What is the fide test?
The fide test is the Swiss language test for migrants. It was developed on behalf of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and tests everyday German, French or Italian at levels A1 to B1, with separate results for speaking and writing. Most people take it for a C permit or for Swiss citizenship. English is not part of the test.
Which level do I need?
Speaking and writing are assessed separately. These are the federal minimums:
Cantons can ask for more; what your authority tells you is what counts.
More on permits and citizenship| Procedure | Spoken | Written |
|---|---|---|
| Family reunification (B permit) | A1 | not required |
| C permit (settlement permit) | A2 | A1 |
| Early C permit | B1 | A1 |
| Swiss citizenship | B1 | A2 |
How the fide test works
Oral part: speaking and listening
40 minutes · at most CHF 170
- Describe a picture, a simulated phone call to arrange an appointment, talk about your habits and experiences
- At B1: a conversation on one of two topics – experiences, pros and cons, your opinion
- Listening: choose a picture (A1–A2) or answer questions orally (B1)
- In the German test you may speak Swiss German dialect
Written part: reading and writing
60 minutes · at most CHF 120
- Fill in forms, understand ads and notices
- A2: reply to an email about an appointment
- B1: a formal letter and an email to a friend
- German is written in Swiss standard German (“ss”, not “ß”)
- Both parts together: at most CHF 250
- From age 16; register directly with a test centre at least 15 days before
- At the end of the oral part the examiners recommend the written level (A1–A2 or A2–B1); you decide
- Language passport and result by post after about 4 weeks
Practise for free
The practice pages are in the language of your test. AI feedback is free after a quick Google sign-in (2 texts and 1 recording a day); testfide Plus adds four more practice sets and up to 20 texts and 10 recordings a day for 60 days – USD 35 once, no subscription.
German test
For Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, St. Gallen and the rest of German-speaking Switzerland. Speaking, writing and reading tasks with instant feedback.
Start practising →French test
For Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Sion and the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Speaking, writing and reading tasks with instant feedback.
Start practising →Guides to the fide test
Test dates and centres
All official test centres and dates, taken from the official list and sorted by town.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take the fide test in English?
- No. The fide test is offered in German, French and Italian – the national languages. Usually you take it in the language spoken where you live. Ask your authority if you are unsure.
- Do I need a preparation course?
- No. According to the fide secretariat no course is required. It does help to know the task types and to practise speaking and writing under test conditions.
- How much does the fide test cost?
- At most CHF 250 for the full test, CHF 170 for the oral part only and CHF 120 for the written part only.
- How long does the test take?
- The oral part takes 40 minutes, the written part 60 minutes. The two parts can be on different days.
- When do I get my result?
- After about 4 weeks by post: you receive a language passport with your level (A1, A2 or B1), separately for spoken and written.
- Is testfide.com an official site?
- No. testfide.com is an independent practice site. Official information is on fide-service.ch.