Work

“Ich verstehe es nicht”: the necessity of integrating professional interpretation into the German healthcare system

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The migrant and refugee population in Germany continued to grow over the past few years, reaching a record high in 2024. As the second top destination, just after the United States, Germany has yet to incorporate professional interpretation into its healthcare system to overcome language barriers. While community integration is important for migrants to find a sense of belonging, communicating critical and even urgent information regarding one's health in an unfamiliar language can have dire consequences. Under the International Human Rights Law, the government has an obligation to provide rights to healthcare for everyone living in the region. However, without an explicitly stated law that obligates the use of professional interpretation services, patients may experience more medical errors while providers and interpreters face additional work burden. Thus, we urge for the legal and structural integration of professional interpretation in healthcare, funded by the state or by health insurances.

Source: International Journal for Equity in Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12939-026-02874-3

Authors: Hsin-Yu Lo, Silvia Copes, Connie Hoe

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, German Cancer Research Center, University Medical Centre Mannheim

Language: English

Topic: Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,690