Czech Phrases for Doctor Visits You Can Use

A sore throat is stressful enough. Trying to explain it at a Czech clinic when you are unsure what to say can make a simple appointment feel much harder. These Czech phrases for doctor visits will help you handle the most common moments: booking, checking in, describing symptoms, understanding instructions, and leaving with the information you need.

You do not need perfect Czech to receive care. A few clear sentences, spoken slowly and politely, can make a real difference. Start with the phrases most relevant to you, save them on your phone, and practice saying them before you need them.

Before the appointment: booking and preparing

Many clinics in Czechia ask patients to call before coming in, especially for non-urgent problems. When you phone, begin with a greeting and say clearly that you need an appointment.

Czech phrase	Meaning
Dobrý den.	Hello / Good day.
Chtěl bych se objednat k lékaři.	I would like to make an appointment with a doctor. Male speaker.
Chtěla bych se objednat k lékaři.	I would like to make an appointment with a doctor. Female speaker.
Mám bolest v krku.	I have a sore throat.
Mám horečku.	I have a fever.
Je to akutní?	Is it urgent?
Kdy máte nejbližší volný termín?	When is your nearest available appointment?

Use lékař for a doctor in general. You may also hear doktor or doktorka, which are common in everyday speech. If you need a specialist, say the type of doctor if you know it. For example, zubař is a dentist, gynekolog is a gynecologist, and dětský lékař is a pediatrician.

Have your health insurance card ready. If the receptionist asks for it, you may hear: Máte kartičku pojišťovny? This means, “Do you have your insurance card?” You can reply: Ano, tady je. - “Yes, here it is.”

It also helps to prepare a short note with your symptoms, when they started, medicines you take, allergies, and any relevant medical history. This is useful even if you can communicate in Czech, because appointments can move quickly.

Czech phrases for doctor visits: at reception

At the clinic, be direct but polite. In Czech, people usually use the formal form when speaking with medical staff. You do not need to understand every question immediately. It is completely reasonable to ask someone to repeat or write something down.

Say Dobrý den, mám objednaný termín. This means, “Hello, I have an appointment.” Add your name with Jmenuji se... - “My name is...” If it is your first visit, say Jsem tu poprvé.

If Czech is still new for you, try: Mluvíte anglicky? - “Do you speak English?” Not every doctor or receptionist will be comfortable speaking English, particularly outside larger cities. A gentler alternative is Můžeme mluvit pomalu, prosím? - “Can we speak slowly, please?”

You can also say Nerozumím dobře česky. - “I do not understand Czech well.” This sets expectations without apologizing for yourself. Use Můžete to prosím zopakovat? when you need something repeated, or Můžete mi to prosím napsat? if written instructions would help.

Explaining what hurts

The most useful structure for symptoms is Bolí mě..., meaning “My ... hurts” or “I have pain in my...” Add the body part after it. For example, Bolí mě hlava means “I have a headache,” while Bolí mě břicho means “My stomach hurts.”

Here are common sentences worth learning:

Czech phrase	Meaning
Bolí mě hlava.	I have a headache.
Bolí mě břicho.	My stomach hurts.
Bolí mě záda.	My back hurts.
Bolí mě v krku.	My throat hurts.
Mám kašel.	I have a cough.
Mám rýmu.	I have a runny nose.
Je mi špatně.	I feel sick / unwell.
Je mi na zvracení.	I feel like vomiting.
Mám průjem.	I have diarrhea.
Nemůžu spát.	I cannot sleep.

Timing matters to a doctor. Say Od včerejška for “since yesterday,” už tři dny for “for three days already,” or od minulého týdne for “since last week.” You can combine them: Mám horečku už tři dny. - “I have had a fever for three days.”

To describe intensity, use trochu for “a little,” hodně for “a lot,” and velmi for “very.” For example: Bolí to hodně means “It hurts a lot.” If pain comes and goes, say Bolest přichází a odchází.

Do not guess medical vocabulary when you are unsure. Plain language is better. Pointing to where it hurts, showing a photo of a rash, or using a translated note can support your Czech. The goal is clear communication, not a perfect grammar performance.

Sharing important health information

Doctors need to know about allergies, current medications, pregnancy, and previous conditions. A few phrases can help you give this information safely.

Jsem alergický na... is used by a man, and Jsem alergická na... by a woman. Both mean “I am allergic to...” Add the medicine, food, or substance if you know its name. If you are not sure, show the doctor the medicine package or a written list.

Say Beru tyto léky for “I take these medicines,” then show what you take. Mám vysoký tlak means “I have high blood pressure,” and Mám cukrovku means “I have diabetes.” A woman can say Jsem těhotná - “I am pregnant.”

Be honest if you do not understand a question. Saying Nevím - “I do not know” - is much safer than saying yes because you feel rushed.

Questions to ask before you leave

A doctor may explain a diagnosis, recommend rest, order tests, or prescribe medication. Even if you understand the main idea, confirm the next step before you leave the room.

Ask Co mi je? for “What is wrong with me?” It is simple and common, though Co by to mohlo být? - “What could it be?” can sound a little softer when a diagnosis is not yet clear.

For medication, ask Jak mám lék užívat? - “How should I take the medicine?” You may also need Kolikrát denně? - “How many times a day?” and Jak dlouho? - “For how long?” If the doctor gives you an electronic prescription, you may receive an SMS code for the pharmacy. The key word is recept, meaning prescription.

If tests are needed, ask Kam mám jít na vyšetření? - “Where should I go for the examination?” For a follow-up visit, use Kdy mám přijít na kontrolu? - “When should I come for a checkup?”

People who work in Czechia may also need a medical document. Potřebuji potvrzení pro zaměstnavatele means “I need confirmation for my employer.” If you need sick leave paperwork, ask about neschopenka. Requirements vary by employer and doctor, so confirm exactly what will be sent and what you need to provide.

When language should not delay urgent care

For a serious emergency, do not wait until you can find the right Czech words. In Czechia, call 155 for an ambulance or 112 for the general European emergency number. State your location first if you can.

Useful emergency phrases include Potřebuji sanitku - “I need an ambulance,” Je to naléhavé - “It is urgent,” and Nemůžu dýchat - “I cannot breathe.” If someone is unconscious, say Je v bezvědomí.

For less urgent concerns, your regular doctor is often the right first step. But if symptoms are severe, sudden, or worsening, seek urgent help rather than relying on a phrase list or online translation.

Build confidence one appointment at a time

Doctor visits can feel personal and high-pressure, especially when you are still settling into Czech-speaking life. That is why practical Czech matters: it helps you ask for care, understand instructions, and make informed choices for yourself and your family.

You do not have to learn every medical word at once. Begin with your own likely needs, such as booking an appointment, naming a symptom, and asking a doctor to repeat instructions. A structured course such as GoCzechGuru can help you build these everyday skills step by step while working toward the A2 Czech level needed for permanent residence. Each real-life conversation then becomes proof that you can manage more of life in Czechia independently.