der  Arztbesuch

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔaʁt͡stbəˌzuːx/

🩺 What exactly is an Arztbesuch?

Der Arztbesuch (noun, masculine) means the act of visiting a doctor's office or a doctor (Arzt / Ärztin) by a patient (Patient / Patientin). It refers to an appointment for an examination, treatment, consultation, or check-up.

It's a compound noun made up of:

• Der Arzt (doctor)
• Der Besuch (visit)

There is only this one article, 'der', because the base word 'Besuch' is masculine (der Besuch).

🚨 Note: You typically say 'zum Arzt gehen' (to go to the doctor) or 'einen Arztbesuch machen/haben' (to make/have a doctor's visit).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Arztbesuch

The noun 'Arztbesuch' is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Mein nächster Arztbesuch ist erst in drei Monaten.
   My next doctor's visit isn't for another three months.
2. Wegen der Grippe waren viele Arztbesuche nötig.
   Because of the flu, many doctor's visits were necessary.
3. Die Kosten des Arztbesuches übernimmt die Krankenkasse.
   The health insurance covers the costs of the doctor's visit.
4. Nach dem Arztbesuch fühlte er sich schon viel besser.
   After the doctor's visit, he already felt much better.
5. Sie musste den Arztbesuch leider kurzfristig absagen.
   Unfortunately, she had to cancel the doctor's visit at short notice.

💬 How to use 'Arztbesuch'?

The term Arztbesuch is commonly used in everyday language when talking about interactions with the healthcare system.

• Context: You talk about an Arztbesuch when you are sick, have an injury, attend a preventive check-up, or need a vaccination.
• Typical Phrases: "Ich habe morgen einen Arztbesuch." (I have a doctor's visit tomorrow.), "Der Arztbesuch hat lange gedauert." (The doctor's visit took a long time.), "Regelmäßige Arztbesuche sind wichtig für die Vorsorge." (Regular doctor's visits are important for prevention.)
• Distinction: A Hausbesuch is when the doctor comes to the patient's home. A Krankenhausaufenthalt is a longer stay in a hospital, not just a brief visit. The Sprechstunde refers to the doctor's office hours, but can also be used synonymously for the visit itself ("Ich gehe in die Sprechstunde." - I'm going to the consultation hour/doctor's office.).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Arzt (the doctor, grammatically masculine in this generic form). Since the doctor is 'der', the visit (Besuch, which is also 'der') to the doctor is also masculine: der Arztbesuch.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you go to an Arzt (doctor) and pay him a Besuch (visit) – like visiting a friend, except this 'friend' helps you get healthy. That's an Arztbesuch.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms for Arztbesuch

Similar but Different Terms

• Der Krankenhausaufenthalt: (Hospital stay) A longer stay in a clinic.
• Die Untersuchung: (Examination) Part of a doctor's visit, but not synonymous.

😄 A Little Joke

Patient: "Herr Doktor, ich habe solche Angst vor diesem Arztbesuch! Es ist mein erster."
Arzt: "Keine Sorge, meiner auch!"

Patient: "Doctor, I'm so scared of this doctor's visit! It's my first one."
Doctor: "Don't worry, it's my first one too!"

✍️ Poem about the Arztbesuch

Ein Kratzen hier, ein Zwicken dort,
Es hilft kein gutes, liebes Wort.
Zum Doktor muss man, schnell und gleich,
Ein Arztbesuch macht wieder reich –
An Hoffnung, Rat und Medizin,
So hat das Leiden wenig Sinn.

A scratch in throat, a little pain,
No gentle words can soothe the strain.
To see the doc, now quick, make haste,
A doctor's visit lays no waste –
Brings hope, advice, and medicine,
Makes suffering feel rather thin.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Urlaub, keine Feier,
Manchmal bin ich leider teuer.
Ich helfe dir, wenn's zwickt und pocht,
Auch wenn du lieber Suppe kochst.
Du gehst zu ihm, sitzt kurz im Raum,
Erfüllst dir einen Gesundheits-Traum?

Was bin ich?

---

I'm not a vacation, not a party,
Sometimes, sadly, I am costly.
I help you out when things ache or throb,
Though you might rather cook on the hob.
You go to him, sit briefly in a room,
Fulfilling a health dream, escaping doom?

What am I?

Answer: Der Arztbesuch (The doctor's visit)

💡 Other Useful Info

Word Composition: As mentioned, 'der Arztbesuch' is composed of 'der Arzt' (doctor) and 'der Besuch' (visit). In German compound nouns, the gender is determined by the last word (the base word). Since 'der Besuch' is masculine, 'der Arztbesuch' is also masculine.

Cultural Context: In Germany, the Arztbesuch is a central part of the healthcare system. Most people have health insurance (Krankenversicherung) that covers the costs of necessary doctor's visits. Appointments (Termine) are usually scheduled in advance.