01
krankschreiben
to write off sick
As a doctor, to issue an official certificate confirming that a person is unable to work due to illness.
example
Der Arzt hat mich für eine Woche krankgeschrieben.
The doctor wrote me off sick for a week.
krankschreiben
to write off sick
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Krankschreiben' (to write off sick) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'krank' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt schreibt mich eine Woche krank.
The doctor writes me off sick for a week.
Structure of the verb
The verb is made up of the adjective 'krank' (sick) and the verb 'schreiben' (to write). It literally means that a doctor confirms in writing that someone is sick and therefore unable to work.
EXAMPLE
Eine Krankschreibung bestätigt, dass ein Arzt dich krankgeschrieben hat.
A sick note confirms that a doctor has written you off sick.
Patient's perspective
From the patient's perspective, you use the fixed expression 'sich krankschreiben lassen' (to get signed off sick). The person receiving the certificate becomes the subject of the sentence in this passive-like construction.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du Fieber hast, solltest du dich krankschreiben lassen.
If you have a fever, you should get signed off sick.
Doctor's perspective
When the doctor is the active person, the structure is: 'jemanden (Akkusativ) für einen Zeitraum krankschreiben' (to write someone off sick for a period of time). The object is the person who receives the certificate.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin hat die Patientin wegen der Grippe für fünf Tage krankgeschrieben.
The doctor wrote the patient off sick for five days because of the flu.
Compare with
krankschreiben vs diagnostizieren
to diagnose
'diagnostizieren' and 'krankschreiben' both belong to the medical field, but they refer to different steps. 'diagnostizieren' means that a doctor identifies which illness or problem someone has. 'krankschreiben' means that an official certificate for work is issued. Learners may confuse the words because both often happen at the doctor's office. But a diagnosis explains the illness, while a sick note confirms that someone is unable to work.
krankschreiben
Wegen der Rückenschmerzen lässt sich Mehmet für drei Tage krankschreiben.
Because of his back pain, Mehmet gets signed off sick for three days.
diagnostizieren
Die Ärztin hat bei Paul eine starke Grippe diagnostiziert.
The doctor diagnosed Paul with a severe flu.
In real life
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