Generally, doctors work either in hospitals or in private practice. Those working in hospitals are employed by the hospitals. Those working outside the hospitals have their own offices and are self-employed, but they all refer patients to a hospital if necessary.

A hospital doctor in Germany is expected to coordinate closely with the primary sector regarding both the admission of patients and the discharge of patients back to the primary health care sector and the social sector (rehabilitation, care). Research is encouraged.

The average working week is 38,5 hours, Monday to Friday. Normal working days are from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m (one day in a week doctors leave earlier). Additional duties vary very much depending on specialty and department. Benchmarks are very difficult to give, but it is reasonable to assume there will be a few on-call duties each month or more if desired.

The basic salary for hospital doctors is regulated nationally according to a given pay-scheme. The employer also covers pension and holiday. The employment contract is normally an unlimited one. Doctors have the right to continuous training (continuing professional development, CPD) and are by law entitled to 14 days of training per year, paid for by the hospital, to participate in congresses (national and international), courses and other training events.

There is a great possibility for young doctors to work in Germany in and simultaneously continue or start their desired specialization. The young doctors will be able to start or continue with their specialization after 2 or 3 years of continuous work (internship included). The applicants sign an employment-contract which includes the specialist-training for the chosen discipline.