This study seeks to help inform the further development of medical education and training for primary care in Germany. It explores approaches to medical education and training in a small number of high-income countries and how these seek to address shortages of doctors practising in primary or ambulatory care through reforming their education and training systems. It does so by means of an exploratory analysis of the experiences of three countries: England, France and the Netherlands, with Germany included for comparison. Data collection involved a review of the published and grey literature, using a structured template, complemented by information provided by key informants in the selected countries. The study sets out the general context within which the medical education and training systems in the four countries operate, and describe the education and training pathways for general practice for each. We highlight options for medical education and training in Germany that arise from this study by placing our observations in the context of ongoing reform activity. This study will be of relevance for decisionmakers and practitioners concerned with ensuring a medical workforce that is prepared for the demands in a changing healthcare environment.