Expats and professionals settling in Switzerland who need to pass the French, Italian, Deutsch in Switzerland (FIDE) test before applying for a residence permit or citizenship often find the process daunting. Many aren’t sure where to begin, even if they already have a respectable grasp of German!
As experienced language tuition providers, we recommend selecting a proven, high-quality course that blends in-person learning, online tools, and the right mix of spoken and written German, because both are tested during the FIDE exam. In this post, we’re sharing information about how the FIDE language assessment process works, explaining how FIDE supports linguistic development, and offering advice to ensure you can begin your journey to becoming an official Swiss resident.
What Is the FIDE Language Test, and Who Needs to Take It?
FIDE testing is part of the Swiss Program for the Promotion of Linguistic Integration. It aims to ensure expats can prove they are proficient in spoken German and can integrate into society. While the concept of an exam sounds stressful, the test assesses how well you can speak, read, and write German in everyday scenarios. It’s less a technical exam and more focused on showing you can, for instance:
- Converse with neighbors
- Shop in German
- Manage admin tasks like paying bills
- Buy a train or bus ticket
Studying for the FIDE exam, which tests from the introductory A1 level to intermediate B1 German language skills, is a perfect opportunity to brush up on your spoken and written language confidence.
What German Ability Do I Need to Pass the Swiss FIDE Exam?
There are two sections to the exam:
- The spoken German part of the test lasts forty minutes, with twenty minutes of speaking and twenty minutes of understanding the instructor.
- Reading and writing are tested over a one-hour exam with mock-up documents, written instructions, and communications.
Each test is conducted separately, and you can retake sections if you don’t achieve a passing grade the first time around. As we’ve indicated, both parts of the FIDE exam examine normal situations that anybody living in Switzerland as a resident or citizen should be able to manage, from booking doctor’s appointments to setting up a bank account, shopping, and socializing.
Is the Swiss FIDE Exam Comparable to A1 German?
While the FIDE exam is pitched between A1 and B1 German proficiency levels, it doesn’t have a specific ‘difficulty rating.’ This means studying every aspect of German is important until you’re 100% confident you can converse and interpret written information at A1, A2, and B1 levels.
Each test will include some elements of each of those tiers as follows:
- A1: Basic communication skills such as answering general questions and understanding simple sentences
- A2: Describing yourself, your home, or where you work, and understanding more complex questions
- B1: Understanding most standard types of communication, sharing opinions, and conversing in German independently
There isn’t a specified FIDE learning program or course, so most applicants embark on an A1 German course and work towards B1 competency before registering with one of the official institutions that provide FIDE examinations.
How Do I Get Started Preparing for the FIDE Language Exam in Switzerland?
Much might depend on your current German levels and whether you need to improve your spoken and written German as quickly as possible or have the flexibility to work towards the FIDE exam at your own pace. The German Academy Zurich offers a comprehensive range of tried-and-tested courses from A1 level upwards, combining private lessons, online learning tuition, vocabulary, and grammar sheets.
We have helped hundreds of learners feel ready for the FIDE Test. If you need help deciding which course is appropriate for you or assessing your current skill level to identify the next steps, we’re ready to guide you!
