💊 German phrase guide
How to ask for help at a pharmacy in German
Feeling under the weather abroad is no fun, but pharmacists are some of the most helpful people you'll meet. These phrases help you explain what's wrong and understand how to take what they give you.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key German phrases
| German | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Ich brauche etwas gegen Kopfschmerzen. | I need something for a headache. | |
| Ich bin erkältet. | I have a cold. | |
| Ich habe Husten. | I have a cough. | |
| Etwas gegen Halsschmerzen | Something for a sore throat | |
| Ist das verschreibungspflichtig? | Do I need a prescription for this? | |
| Wie oft am Tag? | How many times a day? | |
| Vor oder nach dem Essen? | Before or after meals? | |
| Macht das müde? | Does it make you drowsy? | |
| Sonnencreme | Sunscreen | |
| Wo ist die nächste Apotheke? | Where is the nearest pharmacy? |
Example conversation
Pharmacist
Guten Tag, was kann ich für Sie tun?
Hello, what can I do for you?
You
Ich bin erkältet und habe starke Kopfschmerzen.
I have a cold and a bad headache.
Pharmacist
Haben Sie Allergien gegen Medikamente?
Are you allergic to any medication?
You
Nein, keine.
No, none.
Pharmacist
Nehmen Sie alle acht Stunden eine davon, nach dem Essen.
Take one of these every eight hours, after meals.
You
Gut, vielen Dank.
Great, thank you very much.
Good to know
💡 In Germany, medicine (even basic painkillers) is sold only in an "Apotheke", not in supermarkets. A "Drogerie" sells toiletries and cosmetics, not medicine.
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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Practice "At the pharmacy" in German →More German situations
☕ How to order coffee🍽️ How to order at a restaurant🧭 How to ask for directions🏨 How to check into a hotel🙋 How to introduce yourself🩺 How to make a doctor's appointment🚆 How to buy a train ticket👕 How to shop for clothes📞 How to book a table🌤️ How to make small talk