Who is the naturalisation course for?
The naturalisation course is aimed at people who are planning to apply for naturalisation in the Canton of Zurich or are already in the process. Typical participants include:
- Working professionals who live and work in Zurich and are now aiming for a Swiss passport
- Well-integrated people who speak German in everyday life but don’t yet have the formal proof (B1 speaking / A2 writing)
- People who want to pass the Basic Knowledge Test (GKT) on Swiss politics, history and society
- Skilled professionals, entrepreneurs or self-employed people who are pursuing naturalisation for personal or professional reasons
Where and how do I want to learn?
In-person
Hybrid
Online
Group course
Private course
Intensive Course
What will you learn in the naturalisation course?
The course has two equally important pillars:
Pillar 1: German at A2–B1 level
You will systematically work on the language skills required for naturalisation. The focus is on:
- Speaking and conversation skills (B1): expressing opinions, arguing, talking about more complex topics such as politics and society
- Listening comprehension (B1): understanding everyday conversations, news and presentations
- Reading comprehension (A2): understanding official letters, rental contracts and newspaper articles
- Writing (A2): filling in forms, writing simple letters and emails
We provide targeted preparation for the specific Swiss version of the telc A2-B1 German exam. As an accredited exam centre, you can sit the language exam directly at Wordculture. At our centre, you can take both telc exams and the fide-test.
Pillar 2: Swiss civics
In addition to language, we also build basic knowledge of Swiss civics to help you pass the Basic Knowledge Test and the interview for ordinary naturalisation. Topics include:
- Switzerland’s political system: referendums, the Federal Council, federalism, parliament, direct democracy and elections
- The political system of the Canton of Zurich and your municipality: regional campaigns
- Swiss history: the founding of the federal state, neutrality, the Red Cross, key milestones
- Geography: cantons, language regions, neighbouring countries
- Everyday life and society: healthcare, social insurance, the school system, rights and duties, the tax system
- Cultural specifics: customs, public holidays and living together
You can find the exact content in the Canton of Zurich’s naturalisation brochure. You can find the City of Zurich practice Basic Knowledge Test here.
What language certificate do you need for naturalisation in Zurich?
For ordinary naturalisation in the Canton of Zurich, the following requirements apply:
Speaking and listening: B1
Reading and writing: A2
All official language certificates are accepted: telc certificate, Goethe certificate, fide-test, Cantonal German Test for Naturalisation (KDE), ÖSD, TestDaF.
Wordculture is a recognised telc exam centre and fide-test centre in the heart of Zurich. You can take the exam directly with us, so there’s no need to switch to another institution.
In addition to the language certificate, you also need the Basic Knowledge Test (GKT) on Swiss society and politics. We also prepare you thoroughly for this in the naturalisation course.
Course Details
Levels
A2–B1
Duration
3–6 months depending on your starting level
Course Days
By arrangement
Format
In person, hybrid or online
Group classes
Max. 6 participants, from CHF 35/hour
Private lessons
Flexible, from CHF 110/hour
Completion
telc B1 certificate, fide-test (directly from Wordculture)
Content
German A2–B1 + Swiss civics + GKT preparation
Location
Wordculture, Selnaustrasse 2, 8001 Zurich – 10 minutes from the main station
Express Your Interest
Einbürgerungskurse in Zürich
fide-test and telc exam in-house
As a recognised exam centre, you can regularly take fide-tests and telc exams from A1 to C2 with us on site. Our advantage: you take an exam preparation course with us and then sit the exam in the same place. That means no extra stress or changing schools. You know the teachers. You know the classrooms. This creates confidence and trust during the exam and reduces exam anxiety.
The most important naturalisation exams in Zurich that you can take at Wordculture:
telc-certificates from von A1 to C2: telc certificates from A1 to C2: Internationally recognised language certificates. Assesses listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. Dieser Sprachnachweis ist international anerkannt und ist lebenslang gültig.
fide-test from A1 to B1: This test is a Swiss language test developed on behalf of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and recognised for immigration and citizenship procedures. The fide-test is only recognised in Switzerland.
Contact us. We’ll get you ready for the Basic Knowledge Test and the interview at your municipality.
Don’t speak German yet?
Wenn Sie das Niveau Deutsch A2 noch nicht erreicht haben, gibt es bei Wordculture zwei andere Wege zur Vorbereitung: einen subventionierten Flexikurs auf Niveau A1, der für Bewohner:innen der Stadt Zürich mit der KulturLegi kostenlos ist oder unsere klassischen Deutschkurse im Standardformat, Intensivmodus oder Einzelunterricht – alles in voller Flexibilität online oder vor Ort. Das ist Ihr idealer Einstieg endlich Deutsch in Zürich zu lernen.
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
Partner of the City of Zurich
Approved and recommended by the City of Zurich
KulturLegi Discounts
Family Discounts
Discounts on all language courses – also for the whole family
Student review
I’ve been living in Zurich with my family for 10 years and finally wanted a Swiss passport. My wife is German and I’m from Italy. I do speak German in everyday life, but I lacked structure. The naturalisation course at Wordculture improved my German a lot, so I could pass both the language test and the interview. I’m now officially Swiss. Thank you, Wordculture!
Gianluca from Zurich
The initial consultation and trial lesson are completely free and without obligation. Get in touch to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What language level do I need for naturalisation in Zurich?
German B1 spoken (speaking and listening) and A2 written (reading and writing). Our course prepares you specifically for the Swiss version of the telc A2–B1 German exam.
Which exam should I take: fide-test or telc certificate?
All exams are accepted by the Zurich Migration Office. The fide-test is only valid in Switzerland. But telc certificates are valid for life and internationally recognised. They can also be used for other purposes. We’ll be happy to advise you on which exam best suits your situation.
Does the course prepare me for the Basic Knowledge Test and the interview?
Yes. Course content is tailored to these requirements. Swiss cultural studies, politics, history, geography and society are integral parts of the programme. We will prepare you thoroughly for both the test and the naturalisation interview.
I already speak German in everyday life—do I still need a language course?
Everyday German and exam German are not the same. Take a free placement test with us and you’ll know whether your German will be enough for the exam. If your German is good enough, we still recommend a short exam preparation course so you can pass the exam confidently and successfully.