Comprehensive Vocabulary Guide for Nursing Careers: Fokus Deutsch B1/B2

Bibliographic Information and Course Overview

The text titled "Fokus Deutsch – Erfolgreich in Pflegeberufen B1/B2 Wortliste" is a comprehensive vocabulary guide published by Cornelsen Verlag GmbH, Berlin, specifically intended for those training or working in nursing and healthcare professions. The first edition was released in 2018, with further copyright updates in 2019. The redaction team includes Dr. Barbara Welzel and Franziska Gross, with project management by Gertrud Deutz and technical implementation by finedesign, Berlin. This specific resource carries the ISBN: 978-3-06-021305-4. The material is meticulously structured to help students prepare for the telc Deutsch B1–B2 Pflege examination, with high-priority exam vocabulary highlighted in bold within the original text. The vocabulary list is divided into distinct thematic modules spanning workplace organization, medical procedures, patient communication, and professional ethics.

Chapter 1: Workplace Structure and Initial Care Procedures

Chapter 1, titled "Am Arbeitsplatz" (At the Workplace), establishes the foundational vocabulary for navigating a nursing environment. It covers various types of facilities such as the "Altenpflegeeinrichtung" (nursing care facility), "Altenpflegeheim" (nursing home), and "Pflegeheim." The hierarchy and personnel are defined through roles including the "Heimleitung" (home management), "Pflegedienstleitung" (abbreviated as PDL), "Wohnbereichsleitung" (WBL), "Pflegefachkraft" (PFK), and "Pflegehilfskraft" (PHK). Organizational tools such as the "Dienstplan" (duty roster), "Schichtplan" (shift plan), and "Organigramm" (organizational chart) are essential for managing shifts like "Fr%fchdienst" (early shift), "Sp%e4tdienst" (late shift), and "Nachtschicht" (night shift). Care activities involve "Grundpflege" (basic care) and "Behandlungspflege" (treatment care), including tasks like "Lagerung" (positioning/bedding), "Anlegen" (applying, such as a bandage), and "Verabreichen" (administering, such as medication). Equipment mentioned includes the "Antithrombosestrumpf" (abbreviated as ATS), "Rollator," "Rollstuhl" (wheelchair), and "Medikamentendispenser."

Chapter 2: Nutrition, Hydration, and Metabolism

Chapter 2, "Essen und Trinken" (Eating and Drinking), focuses on the dietary needs of patients. It introduces various types of nutrition, such as "Vollkost" (full diet), "Schonkost" (light diet), "Aufbaukost" (strengthening diet), and "Reduktionskost" (reduction diet). Specific conditions affecting intake include "Glutenintoleranz" (gluten intolerance), "Laktoseintoleranz," and "Adipositas" (obesity). Clinical complications relate to hydration, including "Dehydration," "Exsikkose" (desiccation/severe dehydration), and the monitoring of "Fl%fcssigkeitsbilanz" (fluid balance). Specialized feeding methods use a "Magensonde" (gastric tube) or "PEG-Sonde" (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy). Documentation is crucial via the "Trinkprotokoll" and "Pflegebericht." Physical assessments include checking "Hautturgor" (skin turgor) to detect a "Fl%fcssigkeitsmangel" (fluid deficiency). Medications for pain, or "Schmerzmedikament," and supplements like "Eiwei%df" (protein) are frequently mentioned alongside tea varieties like "Fencheltee" or "Kamillentee."

Chapter 3: Anatomy, Mobility, and Injury Prevention

Chapter 3, "Wir helfen, wo wir können" (We Help Where We Can), provides an anatomical lexicon. Skeletal terms include the "Wirbels%e4ule" (spine), specifically divided into "Halswirbels%e4ule" (HWS), "Brustwirbels%e4ule" (BWS), and "Lendenwirbels%e4ule." Bones such as the "Oberschenkelknochen" (femur), "Schl%fcsselbein" (clavicle), and "Brustbein" (sternum) are identified. Mobility issues often stem from an "Oberschenkelhalsbruch" (hip fracture) or "Bandscheibenvorfall" (herniated disc). Prevention strategies focus on "Prophylaxe," specifically "Thromboseprophylaxe" and "Dekubitusprophylaxe" to avoid a "Druckgeschw%fcr" (pressure sore) or "Dekubitus." Symptoms described include "bohrend" (boring), "pochend" (throbbing), or "h%e4mmernd" (hammering) pain. Tools for rehabilitation include the "Gymnastikball" and aid devices like the "Schuhlo%f1el" (shoehorn) and "Anziehhilfe" (dressing aid).

Chapter 4: Daily Hygiene and Clinical Documentation

Chapter 4, "Alltag in der Pflege" (Daily Life in Nursing), covers hygiene and excretion management. Procedures include "Ganzk%f6rperw%e4sche" (full body wash) and "Teilk%f6rperw%e4sche" using "Einmalwaschlappen" (disposable washcloths). Excretion terms such as "Urin," "Stuhl" (feces), "F%e4kalien," and "Erbrechen" (vomiting) are addressed, alongside pathologies like "Diarrhoe" (diarrhea) or "Inkontinenz." Management of these issues involves "Inkontinenzmaterial," "Bettsch%fcssel," or a "Toilettenstuhl." Professional standards require adhering to "Hygienevorschriften" and proper disinfection using "Desinfektionsmittel." The chapter also introduces the German social insurance system, mentioning "Krankenversicherung" (health insurance), "Rentenversicherung" (pension insurance), "Arbeitslosenversicherung" (unemployment insurance), and "Pflegeversicherung" (nursing care insurance). Documentation is formalized through the "Pflegeplanung," "Pflegeziel," and "AEDL" (Activities of Everyday Living).

Chapter 5: Acute Illness and Medical Assessment

Chapter 5, "Wenn Bewohner erkranken" (When Residents Fall Ill), details clinical assessment and vital signs. Measurements include the "Blutdruck" (blood pressure, often denoted as RR), "Puls," and "K%f6rpertemperatur." Conditions like "Tachykardie" (high heart rate), "Bradykardie" (low heart rate), and "Bluthochdruck" (hypertension) are central. Diagnostic steps involve "Blutabnahme" (blood sampling), "Ultraschalluntersuchung" (ultrasound), and "R%f6ntgen" (x-ray). Highlighting clinical states, terms like "bewusstlos" (unconscious), "blass" (pale), and "fiebrig" (feverish) are used. The "Medizinische Dienst der Krankenversicherung" (MDK) and the "Sozialgesetzbuch" (specifically SGB XI) are listed as vital institutional frameworks. Monitoring is tracked on the "Fieberkurve" or "Krankenkurve."

Chapter 6: Hospital Infrastructure and Specialized Medicine

Chapter 6, "Im Krankenhaus" (In the Hospital), expands on specialized medical environments. It identifies departments like "Chirurgie" (surgery), "Gyn%e4kologie," "Onkologie," and "Inneren Abteilung" (internal medicine). Roles include the "Chefarzt" (head physician), "Oberarzt" (senior physician), and "Assistenzarzt." Medical technology and procedures such as "An%e4sthesie," "Endoskopie," "EKG," and "Drainage" are included. Conditions such as "Diabetes mellitus," "Hepatitis," "Myokardinfarkt" (heart attack), and "Pneumonie" (pneumonia) are described alongside specific surgical terms like "minimalinvasiv" and "Vollnarkose." Dosage units like "Milligramm" are handled as mgmg, and pharmaceutical forms include "Tablette," "Kapsel," and "Suppositorium" (suppository).

Chapter 7: Living Environments, Dementia, and Safety

Chapter 7, "Wohnen – schön und sicher" (Living – Beautiful and Safe), focuses on geriatric safety and "Alzheimer-Demenz." Safety hazards are termed "Stolperfalle" (tripping hazard), and prevention is managed through "Sturzprophylaxe." Controversial measures like "freiheitsentziehende Ma%dfnahme" (FEM, freedom-restricting measures) or the use of a "Fixiergurt" (restraint belt) are mentioned in a legal context requiring a "Betreuungsgericht" (guardianship court). Environmental adaptations like being "barrierefrei" (barrier-free) and using a "Treppenlift" are emphasized. Psychological states associated with age, such as "Depression" and "Verwirrtheit" (confusion), are key vocabulary points.

Chapter 8 and 9: Professional Communication and Career Management

Chapters 8 and 9 cover "Kommunikation I & II." Chapter 8 deals with sensory perception (e.g., "Tastsinn" for touch, "Sehverm%f6gen" for vision) and psychological barriers like "Desorientierung." Chapter 9 focuses on the professional application process, including the "Bewerbungsschreiben" (application letter), "Lebenslauf" (CV), and "Vorstellungsgespr%e4ch" (interview). It identifies the "Pflegenotstand" (nursing shortage) and roles such as "Di%e4tassistent" and "Physiotherapeut." The "BMI" (BodyMassIndexBody-Mass-Index) is noted as a standard health metric.

Chapter 10, 11, and 12: Ethics, Gender, and End-of-Life Care

Chapter 10, "Gemeinsam aktiv im Alter," introduces legal documents like the "Patientenverf%fcgung" (living will) and "Vorsorgevollmacht" (power of attorney). Chapter 11, "Typisch Mann? Typisch Frau?" explores "Geschlechterrollen" (gender roles), "Sexualit%e4t," and the maintenance of professional boundaries, warning against "%dcbergriff" (encroachment/assault). Finally, Chapter 12, "Geburt – Leben – Tod" deals with the lifecycle. It focuses on "Biografiearbeit" (biography work), "Palliativ" care, and "Sterbebegleitung" (hospice/terminal care), addressing sensitive topics like "Suizid," "Trauerarbeit" (grief work), and "Beerdigung" (funeral).

Verbs
  • Anlegen: to apply (as in bandage)

  • Verabreichen: to administer (medication)

  • Lagerung: to position (or bed)

  • essen: to eat

  • trinken: to drink

Nouns
  • Altenpflegeeinrichtung: nursing care facility

  • Altenpflegeheim: nursing home

  • Pflegeheim: care home

  • Heimleitung: home management

  • Pflegedienstleitung: nursing service management

  • Wohnbereichsleitung: area management

  • Pflegefachkraft: qualified nursing staff

  • Pflegehilfskraft: nursing assistant

  • Dienstplan: duty roster

  • Schichtplan: shift plan

  • Organigramm: organizational chart

  • Grundpflege: basic care

  • Behandlungspflege: treatment care

  • Antithrombosestrumpf: anti-thrombosis stockings

  • Rollator: walker

  • Rollstuhl: wheelchair

  • Medikamentendispenser: medication dispenser

  • Glutenintoleranz: gluten intolerance

  • Laktoseintoleranz: lactose intolerance

  • Adipositas: obesity

  • Dehydration: dehydration

  • Exsikkose: severe dehydration

  • Trinkprotokoll: drinking protocol

  • Pflegebericht: nursing report

  • Hautturgor: skin turgor

  • flüssigkeitsbilanz: fluid balance

  • Schmerzmedikament: pain medication

  • Eiweiß: protein

  • Fencheltee: fennel tea

  • Kamillentee: chamomile tea

  • Wirbelsäule: spine

  • Halswirbelsäule: cervical vertebrae

  • Brustwirbelsäule: thoracic vertebrae

  • Lendenwirbelsäule: lumbar vertebrae

  • Oberschenkelknochen: femur

  • Schulterschlüsselbein: clavicle

  • Brustbein: sternum

  • Oberschenkelhalsbruch: hip fracture

  • Bandscheibenvorfall: herniated disc

  • Prophylaxe: prevention

  • Druckgeschwür: pressure sore

  • Dekubitus: pressure ulcer

  • Ganzkörperwäsche: full body wash

  • Teilkörperwäsche: partial body wash

  • Urin: urine

  • Stuhl: feces

  • Fäkalien: fecal matter

  • Erbrechen: vomiting

  • Diarrhoe: diarrhea

  • Inkontinenz: incontinence

  • Hygienevorschriften: hygiene regulations

  • Desinfektionsmittel: disinfectants

  • Krankenversicherung: health insurance

  • Rentenversicherung: pension insurance

  • Arbeitslosenversicherung: unemployment insurance

  • Pflegeversicherung: nursing care insurance

  • Pflegeplanung: nursing plan

  • Pflegeziel: nursing goal

  • AEDL: Activities of Everyday Living

  • Blutdruck: blood pressure

  • Puls: pulse

  • Körpertemperatur: body temperature

  • Tachykardie: tachycardia

  • Bradykardie: bradycardia

  • Bluthochdruck: hypertension

  • Blutabnahme: blood sampling

  • Ultraschalluntersuchung: ultrasound examination

  • Röntgen: X-ray

  • Medizinische Dienst der Krankenversicherung: Medical Service of Health Insurance

  • Sozialgesetzbuch: Social Code

  • Fieberkurve: fever curve

  • Chirurgie: surgery

  • Gynäkologie: gynecology

  • Onkologie: oncology

  • innere Abteilung: internal medicine

  • Chefarzt: head physician

  • Oberarzt: senior physician

  • Assistenzarzt: assistant physician

  • Anästhesie: anesthesia

  • Endoskopie: endoscopy

  • EKG: electrocardiogram

  • Drainage: drainage

  • Diabetes mellitus: diabetes

  • Hepatitis: hepatitis

  • Myokardinfarkt: heart attack

  • Pneumonie: pneumonia

  • minimalinvasiv: minimally invasive

  • Vollnarkose: general anesthesia

  • Milligramm: milligram

  • Tablette: tablet

  • Kapsel: capsule

  • Suppositorium: suppository

  • Stolperfalle: tripping hazard

  • Sturzprophylaxe: fall prevention

  • freiheitsentziehende Maßnahme: freedom-restraining measures

  • Fixiergurt: restraint belt

  • barrierefrei: barrier-free

  • Treppenlift: stair lift

  • Depression: depression

  • Verwirrtheit: confusion

  • Patientenverfügung: living will

  • Vorsorgevollmacht: power of attorney

  • Geschlechterrollen: gender roles

  • Sexualität: sexuality

  • Übergriff: encroachment/assault

  • Biografiearbeit: biography work

  • Palliativ: palliative

  • Sterbebegleitung: end-of-life care

  • Suizid: suicide

  • Trauerarbeit: grief work

  • Beerdigung: funeral.

Chapter 1: Workplace Structure and Initial Care Procedures

Verbs
  • Anlegen: to apply (as in bandage)

  • Verabreichen: to administer (medication)

  • Lagerung: to position (or bed)

Nouns
  • Altenpflegeeinrichtung: nursing care facility

  • Altenpflegeheim: nursing home

  • Pflegeheim: care home

  • Heimleitung: home management

  • Pflegedienstleitung: nursing service management

  • Wohnbereichsleitung: area management

  • Pflegefachkraft: qualified nursing staff

  • Pflegehilfskraft: nursing assistant

  • Dienstplan: duty roster

  • Schichtplan: shift plan

  • Organigramm: organizational chart

  • Grundpflege: basic care

  • Behandlungspflege: treatment care

  • Antithrombosestrumpf: anti-thrombosis stockings

  • Rollator: walker

  • Rollstuhl: wheelchair

  • Medikamentendispenser: medication dispenser

Chapter 2: Nutrition, Hydration, and Metabolism

Verbs
  • Essen: to eat

  • Trinken: to drink

Nouns
  • Glutenintoleranz: gluten intolerance

  • Laktoseintoleranz: lactose intolerance

  • Adipositas: obesity

  • Dehydration: dehydration

  • Exsikkose: severe dehydration

  • Trinkprotokoll: drinking protocol

  • Pflegebericht: nursing report

  • Hautturgor: skin turgor

  • Flüssigkeitsbilanz: fluid balance

  • Schmerzmedikament: pain medication

  • Eiweiß: protein

  • Fencheltee: fennel tea

  • Kamillentee: chamomile tea

Chapter 3: Anatomy, Mobility, and Injury Prevention

Verbs
  • Prophylaxe: prevention

Nouns
  • Wirbelsäule: spine

  • Halswirbelsäule: cervical vertebrae

  • Brustwirbelsäule: thoracic vertebrae

  • Lendenwirbelsäule: lumbar vertebrae

  • Oberschenkelknochen: femur

  • Schulterschlüsselbein: clavicle

  • Brustbein: sternum

  • Oberschenkelhalsbruch: hip fracture

  • Bandscheibenvorfall: herniated disc

  • Druckgeschwür: pressure sore

  • Dekubitus: pressure ulcer

  • Gymnastikball: gymnastics ball

  • Schuhloffel: shoehorn

  • Anziehhilfe: dressing aid

Chapter 4: Daily Hygiene and Clinical Documentation

Verbs
  • Ganzkörperwäsche: to wash the whole body

  • Teilkörperwäsche: to wash part of the body

Nouns
  • Urin: urine

  • Stuhl: feces

  • Fäkalien: fecal matter

  • Erbrechen: vomiting

  • Diarrhoe: diarrhea

  • Inkontinenz: incontinence

  • Hygienevorschriften: hygiene regulations

  • Desinfektionsmittel: disinfectants

  • Krankenversicherung: health insurance

  • Rentenversicherung: pension insurance

  • Arbeitslosenversicherung: unemployment insurance

  • Pflegeversicherung: nursing care insurance

  • Pflegeplanung: nursing plan

  • Pflegeziel: nursing goal

  • AEDL: Activities of Everyday Living

Chapter 5: Acute Illness and Medical Assessment

Verbs
  • Blutabnahme: to take a blood sample

Nouns
  • Blutdruck: blood pressure

  • Puls: pulse

  • Körpertemperatur: body temperature

  • Tachykardie: tachycardia

  • Bradykardie: bradycardia

  • Bluthochdruck: hypertension

  • Ultraschalluntersuchung: ultrasound examination

  • Röntgen: X-ray

  • Medizinische Dienst der Krankenversicherung: Medical Service of Health Insurance

  • Sozialgesetzbuch: Social Code

  • Fieberkurve: fever curve

Chapter 6: Hospital Infrastructure and Specialized Medicine

Nouns
  • Chirurgie: surgery

  • Gynäkologie: gynecology

  • Onkologie: oncology

  • innere Abteilung: internal medicine

  • Chefarzt: head physician

  • Oberarzt: senior physician

  • Assistenzarzt: assistant physician

  • Anästhesie: anesthesia

  • Endoskopie: endoscopy

  • EKG: electrocardiogram

  • Drainage: drainage

  • Diabetes mellitus: diabetes

  • Hepatitis: hepatitis

  • Myokardinfarkt: heart attack

  • Pneumonie: pneumonia

  • minimalinvasiv: minimally invasive

  • Vollnarkose: general anesthesia

  • Milligramm: milligram

  • Tablette: tablet

  • Kapsel: capsule

  • Suppositorium: suppository

Chapter 7: Living Environments, Dementia, and Safety

Nouns
  • Stolperfalle: tripping hazard

  • Sturzprophylaxe: fall prevention

  • freiheitsentziehende Maßnahme: freedom-restraining measures

  • Fixiergurt: restraint belt

  • barrierefrei: barrier-free

  • Treppenlift: stair lift

  • Depression: depression

  • Verwirrtheit: confusion

Chapter 8 and 9: Professional Communication and Career Management

Nouns
  • Bewerbungsschreiben: application letter

  • Lebenslauf: CV

  • Vorstellungsgespräch: interview

  • Pflegenotstand: nursing shortage

  • Diätassistent: diet assistant

  • Physiotherapeut: physiotherapist

  • BMI: Body-Mass-Index

Chapter 10, 11, and 12: Ethics, Gender, and End-of-Life Care

Nouns
  • Patientenverfügung: living will

  • Vorsorgevollmacht: power of attorney

  • Geschlechterrollen: gender roles

  • Sexualität: sexuality

  • Übergriff: encroachment/assault

  • Biografiearbeit: biography work

  • Palliativ: palliative

  • Sterbebegleitung: end-of-life care

  • Suizid: suicide

  • Trauerarbeit: grief work

  • Beerdigung: funeral.