Insurances

Understanding Insurances in German – B1 Level

This lesson focuses on the topic of Insurances (Versicherungen), a practical and essential subject when living in German-speaking countries. You will learn relevant vocabulary, typical expressions, and key grammar structures used to discuss insurance policies, claims, and benefits.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

The lesson introduces important insurance-related terms and phrases that will help you communicate effectively in everyday situations, such as dealing with health, car, or liability insurance.

• Die Versicherung – insurance
• Der Vertrag – contract
• Die Police – insurance policy
• Die Prämie – premium
• Die Selbstbeteiligung – deductible
• Der Schadensfall – claim case
• Die Haftpflichtversicherung – liability insurance
• Die Krankenversicherung – health insurance
• Die Kfz-Versicherung – car insurance

Practical Phrases for Insurance Situations

Examples of phrases you will practice include:

• „Ich möchte eine Versicherung abschließen.“ (I want to take out an insurance.)
• „Wie hoch ist die Selbstbeteiligung bei der Kfz-Versicherung?“ (What is the deductible for the car insurance?)
• „Ich möchte einen Schadensfall melden.“ (I want to report a claim.)

Grammar Highlights

The lesson covers modal verbs frequently used in this context, such as müssen and sollen, and introduces the Konjunktiv II mood used for polite requests and hypothetical situations, which are common in insurance communications:

• Sie sollten die Police sorgfältig lesen. (You should read the policy carefully.)
• Ich würde gern wissen, welche Leistungen abgedeckt sind. (I would like to know which benefits are covered.)

Differences Between English and German Insurance Terms

Unlike English, some German insurance terms are compound nouns that combine several concepts, such as Haftpflichtversicherung (liability insurance) or Krankenversicherung (health insurance). Also, German often uses the formal Sie form in insurance-related communication.
A useful phrase to remember is „Ich habe eine Versicherung abgeschlossen“, meaning "I took out an insurance," which differs slightly from English in the verb choice.
Expressions like „eine Police kündigen“ (to cancel a policy) reflect specific terminology you'll encounter.