[The status of pneumonology in German medicine at present]

The status and ranking of pneumology in Germany is discussed in relation to the historical development, the current structure, the performance and the future tasks of this discipline. Obvious deficiencies are listed. It is concluded that pneumology is a fundamental part of internal medicine. Sufficient possibilities to specialize in pneumology are missing, and the representation of the discipline at university level is inadequate. Research aspects are not discussed.