What is the fide-test?
fide stands for “Français, Italiano, Deutsch in der Schweiz” and is the Swiss project for promoting linguistic integration. The fide-test is Switzerland’s official language certificate. It was developed on behalf of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and is recognized throughout Switzerland. The fide-test is available in two scaled versions: A1-A2 or A2-B1. Unlike academic language exams such as telc or Goethe, the fide exam is based on everyday life in Switzerland: The tasks are based on real situations—at the doctor’s office, at government offices, at work, or in your neighborhood.
The fide exam consists of an oral part ‘Speaking and Understanding’ and a written part ‘Reading and Writing’. You can choose whether you want to take just one or both parts.
Where and how do I want to learn?
In-person
Hybrid
Online
Group course
Private course
Intensive Course
Key facts:
- Levels: A1, A2, B1
- Scaled exam A1-A2 or A2-B1
- Oral part: 40 minutes (individual exam)
- Written part: 60 minutes
- Result: after approx. 4-6 weeks by mail (language passport)
Take the fide-test at Wordculture
As an accredited examining institution, we regularly conduct fide-tests at our institution in the heart of Zurich. Wordculture is a 10-minute walk from Zurich main station, right next to Paradeplatz. Exams take place in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, which is ideal for anyone who is not used to formal exam settings or who experiences test anxiety. We also offer in-house childcare.
Next exam dates 2026
- 03/09/26 (registration deadline 02/06/26)
- 04/13/26 (registration deadline 03/13/26)
- 06/01/26 (registration deadline 04/30/26)
- 07/06/26 (registration deadline 06/05/26)
- 08/31/26 (registration deadline 07/31/26)
- 10/26/26 (registration deadline 09/25/26)
- 11/30/26 (registration deadline 10/30/26)
Please register at least 30 days before the exam date.
Ready for the fide-test? Register now for the exam, a preparation course, or both!
fide-test price
Full test: CHF 250.-
Speaking and Listening: CHF 170.-
Reading and Writing: CHF 120.-
The oral part begins at 12 noon. You will receive the exact time upon confirmed registration.
The test appointment can be rescheduled or cancelled up to 16 days in advance. In this case, you will receive a refund of the amount already paid, excluding a CHF 30.- processing fee.
fide Preparation Courses
Would you like to prepare specifically for the fide-test? Our experienced German as a Foreign Language (DaF) teachers know the exam inside out and will practice the required exam components with you.
Course Details
Duration
2 months
Course Days
Tuesday and Thursday
Time
2:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Scope
41 sessions of 100 minutes = 82 lessons of 50 minutes
Holidays
Official school holidays of the City of Zurich
Price
CHF 440 (CHF 5/lesson, incl. course book) – free with KulturLegi
Levels
Completion
Certificate of attendance or telc A1/A2 certificate
Format
Hybrid Course: In Person or Online
Childcare
Yes, from 6 months and parallel to the course
Location
Wordculture, Selnaustrasse 2, 8001 Zurich (near Paradeplatz)
Express Your Interest
fide-Test in Zürich
Register now for the fide-test or book an exam preparation course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any special preparation beforehand?
Based on our experience, we recommend attending an exam preparation course to familiarize yourself with the exam format. These training courses improve results.
Can I take just the spoken or just the written part?
Yes, you can book and take the parts individually.
When will I receive my results?
The language passport will be sent to you by mail approximately 4-6 weeks after the exam.
What happens if I don't pass?
The fide-test does not have a “pass/fail” system. You will receive a rating between A1 and B1 for each part. However, you can repeat the test at any time.