If you're learning German and ever find yourself talking about health, hospitals, or doctor's visits, you'll definitely want to know how to say patient in German. It’s a word that shows up frequently in real-world conversation, and knowing how to use it accurately helps you sound more fluent and natural.
The word for patient in German is der Patient. It’s a masculine noun, and the plural form is die Patienten. For a full overview of how gender and articles work, check out my video lesson on gender, which breaks it down simply and clearly.
This is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and it’s especially useful if you plan to live, travel, or work in a German-speaking country — or even just understand what’s happening in a medical drama on TV.
Let’s take a quick look at how this noun works in all four cases:
Nominative:
Der Patient wartet im Wartezimmer.
The patient is waiting in the waiting room.
Accusative:
Der Arzt behandelt den Patienten.
The doctor is treating the patient.
Dative:
Er gibt dem Patienten ein Rezept.
He gives the patient a prescription.
Genitive:
Die Akte des Patienten liegt auf dem Tisch.
The patient’s file is on the table.
This word is often used with verbs like behandeln (to treat), untersuchen (to examine), aufnehmen (to admit), or entlassen (to discharge). You’ll also hear der neue Patient (the new patient), schwerkranker Patient (critically ill patient), or älterer Patient (elderly patient), depending on the situation. In plural, Patienten warten oft stundenlang — “Patients often wait for hours.”
Here’s how Patient might sound in a beginner-level conversation:
A: Wie geht’s dem Patienten auf Zimmer 12?
B: Nicht so gut. Er hat noch Schmerzen.
A: How’s the patient in room 12 doing?
B: Not so well. He’s still in pain.
To help you practice speaking, here’s a question. Think about your answer, but don’t write it down — just say it out loud in German. Be sure to use the word Patient or Patienten in your answer.
“Warst du schon einmal ein Patient im Krankenhaus?”
Have you ever been a patient in a hospital?
This type of practice helps make the word stick — and improves your fluency each time you speak it aloud.
German Word of the Day
Now you’ve learned how to say patient in German — and how to use it in everyday settings, both formal and casual. Keep your vocabulary growing with useful words like this, backed by context, examples, and real-world use.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to take the next step in your learning.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Learn what Pass means — it's not just for travel.
Or revisit Pflicht — and see how it shapes everyday responsibility.