Swiss citizenship - what is level B1 ?

Bonjour!

Do you live in French-speaking Switzerland and you would like to reach level B1 to obtain Swiss naturalisation or permanent residency?
At French via Skype we offer personalised and dedicated B1 courses guaranteeing you 100% success!

You already communicate in French at level A2, but you might be asking: What is level B1? How difficult is B1? How long does it take to reach level B1? What exactly does the FIDE test involve? ‍

In this guide, we answer all these questions and more. You’ll learn what is expected at B1 for Swiss nationality, how to prepare efficiently, and the best strategies to succeed in the FIDE test with confidence.

What is level B1 for Swiss citizenship?

Language level B1 is an intermediate level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is a widely used framework to assess proficiency in languages. At the B1 level, learners are considered to have an independent level of proficiency.
To obtain resident status or Swiss nationality, level B1 is required only for oral comprehension and production.
Level A2 is required for the written comprehension and written production parts.

Here are some characteristics of a person at the B1 level for the oral part :

  • Listening: understand the essential points of communications from the school, employer, property management company, authorities or family affairs, if clear standard language is used.
  • Speaking: manage in most situations encountered on a daily basis such as at home, at work or in public places.
    And produce simple, coherent speech on familiar topics or areas of interest, and relate personal experiences.
    Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, as well as briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

In essence, at B1 level, individuals can understand and engage in basic conversations on familiar topics. They have a grasp of grammar and vocabulary that allows them to communicate effectively in everyday situations.

What are the prerequisites for language level B1 ?

Here are our recommendations in order to reach level B1 :

  • Previous language knowledge of level A2
  • Motivation
  • Willingness to learn something new
  • Exercise discipline independently

Is B1 Difficult to Apply for Citizenship in Switzerland?

The question of whether B1 is difficult depends on several factors, including your current language skills, how much time you dedicate to practice, and how comfortable you are with real-life communication. For learners aiming for Swiss citizenship or residency, B1 is the level required for speaking and listening, while A2 suffices for reading and writing. Understanding what B1 entails and what makes it challenging can help you prepare more effectively.
You prove this with a recognized certificate such as the FIDE language passport or another approved exam.

How Difficult Is B1?

The perceived difficulty of reaching B1 varies:

  • Your starting level – If you’re already comfortable at A2, B1 is the next logical step.
  • Practice time & immersion – Daily exposure through work, friends, or media speeds progress.
  • Exam preparation – Knowing the FIDE format and practicing oral interactions makes a big difference.

Effort and Typical Learning Curve

Moving from A2 to B1 typically takes several months of steady practice.
From absolute beginner to B1 often requires around 350–400 guided hours of study.
Learners who already hold A2 often reach B1 in 4–8 months with consistent lessons, daily conversation, and real-life use of the language.

Key Factor for Success

Success is less about paperwork and more about being able to communicate comfortably in everyday situations and to pass the FIDE (or another approved) test.

Bottom Line

B1 can feel challenging, but with regular speaking and listening practice—especially real-life conversation—it isn’t an unreasonable hurdle for Swiss citizenship. Consistency, immersion, and focused preparation are the real keys to success.

Once you’ve built that steady foundation, the next step is proving it officially.
‍In order to demonstrate your level of French, you will need to take the FIDE test, the recognized exam for Swiss citizenship and residency. In order to demonstrate your level of French, you will need to take the FIDE test

What is the FIDE Test?

The FIDE test is an official language certification that allows immigrants in Switzerland to demonstrate their language proficiency when applying for residency or citizenship. Successfully passing this test provides proof that you meet the country’s language requirements for integration.

FIDE stands for “Français, Italiano, Deutsch in Switzerland”, reflecting Switzerland’s program to promote linguistic integration across its different language regions. The test evaluates practical language skills, especially speaking and listening, to ensure you can communicate effectively in everyday situations.

After passing the FIDE test, you receive a language passport, an official document certifying your level. This certificate is recognized by Swiss authorities and is a key part of the citizenship or residency application process.

The test focuses on real-life communication, rather than purely academic knowledge, so preparation involves practicing conversation, comprehension, and responding to everyday scenarios in your chosen Swiss language.

Here’s a clear step-by-step breakdown of the FIDE test format for Swiss citizenship:

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the FIDE Test

The FIDE test is designed to evaluate practical language skills, focusing mainly on oral comprehension and production for citizenship purposes. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Registration and Scheduling
    • You register at an authorized FIDE testing center in your canton.
    • You choose the language in which you will be tested (French, German, or Italian).
  2. Oral Comprehension (Listening)
    • You listen to short conversations or announcements in everyday situations.
    • You answer questions to show that you understood key points.
    • Focus is on understanding main ideas, essential details, and intentions of the speakers.
  3. Oral Production (Speaking)
    • You engage in conversations or respond to prompts.
    • Tasks include:
      • Introducing yourself and talking about your daily life
      • Describing experiences or events
      • Giving opinions or explanations
      • Asking for clarification or more information
    • The examiner evaluates clarity, vocabulary, grammar, and ability to communicate naturally.
  4. Time and Duration
    • The oral part usually lasts 15–30 minutes, depending on the canton and examiner.
  5. Evaluation and Scoring
    • You are graded according to CEFR standards.
    • For Swiss citizenship, you need B1 in speaking and listening, and A2 in reading and writing if those parts are included.
  6. Receiving the Language Passport
    • Once you pass, you receive an official language passport showing your certified level.
    • This document is recognized by Swiss authorities for your residency or naturalisation application.
  7. Preparation Tips
    • Practice real-life conversation situations: shopping, talking to neighbors, discussing opinions.
    • Listen to podcasts, radio, or watch videos in the target language to strengthen listening skills.
    • Take mock tests or practice speaking with a tutor to get used to the exam format.

Here’s a practical FIDE Test Preparation Checklist to help you efficiently reach B1 for Swiss citizenship:

FIDE Test Preparation Checklist (B1 Level)

1. Assess Your Current Level

2. Set Clear Goals

  • Target B1 oral proficiency (speaking and listening).
  • Decide on a realistic timeline: typically 4–8 months from A2 with regular practice.

3. Daily Language Practice

  • Speaking: Practice 20–30 minutes daily with a tutor, language partner, or online conversation platform.
  • Listening: Listen to French/Italian/German podcasts, news, or videos daily.
  • Shadowing: Repeat aloud what you hear to improve pronunciation and fluency.

4. Simulate Real-Life Situations

  • Role-play everyday scenarios:
    • Shopping or asking for directions
    • Talking about work, hobbies, or experiences
    • Expressing opinions and reasoning
  • Record yourself speaking and review for clarity, grammar, and vocabulary.

5. Familiarize Yourself with the FIDE Test

  • Learn the oral test format: listening comprehension + oral production.
  • Practice answering prompts spontaneously, not memorized responses.
  • Take mock tests under timed conditions.

6. Expand Vocabulary & Grammar

  • Focus on common topics: daily life, work, travel, family, culture.
  • Learn connectors, expressions, and polite ways to ask for clarification.
  • Review grammar points that frequently appear in B1 oral tasks (past tenses, future expressions, conditional).

7. Build Confidence

  • Speak in French in real-life settings whenever possible.
  • Join language cafés, meetups, or online conversation groups.
  • Gradually increase speaking time under pressure to reduce exam anxiety.

8. Track Your Progress

  • Keep a journal of new words, phrases, and expressions.
  • Record weekly self-assessments to monitor improvement in comprehension and fluency.

9. Exam Day Preparation

  • Sleep well the night before.
  • Arrive early and bring necessary ID/documents.
  • Stay calm—focus on communicating clearly, not perfectly.

To help you prepare effectively for the FIDE test and reach level B1, it’s important to use reliable tools and materials. The following resources can support your learning by improving your listening, speaking, and overall communication skills. From online exercises and podcasts to textbooks and mock test simulations, these resources make it easier to practice in real-life situations and build the confidence needed to succeed on the exam.

Here’s a list of recommended resources for preparing for the FIDE test and reaching B1:

Recommended Resources for FIDE B1 Preparation

1. Online Platforms & Apps

  • Duolingo / Babbel – Daily practice for vocabulary, grammar, and short dialogues.
  • LingQ – Immersive reading and listening with native content.
  • Tandem – An language exchange app.

2. Podcasts & Videos

3. Textbooks & Workbooks

4. Mock Tests & Practice Materials

  • Official FIDE sample tests – Check your canton’s FIDE exam resources.
  • Language schools or private tutors – Simulate oral tests under exam conditions.
  • Record yourself answering typical B1 prompts and listen critically.

5. Conversation & Immersion

  • Language exchange partners / conversation groups – Practice spontaneous speech.
  • Meetups or local community groups – Engage in everyday conversations.
  • Daily real-life interactions – Shopping, asking directions, discussing hobbies or work in the target language.

To take your practice even further, consider structured support alongside immersion activities. FIDE courses with our French tutor provide guided lessons, personalized feedback, and targeted exercises to help you confidently reach B1 and succeed in the oral test.

FIDE courses with our French tutor

At French via Skype, our French tutor is a native French with international experience with more than 15 years’ teaching French in Europe and has had the opportunity to accompany many expatriates living in Switzerland in order to best support them in their learning of French.
Certified in FLE (French as a Foreign Language), our French tutor has great expertise in the different levels of French required and will be able to guide you throughout your learning of the language so that your level meets the specific expectations of the FIDE test knowing exactly what the difficulties may be for candidates preparing for exams of this type.

What our FIDE B1 courses cover

The B1 is an upper intermediate level.
To achieve it, French via Skype offers personalised courses which focus on the 2 aspects of the language : listening and oral expression.

At the end of the online FIDE B1 preparation course, you will be able to :

  • Understand current discussions and public announcements.
  • Express yourself clearly and coherently on familiar topics, such as describing experiences, expressing opinions, and participating in everyday conversations.
  • Actively participate in discussions, answer questions, ask for clarification, and interact appropriately in varied social situations.
  • Master the specific aspects of the B1 French grammar and vocabulary necessary.

In summary, at level B1, you are a candidate already more comfortable with the language than at level A2.
Your level is described as “independent”. You know how to cope in everyday situations and you also know how to give your opinion, understand a discussion or interact with others.

FIDE B1 courses with French via Skype, how does it work?

French via Skype offers individual online B1 courses, materials and assessments to help you better understand the French language and obtain your language passport.
Our B1 courses are accessible to people who already have an A2 level. If you do not have an A2 level, we can help you reach the minimum level required to start preparing for the exam.
Our FIDE B1 courses are delivered via Zoom or Teams or on the platform of your choice covering all aspects of the French language in order to best support you in your objectives.
Our B1 tuition is personalized, tailored to your specific needs and pace allowing you to achieve your goals more effectively than in a group or classroom setting.

  • We will design a personalized study plan for you, based on your specific needs and your language level.
  • We offer an effective preparation with tailored learning materials (full range of B1 ressources and assessments).
  • Our French lessons target key areas such as listening and speaking and meticulously work on each grammar point such as French connectors or the subjunctive to ensure that each area meets the requirements required for the B1 level.
  • For homework, we will assign you work to practice grammar, develop your vocabulary and prepare oral comprehension, and oral production tasks. The homework will then be prepared and reviewed by your FIDE French tutor.
  • We offer you great planning flexibility. Our French tutor is available all year, during the holidays and after work hours.

At French via Skype, we are happy to support many expatriates to guarantee their success in the FIDE test to obtain Swiss citizenship.

Some testimonials from students who have prepared for the French FIDE test with us are below.

“ Laure helped me prepare for my Fide exam in a very short time (5 weeks). I knew that this exam was coming up and that I had no choice but to take it, so I contacted her although I was not very motivated. Laure showed great patience and I immediately felt that she knew my profile well. She was able to motivate and encourage me while giving me hope that I would be able to pass this exam. Her method is based on simulation of a real exam situation, with real exam questions. She shared various useful tools to help prepare for the specific levels (A1 and A2). Laure not only helped me take the exam but she also makes sure that you apply the language in your daily life. Laure constantly supported me and I can never thank her enough for all the efforts she made to help me. I definitely recommend Laure to anyone who needs to take the Fide, and wish to learn in a supportive, positive environment.“

Alban Pilanevic
Consultant - Geneva ‍

“ I undertook 3 months of lessons to prior my FIDE test with Laure and was amazed by how much my French improved over this time. From A1 level that I had more or less acquired with an app, I had to reach B1 for the test. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Laure without her focused preparation, insightful guidance, and structured lessons, I would not have done nearly as well with fide without her. Even after the test, I am continuing my lessons with Laure, I enjoy them so much, and I am so delighted to now be able to get by in French in any daily situation.I highly recommend her expertise to anyone aiming to pass the French FIDE test and to anyone interested in learning French regardless of their skill level. Merci beaucoup! ”

Roxana T
Supply chain officer - Geneva

At French via Skype, we specialize in preparation for the French FIDE test, you can certify your French language level well-equipped and with complete confidence.

If you would like to discuss your needs with us, we will be pleased to develop a teaching plan for you.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you would like to sign up for lessons. ‍

À bientôt !