continuous learning.
This stage enables the physician to provide advanced, reliable specialist care and forms the basis for significant professional development within the German healthcare system.

— The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or certain details may not yet be fully confirmed. For that reason, the information presented in these articles should be regarded as an initial point of reference only; for binding and up-to-date information, you should always consult the relevant authorities and official bodies.