Medical Specialties in Germany: Facharzt Training Guide 2026
specialties 10 min read · English
Complete overview of Facharzt (specialist) training in Germany. Duration, requirements, salaries, and demand for all major medical specialties.
Key Takeaways
- Germany offers 34 recognized medical specialties (Facharztrichtungen), each with structured training programs.
- Specialist training (Weiterbildung) takes 5–6 years and is completed at accredited hospitals under a Weiterbildungsbefugter.
- International doctors can count previous specialist training from abroad — typically 1–3 years are recognized.
- The most in-demand specialties include anesthesiology, general practice, internal medicine, and psychiatry.
- After completing Facharzt training, salaries increase by 30–60% compared to Assistenzarzt level.
How Facharzt Training Works in Germany
After receiving your Approbation, you can begin specialist training (Weiterbildung) in one of 34 recognized specialties. Training is structured by the Weiterbildungsordnung (WBO), defined by each state medical chamber (Landesärztekammer).
Most Popular Specialties: Duration & Salary
| Specialty | Training Duration | Facharzt Salary/month | Demand 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allgemeinmedizin (General Practice) | 5 years | €7,000 | 🔴 Critical |
| Innere Medizin (Internal Medicine) | 5 years | €7,500 | 🔴 Critical |
| Chirurgie (Surgery) | 6 years | €8,500 | 🟠 High |
| Anästhesiologie (Anesthesiology) | 5 years | €8,200 | 🔴 Critical |
| Psychiatrie (Psychiatry) | 5 years | €7,200 | 🔴 Critical |
| Radiologie (Radiology) | 5 years | €9,200 | 🟠 High |
| Gynäkologie (OB/GYN) | 5 years | €7,800 | 🟠 High |
| Pädiatrie (Pediatrics) | 5 years | €6,800 | 🟡 Medium |
| Neurologie (Neurology) | 5 years | €7,400 | 🟠 High |
| Kardiologie (Cardiology) | 6 years | €8,800 | 🟠 High |
Recognition of Previous Specialist Training
If you completed part of your specialist training abroad, the German medical chamber can recognize some of this training. Typically:
- EU training: Usually fully recognized
- Non-EU training: 1–3 years may be credited, depending on equivalence
- Application: Submit to the Landesärztekammer with training certificates and logbook
How to Find a Training Position
- Browse doctor vacancies on Solvia — many include Weiterbildungsbefugnis
- Check if the hospital has a Weiterbildungsbefugnis (training authorization) for your desired specialty
- University hospitals offer the broadest training, while smaller hospitals may offer more hands-on experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start Facharzt training with a Berufserlaubnis?
Technically, time spent working with a Berufserlaubnis can count toward your Weiterbildung, but only if the supervising physician has Weiterbildungsbefugnis and formally confirms the training. It is always best to obtain the Approbation first.
What is the highest-paid specialty in Germany?
Among employed specialists, radiology (€9,200/month average) and cardiology (€8,800/month) are the highest-paid. In private practice, orthopedics and radiology can earn €300,000+ annually.
How long does Facharzt training take for international doctors?
The standard duration is 5–6 years, but with credited training from abroad, it can be reduced to 2–4 years. The exact credit depends on the Landesärztekammer's evaluation of your previous training.
Start your journey to becoming a Facharzt — Solvia guides you from Approbation to specialization.