German word

Doktor

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdɔktoːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine noundoctor

Example

Ich gehe zum Doktor.

I'm going to the doctor.

Illustration for Doktor (doctor)

More examples

Der Doktor verschreibt mir ein Medikament.

The doctor prescribes a medication for me.

Core concept

A person whose recognized title signals advanced expertise, especially in medical treatment or scholarly work.

Common phrases

  • zum Doktor gehen

    go to the doctor

  • einen Termin beim Doktor vereinbaren

    make an appointment with the doctor

Similar words

Arzt: A medical doctor who treats diseases and injuries.
Ärztin: A woman doctor who provides examinations and medical care.
Hausarzt: A family doctor who oversees patients' long-term general health.
Facharzt: A physician specializing in a specific area of medicine.

Definition in German

Ein Arzt oder eine Ärztin im allgemeinen Sprachgebrauch; das Wort bezeichnet außerdem den akademischen Grad (Dr.).

Word origin

Doktor is a borrowing from Latin doctor, 'teacher', and German uses it for the academic title Dr. as well as for a doctor in ordinary medical speech.

Usage tips

  • The title Dr. before a name can refer to an academic doctorate and does not by itself show that the person is a physician.

Other meanings

  • doctoratenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Doktorarbeitdoctoral thesisnoun
  • Doktortiteldoctoral degreenoun
  • Doktoranddoctoral studentnoun

Word lists with this word