The medical care of patients with liver cirrhosis is complex, since the liver is involved in a large number of physiological processes. Here, we provide a concise overview on clinical aspects relevant to daily medical practice. We find the distinction between compensated and decompensated liver disease clinically useful to stratify patients according to the risk of complications. This assessment determines the type and intensity of medical controls. Patients and their families have to be instructed about the types of complications they risk to encounter and they have to be able to recognize alarming symptoms in order to seek medical attention in a timely manner.