Meaning
To visit a medical professional for examination or treatment.
Cultural Background
In Germany, you usually need to 'einen Arzt aufsuchen' to get a 'Krankschreibung' (sick note) for your employer if you are out for more than 3 days. The phrase is equally common and formal across all DACH countries, though regional dialects might use 'zum Doktor gehen' more in speech.
Use it in emails
If you need to tell your teacher or boss you're leaving early for an appointment, 'einen Arzt aufsuchen' sounds much more professional than 'zum Arzt gehen'.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to move 'auf' to the end in simple sentences: 'Ich suche... auf'.
Meaning
To visit a medical professional for examination or treatment.
Use it in emails
If you need to tell your teacher or boss you're leaving early for an appointment, 'einen Arzt aufsuchen' sounds much more professional than 'zum Arzt gehen'.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to move 'auf' to the end in simple sentences: 'Ich suche... auf'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'aufsuchen' in the present tense.
Ich _______ heute einen Spezialisten _______.
'Aufsuchen' is a separable verb; the prefix goes to the end.
Which sentence is correct for a formal email?
Which one sounds most professional?
'Aufsuchen' is the correct formal term for medical consultation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mir geht es schlecht. B: Dann solltest du ________.
The infinitive 'aufsuchen' is used with the modal verb 'solltest'.
Match the German to the English.
Match the following:
Matches the professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Besuchen vs. Aufsuchen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch _______ heute einen Spezialisten _______.
'Aufsuchen' is a separable verb; the prefix goes to the end.
Which one sounds most professional?
'Aufsuchen' is the correct formal term for medical consultation.
A: Mir geht es schlecht. B: Dann solltest du ________.
The infinitive 'aufsuchen' is used with the modal verb 'solltest'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches the professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but usually you'd say 'einen Zahnarzt aufsuchen'.
No, it can be for routine check-ups too, though it sounds a bit more serious.
'Konsultieren' is even more formal and often implies asking for an opinion rather than just a physical check-up.
Use 'einen' if it's any doctor, and 'den' if it's your specific, known doctor.
Yes, but mostly in serious or professional conversations. In casual chat, 'zum Arzt gehen' is king.
Use the Perfekt: 'Ich habe einen Arzt aufgesucht.'
Related Phrases
zum Arzt gehen
similarto go to the doctor
einen Spezialisten konsultieren
specialized formto consult a specialist
ärztliche Hilfe suchen
synonymto seek medical help
