In Case of Illness
What must students do if they are unable to take an exam or have to leave before they are finished for health-related reasons?
In accordance with the relevant examination and study regulations, they must notify the Central Examination Office immediately, i.e. as soon as possible, and provide plausible evidence of their illness.
This usually requires a doctor's or medical certificate (when and whether a doctor's certificate is required can be found in the section "Failure, withdrawal, cheating, violation of regulations" as stipulated in the examination regulations), which enables the Examination Office to answer the legal question as to whether there was inability to sit an examination based on the information provided by a doctor. It is not the doctor's task to answer the legal question as to whether the proven illness justifies leaving the exam before finishing or withdrawal from the exam; rather, this is ultimately the responsibility of the examination authority. It is insufficient and also not permissible for doctors to diagnose candidates as "unable to sit an examination".
Students' duty to cooperate
Due to their duty to cooperate, students are generally obliged to disclose their complaints immediately, i.e. without culpable hesitation, in order to determine their inability to sit an examination and, if necessary, to release the doctor treating them of their professional confidentiality. This does not mean that the doctor must disclose the diagnosis as such, but only the physical or psychological effects caused by the illness.
Information on obtaining an official medical certificate
Before students make an appointment with the office at the Gesundheitsamt (Public Health Office), they should consult their general practitioner. Students can only go to the Medical Officer on the day of the exam once they have been given a certificate from their GP.
The official medical certificate is subject to a fee [de]. A fee of 25 euros is currently charged by Greifswald's Public Health Office. As a rule, it can be issued by any Medical Officer in Germany. Please note the specific state regulations (e.g. in Hamburg); the fees may also differ.
Consultation hours of the Public Health Office
| Tuesday | 9 a.m. - noon and 2 - 6 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9 a.m. - noon and 2 - 6 p.m. |
| Monday, Wednesday, Friday | by appointment |
District of Vorpommern-Greifswald
Public Health Office Greifswald
Feldstraße 85a
17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 8760-2422
Fax: +49 3834 8760-9033
gesundheitsamtkreis-vgde