Why learn Italian at Wordculture?
Our Italian courses are designed for everyone who needs Italian beyond the holiday phrase book: professionals with business contacts in Ticino or Milan, doctors and healthcare workers with Italian-speaking patients, and students with Erasmus plans. And of course, for everyone who has simply fallen in love with the country, the people and the culture.
Zurich is home to one of the largest Italian-speaking communities in German-speaking Switzerland. Once you speak Italian and you become part of a vibrant network, professionally and personally.
We also offer Italian courses for children.
Where and how do I want to learn?
In-person
Hybrid
Online
Group course
Private course
Intensive Course
Standard Italian Course A1–C2
From "Buongiorno, un cappuccino per favore!" to confident discussions about culture, politics, or business: In our Standard Italian Course, we guide you through all levels. In the regular format, you meet once or twice a week for two lessons each, in the morning, at lunchtime, or in the evening—whatever suits your schedule. Vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading comprehension build systematically on each other, always with a focus on everyday situations.
Our teachers come from various regions of Italy or Ticino, so from the very beginning you learn to understand different accents and speaking speeds.
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Italian Courses in Zurich
Italian Intensive Course A1–C2
Do you want to live or work in Ticino? Do you want to study in Italy? Or do you simply want to chat with the neighbors during your long-awaited vacation in Italy? Our intensive course will get you there quickly. With several course days per week, you'll focus on grammar, pronunciation, and free speaking. You'll learn in a few weeks what would take months in a standard course. This course is ideal for anyone who loves a fast pace and is ready to quickly immerse themselves in the Italian language.
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Italian Courses in Zurich
Italian Conversation Course B1–C2
Your grammar is solid, but you still lack the necessary confidence when speaking? Then join our Italian conversation course! The focus here is on free speaking: current topics from culture and politics, discussions about film, food, and society, role-playing from professional life. This course trains everyday situations you encounter in daily life. In the Italian conversation course, you gain fluency and self-confidence at any language level.
Minimum requirement: completed A2
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Italian Courses in Zurich
CELI, CILS, and PLIDA Exam Preparation Courses A1–C2
Anyone who needs an official Italian certificate, be it for work, study, a residence permit, or naturalization, can prepare specifically for the internationally recognized exams at Wordculture. Our teachers are familiar with the exam formats of CELI (Certificato di Lingua Italiana), CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera), and PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) and know what is important for preparation: from listening comprehension to written expression and the oral exam.
If you wish to naturalize in Italian-speaking Switzerland, you can prepare for the corresponding CELI exam with us.
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Italian Courses in Zurich
Italian by Level from A1 to C2
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) divides language skills into six levels. Here you can see what you should be able to do at each level and which Wordculture course is right for you.
Not sure which level you are? No problem. We offer a free placement test so you can start exactly where it benefits you most. Contact us!
A1: Absolute Beginners
You will learn to communicate in simple everyday situations: introducing yourself, asking for directions, ordering in a restaurant, and asking and answering simple questions. The basic vocabulary comprises around 500 words. Perfect for complete beginners or anyone looking to brush up on long-forgotten school Italian.
A2: Italian for Everyday Life
You understand frequently used expressions and can communicate in routine situations: shopping, traveling, and simple conversations at work. You can read short texts and write simple emails. Your vocabulary grows to around 1,000 words.
B1: Communicate Independently
You can hold your own in most everyday situations: conversations about familiar topics such as work, leisure and current events. You can write coherent texts and give reasons for your opinions. This is often the minimum requirement for entering the job market at international companies in Zurich.
B2: Speak Confidently and Fluently
You can understand complex texts and converse spontaneously and fluently with native speakers. You can write clear, detailed reports and argue your case convincingly in writing. B2 is considered the level at which you can work productively in Italian within an international team in Zurich.
C1: Communicate Professionally
You express yourself fluently, in a structured and nuanced way, even on complex and abstract topics. You understand demanding texts and can formulate nuanced arguments. C1 is the level that most Swiss universities and international employers in Zurich expect for leadership positions.
C2: Native-like Proficiency
You understand virtually everything you read or hear with ease. You can summarise information from various sources and argue coherently at the highest level. C2 is aimed at those who publish, negotiate or teach professionally or academically in Italian and are striving for a near-native level of proficiency.
Why Wordculture?
Small groups for maximum results
Max. 6 people for plenty of speaking time and fast results
Professional Teachers
Qualified, experienced, and specialized in adult education
In-House
Childcare
Childcare directly on-site during the course
KulturLegi Discounts
Family Discounts
Discounts on all language courses – also for the whole family
Student review
I work for Spitex and care for many Italian-speaking patients in Zurich. The private lessons at Wordculture helped me not only to learn medical terminology, but also to gain the trust of my patients. Dopo solo tre mesi, mi sento gia più sicura!
Sandra from Zurich
The initial consultation and trial lesson are completely free and without obligation. Get in touch to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hybrid Italian courses?
Yes. At Wordculture, you can flexibly combine in-person and online sessions. This is ideal for working professionals in the Zurich area whose daily schedules aren’t always predictable. This way, you can stay on track with your studies even on days you work from home, go on business trips, or have unexpected appointments. Please let us know about your situation during your course consultation, and we’ll find a program that fits your lifestyle.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
I had school Italian; am I a beginner or not?
Neither. Most adults with school knowledge start at A2 or B1, often with solid reading comprehension but little speaking confidence. With Wordculture’s free and non-binding placement test, we find your exact level so you don’t have to start from the beginning and can get into the right course.
What is the difference between Italian and Swiss Italian?
Swiss Italian is not a separate dialect but standard Italian, spoken with some regional peculiarities in vocabulary and expression depending on the valley. That’s why at Wordculture you learn standard Italian.
I have a busy schedule; how flexible are the courses?
Wordculture offers Italian courses as standard courses, intensive courses, evening courses, or one-on-one lessons, at school, hybrid, or online. Our courses adapt to your daily life, not the other way around. Talk to us so we can find a format that works for you.
Is there a recognized Italian exam I can take at Wordculture?
Yes. Yes. Wordculture offers preparation courses for CELI, CILS and PLIDA, but we do not conduct the exams at our language school. These internationally recognised language certificates are valid for job applications, promotions and university admission. Talk to us and we’ll put together the right offer for you.