German word

Gesundheitsamt

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈzʊnthaɪ̯t͡sˌamt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounhealth department

Example

Ich muss zum Gesundheitsamt gehen.

I have to go to the health department.

Illustration for Gesundheitsamt (health department)

More examples

Bei einer Infektion sollte man das Gesundheitsamt informieren.

In case of an infection, one should inform the health department.

Core concept

A local public-health desk that handles community-wide risks rather than treating patients like a clinic.

Common phrases

  • Anmeldung beim Gesundheitsamt

    registration with the health department

  • Meldung ans Gesundheitsamt

    notification to the health department

  • Besuch beim Gesundheitsamt

    visit to the health department

Similar words

Arzt: A doctor who diagnoses illness or injury and provides treatment or prescriptions.
Krankenkasse: A health insurer that manages premiums and processes healthcare payments.
Apotheke: A pharmacy that prepares prescribed medicines and sells nonprescription drugs.
Krankenhaus: A hospital that treats severe conditions and provides care for admitted patients.

Definition in German

Eine öffentliche Behörde, die für den Schutz und die Förderung der Gesundheit der Bevölkerung zuständig ist und Aufgaben wie Hygieneüberwachung, Infektionsschutz und Beratung wahrnimmt.

Word origin

The compound joins the noun Gesundheit with Amt, a historical term for an office or public authority, to name an official health authority.

Usage tips

  • For personal diagnosis, German normally uses Arzt or Ärztin; Gesundheitsamt refers to the public authority, not the treating professional.

Other meanings

  • health authoritynoun

Related words

  • Gesundheitsförderunghealth promotionnoun
  • Gesundheitsschutzhealth protectionnoun

Word lists with this word