This is arguably the most important module in the course. Knowing how to get help when you are unwell is crucial. We will cover describing symptoms, booking appointments, visiting a pharmacy, and handling emergencies with the detail and clarity you need.
Day 51: The Bulgarian Health System & Describing Symptoms
Before learning the language, it's vital to understand how the healthcare system works. We will then learn the essential vocabulary for body parts and symptoms to explain what's wrong.
Cultural Note: The Bulgarian Healthcare System (НЗОК)
Bulgaria has a mandatory national health insurance system run by the National Health Insurance Fund (Национална здравноосигурителна каса - НЗОК). If you are a resident, you are legally required to make monthly contributions (здравни осигуровки).
General Practitioner (GP): Everyone registered in the system has a GP, known as a личен лекар. This is your first point of contact for any non-emergency issue.
Referrals: To see a specialist (e.g., a cardiologist or dermatologist) under the state system, you usually need a referral (направление) from your GP. Without one, you will have to pay the full private fee.
Consumer Fee: Even with insurance, you pay a small "consumer fee" (потребителска такса) for most GP visits and hospital stays.
Back Payments: If you reside in Bulgaria and have a gap in your contributions, you will be required to back-pay all missing months before you can access the state healthcare system again. This can be a significant unexpected expense, so it's crucial to keep your insurance up to date.
Private Care: There is a large and growing private healthcare sector where you can pay directly for appointments and treatments, often with shorter waiting times.
Body Parts and Symptoms
English
Bulgarian
head / throat / stomach
глава / гърло / стомах
back / chest / leg / arm
гръб / гърди / крак / ръка
pain / cough / fever
болка / кашлица / температура
nausea / dizziness
гадене / виене на свят
sore throat / runny nose
болки в гърлото / хрема
How to Tell the Doctor
The two most important phrases are "Боли ме..." (My... hurts) and "Имам..." (I have...).
Боли ме глава. (My head hurts.)
Имам температура. (I have a fever.)
Имам силна кашлица. (I have a strong cough.)
От два дни ми е лошо. (I've been feeling unwell for two days.)
Алергичен/а съм към... (I am allergic to... m/f)
When you feel sick, you only need to communicate three things: WHERE it hurts, WHAT the symptom is, and FOR HOW LONG.
The Doctor's Visit Cheatsheet:
WHERE: Use the magic phrase "Боли ме..." (My... hurts) and add the body part.
Боли ме стомах. (My stomach hurts.)
WHAT: Use the phrase "Имам..." (I have...) and add the symptom.
Имам температура. (I have a fever.)
HOW LONG: Say "От..." (Since...) and add the time.
От два дни. (For two days.)
CRITICAL PHRASE: Always know how to state your allergies: "Алергичен/а съм към [allergen]." (I am allergic to...).
The Big Idea: "My [part] hurts. I have [symptom]. It's been [time]." Master these three patterns and you can explain any common problem.
Day 52: Making a Doctor's Appointment
Booking an appointment over the phone requires specific vocabulary. The structure is similar to booking a table at a restaurant: state your purpose, provide details, and confirm.
Key Phrases for Booking
English
Bulgarian
I'd like to book an appointment
Искам да си запазя час
with Dr. Ivanov
при доктор Иванов
Do you have a free slot for today/tomorrow?
Имате ли свободен час за днес/утре?
As soon as possible
Възможно най-скоро
My name and phone number are...
Казвам се... и телефонът ми е...
Confirming the Details
It is vital to repeat the information to avoid mistakes.
Добре, значи... (Okay, so...)
...вторник в десет и половина. (...Tuesday at 10:30.)
На кой адрес е кабинетът? (What is the address of the office?)
Трябва ли да нося нещо? (Do I need to bring anything?) - e.g., ID card, health book.
A phone call to the doctor's office is a simple script. Prepare your information before you call!
The Script:
Open:Добър ден, искам да си запазя час. (Good day, I want to book an appointment.)
Specify (if you can):...при доктор Петрова. (...with Dr. Petrova.)
Ask for a time:Кога е възможно? (When is it possible?)
Give your details:Казвам се... Телефонът ми е... (My name is... My phone is...)
Confirm: After they give you a time, repeat it back! "Значи, сряда в 11:00. Благодаря!" (So, Wednesday at 11:00. Thank you!)
The Big Idea: State your purpose clearly, ask for a time, give your name, and ALWAYS repeat the time and date back to confirm. This simple process prevents confusion.
Day 53: At the Pharmacy
In Bulgaria, the pharmacy (аптека) is often the first stop for minor ailments. Pharmacists are highly trained and can offer advice and over-the-counter medications.
Pharmacy Vocabulary
English
Bulgarian
medicine / prescription
лекарство / рецепта
pills / syrup / drops
хапчета / сироп / капки
ointment / spray
мехлем / спрей
painkiller
болкоуспокояващо
without a prescription
без рецепта
At the Counter
Имате ли нещо за...? (Do you have something for?)
...за главоболие? (...for a headache?) ...за кашлица? (...for a cough?)
Това с рецепта ли е? (Is this with a prescription?)
Как се приема? (How is it taken?)
По колко пъти на ден? (How many times a day?)
You can get help at a pharmacy with one magic phrase.
The Magic Phrase:"Имате ли нещо за...?" (Do you have something for...).
Just add your symptom to the end:
...за кашлица? (...for a cough?)
...за болки в гърлото? (...for a sore throat?)
The Follow-Up Question: After they give you something, always ask: "Как се приема?" (How is it taken?). They will then explain the dosage.
The Big Idea: "Do you have something for [my symptom]?" and "How do I take it?". These two questions will solve most of your pharmacy needs for common illnesses.
Day 54: Handling Emergencies
In a serious situation, you need to be clear and concise. The universal emergency number in Bulgaria (and all of Europe) is 112. Operators often speak English, but knowing key Bulgarian phrases can save precious time.
The 112 Emergency Call Script
When you call 112, you must provide clear information. Stay as calm as possible and follow this structure.
State the Emergency:Нуждая се от линейка/полиция/пожарна. (I need an ambulance/police/fire brigade.)
State the Problem:Има катастрофа. (There is a car crash.) / Има пострадал човек. (There is an injured person.)
Give the Exact Address:Адресът е... (The address is...). Be as specific as possible with street, number, and any landmarks.
Describe the Condition:Той/тя е в безсъзнание. (He/she is unconscious.) / Кърви силно. (He/she is bleeding heavily.) / Не диша. (He/she is not breathing.)
Listen to Instructions: The operator will guide you. Follow their instructions carefully.
Enhance Your Learning
Understand how Europe’s 112 emergency number works.
In an emergency, keep it simple and clear. Location is the most important piece of information.
The "Big Four" for 112:
WHAT HELP? Say "линейка" (ambulance), "полиция" (police), or "пожарна" (fire brigade).
WHAT HAPPENED? Use simple words. "Катастрофа" (Car crash). "Пожар" (Fire). "Пострадал човек" (Injured person).
WHERE? State the address clearly. "Адресът е...". If you don't know the address, describe what you see around you.
HOW BAD? State the most critical condition. "Не диша." (Not breathing.)
The Big Idea: The operator needs to know WHERE you are and WHAT kind of help to send. Focus on communicating those two things above all else. Stay on the line and follow their instructions.
Day 55: Ailments Vocabulary and Review
This final day is dedicated to expanding your vocabulary with a comprehensive list of common ailments, conditions, and injuries. Use this as a reference to build your confidence in any health-related situation.
100 Common Ailments and Conditions
The following is an extensive list for your reference. Focus on learning the ones most relevant to you first.
