1 The medical specialties in Germany differ from those common in the United States. The eye, ear, nose and throat combination does not occur, and ophthalmology is aseparate specialty in Germany. 2 German telephone etiquette requires an immediate identification by the person answering, whether it is a business or private residence. Hier Schmidt (if Schmidt hirnself answers) or Hier bei Schmidt, equivalent to "The Smiths' residence" in English. herself as Frau Schmidt, and a man with a doctor's degree (whether in medicine, law, philosophy or whatever) may say Hier Doktor Schmidt, but usually gives only his last name. Men and unmarried women do NOT identify themselves as Fräulein or Herr. A young girl always gives both her first and last names. 3 Nurses in Germany, both Catholic and non-catholic, are referred to by their first names with the title Schwester.
The formula is: Note that a married woman may refer to
4 In referring to parts of the body and sometimes to certain articles of clothing Germans frequently use the specifier instead of a possessive ward. A dative pronoun often occurs, too, to make personal reference clear.
5 by title. just as if he were addressing him directly.
A German employee or subordinate usually refers to his employer or superior
6 conditions. such as rheumatism and heart disorders. Sometimes this is regarded as a kind of rest eure and is combined with a vacation (see Unit 13). Sometimes it is recommended or even prescribed by the doctor. Often the treatment or "Kur" involves a strenuous regimen of diet. exercise, massage, hot and cold baths. etc •• leaving the patient quite exhausted. Then a second or follow-up treatment, a "Nachkur", is called for as a kind of recuperation from the original "Kur".
Germans frequently go to springs or baths for the treatment of various
7 to the branch of science. Medikament is used in referring to a specific prescription or patent dru~. In popular usage Medizin refers to liquids taken internally. while Medikament may refer to any drug in whatever form (powder, tablets. etc.,) and for whatever use.
Medizin is the more general. overall term used also. as in English, to refer