Prepare for the German dental license exam 2026: "Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin"

Introduction

If you are a dentist with a foreign degree and want to work in Germany, the Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin is a mandatory step in the recognition process. Passing this professional language exam is required to obtain your Approbation, the official license to practice dentistry in Germany.

In our work with internationally trained dentists, we see that the Fachsprachprüfung is often underestimated. Candidates are usually clinically experienced, but unfamiliar with the exact language expectations, exam structure, and evaluation criteria used by the German dental chambers.

In this guide, we explain how the exam is structured, what is objectively tested, how it is organized in 2026, and how dentists typically prepare successfully.

What Is the Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin?

The Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin is an official professional language exam that evaluates whether you can communicate safely and independently as a dentist in German.

The exam assesses your ability to:

• Communicate clearly and understandably with patients
• Produce accurate dental documentation
• Discuss clinical cases professionally with colleagues

Who must take the exam:

• Dentists with degrees from non-EU countries are generally required to pass the Fachsprachprüfung.
• Dentists from EU countries may also be required to take the exam, depending on the federal state and individual recognition process.

The exam is organized by the Landeszahnärztekammern (state dental chambers). The officially expected level is typically B2 general German combined with C1-level professional dental German.

Structure of the Exam

While details vary slightly by federal state, the Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin usually consists of three parts:

1. Patient conversation
   • Anamnesis, explanation of findings, and discussion of treatment options in patient-friendly German
2. Written documentation
   • Writing a patient record, report, or referral using correct structure and terminology
3. Professional discussion
   • Case discussion with examiners or colleagues using professional dental language

Typical duration: approximately 60 minutes
Typical cost: €350–€1000, depending on the Bundesland

Exam Dates and Organization in 2026

There is no single nationwide exam date for the Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin. In 2026, the exam continues to be organized throughout the year by the individual state dental chambers.

Based on current procedures:

• Exams are scheduled individually after application approval
• Waiting times vary by federal state and chamber workload
• Some states offer several exam sessions per month, others fewer

We always advise candidates to check directly with the Landeszahnärztekammer responsible for the region where they plan to work (for example NRW, Bavaria, or Berlin).

What Is Tested in Practice

From what we see in exam feedback and candidate reports, examiners focus less on perfect language and more on whether communication is safe and professional.

You are evaluated on:

• Dental terminology (e.g. fillings, caries, anesthesia, orthodontic procedures)
• Patient communication (clear, empathetic, structured explanations)
• Written German for accurate documentation
• Professional interaction with colleagues

Common reasons for failing are not grammar mistakes, but unclear explanations, missing structure, or inconsistent use of professional language.

How We Prepare Dentists for the Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin

At coLanguage, we prepare dentists specifically for the language and communication requirements of the Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin.

Our preparation is based on what we consistently see candidates struggle with in the exam.

• Individual teacher and preparation plan
  Each dentist works with a teacher who adapts the training to their level, timeline, and exam requirements.
• Exam-oriented course structure
  The curriculum focuses on patient conversations, documentation, and professional discussions, aligned with CEFR standards.
• Flexible scheduling
  Lessons can be scheduled around work commitments, including evenings and weekends.
• Realistic exam simulations
  Role plays, writing tasks, and structured case discussions based on actual exam formats.

After You Pass the Exam

After successfully passing the Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin, you can proceed with the final steps of your Approbation process.

With Approbation, you are allowed to:

• Work independently as a dentist in Germany
• Apply for permanent positions in clinics and practices
• Open your own dental practice in the future

Due to ongoing demand for qualified dentists, Approbation significantly improves long-term career prospects in Germany.

FAQ

How many times can I retake the Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin?
Retakes are generally possible, but fees apply for each attempt. Rules vary by federal state.

What does the exam cost?
Typically between €350 and €1000, depending on the Landeszahnärztekammer.

Is there one standard exam across Germany?
No. Each federal state organizes its own version of the exam.

Is B2 German sufficient?
No. B2 general German is required, but professional dental communication is expected at C1 level.

How does the dental FSP differ from the medical FSP?
The structure is similar, but all terminology and scenarios are specific to dentistry.

Conclusion

The Fachsprachprüfung Zahnmedizin is demanding, but clearly structured. With focused preparation on communication, structure, and exam formats, it is a manageable step toward practicing dentistry in Germany.

Our experience shows that dentists who prepare in a targeted and exam-oriented way significantly reduce stress and increase their chances of passing on the first attempt.