German NOUN C1 Rank 17643

die Approbation

medical license

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Meanings

die Approbation

medical license

The state authorization to practice an academic healthcare profession, especially as a doctor, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist, or psychotherapist in Germany. It is the requirement for being allowed to practice the profession independently and on one's own responsibility.

EXAMPLE

Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss ihres Medizinstudiums erhielt sie die Approbation als Ärztin.

After successfully completing her medical studies, she received her medical license as a doctor.

Usage tips

Word structure

The word comes from the Latin 'approbatio' (recognition, approval). The ending '-tion' is a typical signal for a feminine noun that describes a process or an abstract concept.

EXAMPLE

Die Bearbeitung ihres Antrags auf Approbation dauerte mehrere Monate.

The processing of her application for a medical license took several months.

Register and context

'Approbation' (medical license) is a very formal term from administrative and professional law (official language). It is used almost exclusively in the context of academic healthcare professions such as doctor, pharmacist, or psychotherapist.

EXAMPLE

Ohne Approbation darf ein Arzt in Deutschland nicht praktizieren.

Without a medical license, a doctor is not allowed to practice in Germany.

Typical verbs

Common verbs used in connection with 'Approbation' (medical license) are 'beantragen' (to apply for), 'erhalten' (to receive), 'erteilen' (to grant, by the authority), or 'entziehen' (to revoke, as a punishment).

EXAMPLE

Wegen eines schweren Fehlers wurde dem Arzt die Approbation entzogen.

Because of a serious mistake, the doctor's medical license was revoked.

Use with 'als'

To name the specific profession for which the license applies, the preposition 'als' (as) is used. The structure is: die Approbation als [Beruf] (the license as [profession]).

EXAMPLE

Er hat seine Approbation als Apotheker vor zehn Jahren erhalten.

He received his license as a pharmacist ten years ago.

Compare with

Anerkennung Zulassung

confusable

Approbation vs Anerkennung

recognition

For a foreign qualification, Anerkennung and Approbation can both be important state procedures. Anerkennung confirms that the qualification is equivalent, while Approbation is the actual license to practice the profession independently. Use Anerkennung for the qualification and Approbation for permission to practice a healthcare profession.

Approbation

Nach der Anerkennung beantragte der Arzt seine Approbation für die Berufsausübung.

After receiving recognition, the doctor applied for his medical license to practice.

Anerkennung

Die Behörde erteilte die Anerkennung seines ausländischen medizinischen Abschlusses.

The authorities granted recognition of his foreign medical degree.

Open full word page: Anerkennung

In real life

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