Germans call a pharmacy an Apotheke (pronounced ah-poh-teh-kuh), which is easily identified by a large red letter 'A' sign. They are specialized shops for medication, distinct from drugstores (Drogerie). A pharmacist is called an Apotheker (male) or Apothekerin (female).
In Germany, a pharmacy is called an Apotheke. This title is legally protected: only licensed pharmacies that meet strict national standards can use it.
Drug stores in Germany do not carry prescription medication or over the counter medication. Instead they mainly sell household products, beauty products, snacks and juices. For all prescription and over the counter medication you will need to go to a pharmacy.
At the pharmacy | German for beginners | Practical tips
Is apothecary still a job?
While traditional apothecaries are rare, the role has evolved into modern pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Careers in pharmacy involve preparing and dispensing medications, advising patients, and collaborating with healthcare providers.
A pharmacy (also known as a chemist in Australia, New Zealand and the British Isles; or drugstore in North America; retail pharmacy in industry terminology; or apothecary, historically) is where most pharmacists practice the profession of pharmacy.
The modern terms pharmacist and, in British English, chemist have taken over this role. In some languages and regions, terms similar to "apothecary" have survived and denote modern pharmacies or pharmacists.
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a professional doctorate specifically designed to prepare you for a career as a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacists are the medication experts on the healthcare team, ensuring patients receive the right drugs at the correct dosage.
How much do pharmacists in Germany earn? Entry-level pharmacists earn around €28,900–€45,000 per year. Mid-level professionals earn €57,000–€65,000, while experienced pharmacists can earn between €70,000 and €88,000 gross annually.
Herr Doktor without the last name is the usual address for a medical doctor, and sometimes regionally for one's attorney (if he holds a doctorate in law); otherwise the last name is usually attached. Honorary degrees are distinguished as Doktor honoris causa, or "Dr. h.c.".
This five-syllable word, apothecary, which entered English in the 14th century, derives from the Latin apothēca, "storehouse." It became a title for the person who was skilled in preparing medicines. "Pharmacist" is a more common synonym for apothecary.
A pharmacy (also called drugstore in North American English or community pharmacy or chemist in Commonwealth English and both in Australian English) is a premises which provides pharmaceutical drugs, among other products.
No, neither knows "more" overall; they have different, specialized expertise: doctors excel at diagnosing diseases and overall treatment plans (physiology/pathology), while pharmacists possess deeper, specialized knowledge of medications, their interactions, side effects, and optimal use, making them drug experts who complement doctors' broader medical knowledge. Pharmacists spend years focused intensely on drug composition, effects, and interactions, while doctors focus more on disease processes and patient conditions.
A pharmacist cannot alter the dosage without consulting the prescribing doctor. However, what they can sometimes do is alter the way in which a medication is dispensed.
Prof. Mahadeva Lal Schroff is regarded as India's founder of pharmacy. He attained this distinction as a result of his accomplishments, which included steering India's pharmaceutical sector and educational system in the proper direction.
The "7 Stars of Pharmacy" (or "Seven-Star Pharmacist") is a World Health Organization (WHO) model defining key pharmacist roles: Caregiver, Decision-Maker, Communicator, Manager, Life-long Learner, Teacher, and Leader; it emphasizes evolving from mere dispensing to comprehensive patient care, education, management, and leading healthcare efforts for safe medicine use. These roles, developed in the late 1990s, guide pharmacy education and practice globally, with later additions sometimes including Researcher.
Pharmacy is a combination of the Greek term * pharama form IE * bher- (to charm, enchant) and -(a)-ko- resulting in * pharmako- (magic, charm, cure, potion, medicine) and in Latin pharmacie.
In Berlin, pharmacies are known as “Apotheken.” They are easily identifiable by a prominent red “A” symbol, which stands for “Apotheke,” often displayed on the signage outside the pharmacy.
The provision of clinical pharmacy services (CPS) was already well established in 114 pharmacies (85.7%), meaning at least 32.4% of all German hospital pharmacies offer CPS. The average number of full-time equivalents dedicated to these services per hospital pharmacy is 4.3, which is an increase of1.
