The Ultimate Guide to Nurse Interview Preparation for German Hospitals
Why Do Many Nurses Struggle in German Job Interviews?
Every year, thousands of highly qualified international nurses dream of working in Germany. The demand for healthcare professionals is high, and German hospitals are actively recruiting nurses from abroad. However, despite their experience and skills, many candidates fail their interviews—not because they lack competence, but because they are unprepared for the expectations of German hospitals.
At Destination Germany, we’ve worked with countless international nurses, helping them secure jobs in top German hospitals by guiding them through intensive interview preparation. This blog will walk you through exactly how to prepare for your interview, what to expect, and how to stand out as a candidate.
What Do German Hospitals Expect from International Nurses?
Before we dive into preparation strategies, it’s essential to understand what German hospitals look for in an international nurse candidate:
✅ German Language Skills – Most hospitals require at least B2-level German proficiency. They want to see how well you can communicate with patients, doctors, and fellow nurses.
✅ Professional Experience & Knowledge – Expect detailed questions about your work history, medical expertise, and daily responsibilities.
✅ Cultural Adaptation & Motivation – Hospitals want to know why you want to work in Germany, how well you understand German culture, and whether you are prepared for life in a new country.
✅ Confidence & Communication Skills – Your ability to present yourself well, speak clearly, and show enthusiasm is crucial in making a positive impression.
How to Prepare for Your Nurse Job Interview in Germany
1. Research the City & Hospital
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is not knowing enough about the place they are applying to. German employers expect you to be informed.
Study the city – Where is it located? What is the lifestyle like? What is the cost of living?
Learn about the hospital – How many beds does it have? What specialties does it focus on? Does it have a research department?
Visit the hospital’s website and look at their latest news, achievements, and departments.
Example Interview Question: "Why do you want to work at Universitätsklinikum?"
Example Answer: "I was impressed by Universitätsklinikum’s reputation as one of Germany’s leading research hospitals. With over 10,000 employees and a focus on scientific advancement, I believe it is the perfect environment for me to grow professionally and contribute as a skilled nurse."
2. Perfect Your Self-Introduction
Your introduction is your first impression—make it strong! Be prepared to introduce yourself in German:
🚀 Tip: Structure your introduction like this:
Your Name & Age: "Mein Name ist Ashwini, ich bin 24 Jahre alt."
Where You Are From: "Ich komme aus Indien."
Your Education: "Ich habe an der BESC Universität Krankenpflege studiert."
Your Work Experience: "Derzeit arbeite ich als Krankenschwester im White Lotus Hospital mit 400 Betten."
Your Interests: "Ich verbringe gerne Zeit mit meiner Familie und interessiere mich für Schach."
📌 Practice this until you can say it confidently!
3. Prepare for Common Nursing Interview Questions
A. Questions About Your Work Experience
Welche Aufgaben haben Sie in Ihrem aktuellen Krankenhaus? (What are your responsibilities in your current hospital?)
Wie viele Betten hat Ihr Krankenhaus? (How many beds does your hospital have?)
Mit welchen Patienten arbeiten Sie am meisten? (What kind of patients do you work with most?)
Example Answer: "Ich arbeite in einer gynäkologischen Abteilung mit etwa 400 Betten. Meine Hauptaufgaben sind die Betreuung von Patienten, das Verabreichen von Medikamenten, das Messen von Vitalzeichen und die Unterstützung von Ärzten bei Behandlungen."
B. Questions About Medical Knowledge
Wie messen Sie den Blutdruck und was ist ein normaler Wert? (How do you measure blood pressure, and what is a normal value?)
Normalwert: 120/80 mmHg.
Welche Medikamente geben Sie häufig aus? (What medications do you frequently administer?)
Was tun Sie, wenn ein Patient einen niedrigen oder hohen Blutdruck hat? (What do you do if a patient has high or low blood pressure?)
C. Questions About Your Motivation & Adaptation
Warum möchten Sie in Deutschland arbeiten? (Why do you want to work in Germany?)
Was wissen Sie über die deutsche Kultur? (What do you know about German culture?)
Wie unterscheidet sich die deutsche Arbeitskultur von Ihrer Heimat? (How does German work culture differ from your home country?)
🚀 Tip: Emphasize your adaptability, motivation, and eagerness to integrate into the German healthcare system.
4. Get Comfortable Speaking in German
💡 Many candidates freeze during interviews because they are not used to speaking German under pressure. The best way to overcome this is through mock interviews and practice.
👨⚕️ What We Do at Destination Germany:
Conduct realistic mock interviews with candidates.
Provide instant feedback on their answers, pronunciation, and confidence.
Teach them to handle unexpected questions without panic.
5. Know the German Nursing Recognition Process
Hospitals expect you to have a basic understanding of how the Anerkennung (recognition) process works.
📌 Key Points You Should Know:
You need a ‘Defizitbescheid’ – This document tells you what additional training is needed to get full recognition in Germany.
You must apply for a work visa – The hospital usually helps with the process.
Some hospitals offer B2 language courses – Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, for example, provides in-house German classes during working hours.
Example Interview Question: "Was müssen Sie tun, bevor Sie als Krankenschwester in Deutschland arbeiten können?"
Example Answer: "Ich muss meinen Abschluss anerkennen lassen und den Defizitbescheid erhalten. Danach beantrage ich mein Visum und beginne mit dem B2-Sprachkurs, falls erforderlich."
Final Thoughts: Your Success Starts with Preparation!
Many nurses miss out on their dream jobs in Germany simply because they don’t prepare well enough for their interviews. The key to success is knowing what to expect, practicing your answers, and speaking German confidently.
At Destination Germany, we don’t just connect nurses with jobs—we train them intensively so they can succeed. If you’re a nurse preparing for an interview or a hospital looking for skilled, pre-trained international nurses, let’s connect!
🚀 Need help preparing for your interview? Drop a comment or message us today!
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