If you’re studying one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, or Italian) you probably need some tips for getting started with the FIDE language test. The FIDE system is an official language assessment that measures how well you speak, listen, read, and write in one of these languages. It’s often required for residency or citizenship applications in Switzerland, and in some cases, for employment.
So, how long is the FIDE test? The test is divided into two parts, oral and written, which you can choose to take separately or at the same time. Participants are given about forty minutes for the oral portion and up to sixty minutes for the written section.
What the FIDE Test Measures
Every participant starts with the oral portion. The test is specifically made for learners working their way through the A1 to B1 levels of language proficiency.
The test does more than evaluate your academic knowledge; it assesses how well you can navigate real-life scenarios using the language. It’s designed to see how well you can handle chatting with the cashier in the grocery store, calling your landlord about an issue in your home, or talking to your boss at work.
The FIDE test is about typical, everyday communication. Each part of the exam (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) tends to reflect a situation you’re likely to encounter.
The FIDE Test: Oral Comprehension
Let’s better understand each section, starting with the oral comprehension section. First, no matter what level you’re being tested on, the FIDE test always has two examiners in the room. One is the person you’re speaking to, while the other is jotting down your comments and results.
Here’s how it works: Say you’re trying to level up to A2 language skills. In this case, you’re shown an image of an everyday situation, such as someone talking on the phone or waiting for public transit.
The examiner will set the tone and context, then ask you to describe what you see happening. Then, they’ll initiate a role-playing exercise. At the end, both examiners will discuss and agree on your final assessment.
In this section, you’ll also listen to various audio clips accompanied by a question and corresponding images. It’s your job to select the correct answer.
The FIDE Test: Reading and Writing
This section was created to check your understanding of everyday texts and how you respond. It doesn’t necessarily check your spelling or grammar.
For this part of the test, you may be asked to read an event invitation or message, then fill in any key details, like the date or time. When testing for a higher level, you may need to write a more detailed correspondence, such as a letter or email.
The reading portion will ask you to read a short passage followed by a question. You’ll need to select the correct answer from a list of multiple choices. It’s all about making sure you have a clear understanding of the communication!
Getting Your Results
Once you’ve taken the FIDE test, you’ll know how you did within about four weeks. How does the FIDE test scoring system work? Unlike a test you took back in school, the FIDE test doesn’t give you a numerical score. Instead, after you’ve taken it, you learn your level in each skill, from A1 to B1.
It’s possible to get mixed results. You may be better at reading and writing the language than you are at speaking it, so you could receive an A2 designation in reading, and an A1 for speaking.
Personalized Learning Support
If you’re not sure where to start with FIDE test prep, German Academy Zurich can help. Our program blends smart AI technology with personalized support from experienced teachers to create a learning journey that fits best with your schedule and goals. With flexible lessons and one-on-one guidance, we want to help you build the language skills and confidence you need!
