A network of people connected to a glowing brain, symbolizing patient understanding and healthcare communication.

Decoding Healthcare: How "Was hab' ich?" is Revolutionizing Patient Understanding

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"From confusing medical jargon to clear, actionable insights: Meet the non-profit startup bridging the communication gap between doctors and patients."

Imagine sitting in a doctor's office, receiving a diagnosis filled with unfamiliar terms and complex explanations. Many patients face this scenario, feeling lost and confused about their own health. This lack of understanding can lead to anxiety, poor adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately, worse health outcomes.

Enter "Was hab' ich?" (What do I have?), a German non-profit startup with a mission to bridge the communication gap between doctors and patients. Founded by Ansgar Jonietz, the organization provides easy-to-understand translations of medical reports, empowering patients to actively participate in their healthcare journey.

This innovative approach not only benefits patients but also enhances the communication skills of future doctors. By offering translation services and educational courses, "Was hab' ich?" is fostering a new era of patient-centered healthcare.

The Genesis of Clarity: Ansgar Jonietz's Vision

A network of people connected to a glowing brain, symbolizing patient understanding and healthcare communication.

The story of "Was hab' ich?" begins with Ansgar Jonietz, a man with a unique blend of technical expertise and a passion for healthcare. Witnessing the struggles of individuals grappling with complex medical information, Jonietz recognized a critical need for accessible explanations.

Driven by a desire to empower patients, Jonietz launched "Was hab' ich?" in 2011. The concept was simple yet powerful: recruit volunteer medical students and doctors to translate medical reports into plain language. This initiative quickly gained traction, transforming the way patients understand their health conditions.

Key Highlights of "Was hab' ich?": Volunteer Translators: A network of medical students and doctors dedicated to simplifying medical jargon. Patient Empowerment: Providing patients with clear and understandable information about their health. Educational Initiatives: Offering courses to improve communication skills among future healthcare professionals. BMG Support: Recognition and funding from the German Federal Ministry of Health.

The impact of "Was hab' ich?" extends beyond individual patients. The organization's efforts have garnered recognition from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and even the German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), which supports the initiative. This widespread acknowledgment underscores the importance of clear communication in healthcare and the potential for "Was hab' ich?" to drive systemic change.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Accessible Healthcare

"Was hab' ich?" is more than just a translation service; it's a movement towards a more transparent and patient-centered healthcare system. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, its impact on patient understanding and healthcare communication will undoubtedly be profound. By empowering patients with knowledge, "Was hab' ich?" is helping them become active participants in their own care, leading to better health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare landscape.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

How does “Was hab’ ich?” specifically tackle the challenge of patients not understanding medical jargon?

“Was hab’ ich?” directly addresses the pervasive issue of incomprehensible medical terminology by providing patient-friendly translations of complex medical reports. This empowers individuals to understand their diagnoses and treatment plans, fostering active participation in their healthcare decisions. Without such initiatives, patients often rely solely on doctors' explanations, which can be insufficient or difficult to grasp, leading to anxiety and potentially hindering adherence to prescribed treatments.

What inspired Ansgar Jonietz to create “Was hab’ ich?” and when was it founded?

Ansgar Jonietz founded “Was hab’ ich?” in 2011 after recognizing the struggles individuals faced when trying to understand complex medical information. He aimed to bridge the communication gap between doctors and patients by recruiting volunteer medical students and doctors to translate medical reports into plain language. This initiative aimed to empower patients by providing them with accessible explanations of their health conditions.

What is the core operational model that “Was hab’ ich?” uses to translate medical information for patients?

“Was hab’ ich?” utilizes a network of volunteer medical students and doctors who translate medical reports into plain language. These translations help patients understand their diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical instructions. This approach ensures that complex medical jargon is replaced with easily understandable terms, fostering better communication and patient empowerment.

What significance does the German Federal Ministry of Health's support hold for “Was hab’ ich?”?

The German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) supports “Was hab’ ich?” This recognition underscores the importance of clear communication in healthcare and the potential for the organization to drive systemic change. Support from such a prominent entity validates the organization's mission and impact, further solidifying its role in promoting patient-centered healthcare.

What are the broader implications of initiatives like “Was hab’ ich?” for patient empowerment and the healthcare system as a whole?

By empowering patients with understandable medical information, “Was hab’ ich?” enhances patient autonomy, leading to improved adherence to treatment plans, better health outcomes, and increased satisfaction with healthcare services. Furthermore, it fosters a more equitable healthcare landscape by ensuring that all patients, regardless of their medical literacy, can actively participate in decisions about their health and well-being. However, the long-term effects on doctor-patient relationships and the potential for scaling such an initiative globally are areas that warrant further investigation.