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patient in hospital bed with two medical staff
Image: Jens Büttner/dpa/picture alliance

German health system

The health care system in Germany is organized partly at the state level and partly at the private level. The structure is strongly influenced by the country's federalist system.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Smiling people posing with fake cannabis leaves in front of the Brandenburg Gate, March 31, 2024

Cannabis in Germany: Legalization with limits

Cannabis in Germany: Legalization with limits

The German parliament has voted to approve cannabis for private use, but some rules remain in place.
SocietyApril 1, 2024
An athlete clutches their leg in pain

Stress fractures in sport: When stressed bones fight back

Stress fractures in sport: When stressed bones fight back

Anyone who does a lot of sport risks a stress fracture. Sports physicians know how to prevent the injury.
SportsMarch 29, 2024
Filipino nurses walking in a hospital in the Netherlands

Germany eyes Filipino nurses to ease labor shortage

Germany eyes Filipino nurses to ease labor shortage

Will Germany follow the United Kingdom and bring more Filipino nurses into its health care system?
BusinessMarch 14, 2024
A computer-generated illustration of in-vitro fertilization.

Women in Germany demand better access to fertility treatment

Women in Germany demand better access to fertility treatment

Infertility affects one in six women in Germany. However, access to reproductive medicine is not available to all.
SocietyFebruary 10, 2024
SHIFT - aipin

Are AI health tips useful or not?

Are AI health tips useful or not?

Can AI assistants motivate people to eat more consciously and live healthier lives?
Digital WorldFebruary 10, 202402:49 min
SHIFT - ekg

When your smartwatch sounds the alarm

When your smartwatch sounds the alarm

If your smartwatch indicates cardiac arrhythmia, you should definitely go see a doctor.
Digital WorldFebruary 10, 202402:14 min
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

A black banner held in the stands of Karlsruhe's Wildparkstadion reads "Kevin forever!"

Depression in football: The fan groups fighting the taboo

In Germany, fans are taking matters into their own hands in supporting their fellow fans with mental health issues.
SportsMay 25, 2023
A nurse preparing equipment in an emergency ward

Germany's small hospitals are disappearing

The health care system can't afford to keep them all open. But critics say patients may die due to closures.
HealthDecember 18, 2022
Illustration of the COVID virus, SARS-CoV-2

Could this antibody fight all COVID strains?

Scientists have created an antibody that could lead to new vaccines that defend against omicron and all other variants.
ScienceSeptember 8, 2022
Ambrosia plants growing next to a field

How climate change is making allergy season worse

Pollen season can already be miserable if you suffer from allergies. But climate change is making the situation worse.
Nature and EnvironmentApril 7, 2022
Doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines

EU backs mix-and-match vaccines

Various studies have shown that people who get a combination of different vaccines produce more antibodies.
ScienceDecember 7, 2021
women shouting at a police officer during an anti-covid demonstration in Berlin

COVID-deniers threaten German doctors

German doctors are receiving threats from vaccine opponents as pandemic fatigue sets in.
SocietyNovember 14, 2021