How hard is Kenntnisprüfung compared to Step 2 CK?
What's the equivalent of Step 1?
There is no equivalent to step 1.
As a note. Both tests (Fachsprach- Kenntnisprüfung) are oral with a smaller written component.
Kenntnisprüfung:
You basically have a "conversation" with 3 attendings (Surgical/IM/other). They present cases and you have to solve them while answering pertinent questions (detailed physio, pharm, anatomy, etc), interpret XRays/CTs/MRIs/EKGs/Blood Gases. You are expected to know dosages, algorithms, explain surgical procedures, clasifications, TNM staging, contraindications, etc.
You are also expected to evaluate a real patient, write a case summary in the form of normal medical notes, present the case and be able to solve it and answer pertinent questions.
Now that I think about it. It's more like the Step 3 I guess. Not sure how to compare the difficulty with Step 2CK because the format is different
Things to consider
(1) It's exhausting, the test lasts around 6 hours.
(2) It's in German, obviously. Most people that go though the test learned German recently and aren't as fluent as a native speaker (let alone at the level of an attending)
(3) It's subjective. The 3 attendings decide if you pass and inform you of the result the same day
(4) You may repeat the test if you fali for a total of 3 attempts. After that you are out of the system.
Also. The structure of medical residencies is way different than what most countries have. But that's a whole different topic, equally important nonetheless.