Short Answer
German physicians prioritize conservative treatments like rest and fluids over immediate antibiotic or painkiller prescriptions.
Unless you explicitly communicate the severity of your functional impairment, you will likely leave with a recommendation for tea.
What Most Expats Don't Realize
You described your symptoms as "manageable" and were sent home with a recommendation for herbal infusion. Your condition developed into a severe sinus infection three days later because the doctor didn't think you needed stronger intervention. You lost €200 in productivity and spent a week in bed because you didn't advocate for "medikamentöse" treatment during the initial visit.
What To Do
- Bring a written log showing exactly how many days you have had a fever or severe pain.
- Ask for a specific clinical intervention if the "wait and see" approach is making you unable to perform your job.
- "Gibt es keine medikamentöse Behandlung?" (Is there no medication?) — Say this to the doctor to request a prescription beyond herbal remedies.
The Truth
Germany’s medical culture is rooted in avoiding over-medication. If you do not prove that your illness is disrupting your life, the system defaults to the most natural, non-chemical solution.