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FIDE Test B1 Speaking Questions — Prepare for Swiss Citizenship
If you are preparing for the FIDE test in Switzerland, the B1 speaking part (parler) is one of the most important and most challenging sections of the exam. This guide explains exactly what to expect — the types of questions, how to answer them, and what the examiners are looking for.
Whether you live in French-speaking Switzerland, are applying for a Swiss residency permit or citizenship from abroad, or are simply looking to understand the FIDE B1 speaking exam format — this guide is for you.
At French via Skype, we specialise in FIDE test preparation for all levels — A1, A2 and B1.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to sign up for lessons.
What Is the FIDE Test?
The FIDE test is the official language certification used in Switzerland to demonstrate French proficiency for residency permit (B and C) applications and Swiss naturalisation. It assesses the first three CEFR levels — A1, A2 and B1 — across four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
For Swiss citizenship, you need B1 in speaking and listening, and A2 in reading and writing. Once you pass, you receive an official language passport recognised by Swiss authorities.
Read our complete guide on FIDE test preparation, our article on what B1 level means for Swiss citizenship, and our dedicated guide on preparing for the FIDE A2 oral test for a full overview.
What Is the B1 Speaking Part of the FIDE Test?
The B1 speaking part (parler) evaluates your ability to speak clearly and naturally about everyday situations in Switzerland — describing experiences, expressing opinions, and reacting appropriately to different scenarios.
The test is structured as a series of questions. You will choose between two topics and must answer with clear, structured and fluent speech. Your answers should demonstrate a good command of vocabulary, grammar and communication strategies.
The oral part lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the canton and examiner. The cost of the oral part alone is CHF 170.
FIDE B1 Speaking Questions — The Four Types
1. Describe an Experience
These questions invite you to talk about your personal experiences. You will need to use the passé composé and imparfait to describe what you did and how it went.
Example questions:
- Quelles expériences de travail avez-vous faites ?
- Avez-vous déjà suivi un cours de formation continue ? Racontez-nous comment c'était !
- Quelle a été la dernière fête à laquelle vous avez participé ? C'était à quelle occasion ?
Tip: When you describe an experience, start by saying when it happened, then explain what you did, and finish by giving your opinion or feelings. Use time markers like d'abord, ensuite, puis, à la fin.
Grammar focus: Use the passé composé vs imparfait correctly — passé composé for completed actions, imparfait for background descriptions and feelings.
2. Describe a Process or a Procedure
In this part, you will explain what steps you took in a process — for example, administrative procedures when you arrived in Switzerland.
Example questions:
- Qu'avez-vous dû faire lorsque vous êtes arrivé(e) dans votre commune ?
- Quelles démarches faut-il faire pour s'inscrire à la commune ?
Grammar focus: Use passé composé for specific completed actions (J'ai dû remplir un formulaire, j'ai présenté mes papiers d'identité), and imparfait for background information (il y avait beaucoup de monde à la mairie)
3. Discuss the Positive and Negative Aspects of a Situation
Here, you must discuss both sides of a topic — the advantages and disadvantages. You will need to use logical connectors to structure your answer clearly.
Example questions:
- Qu'est-ce que vous aimez et que vous n'aimez pas dans votre commune ?
- Quels sont les avantages et les désavantages des petites et des grandes communes ?
- Quels sont les avantages et les désavantages du monde du travail en Suisse ?
- À votre avis, quels sont les points positifs et négatifs d'une fête avec beaucoup d'invités ?
- À votre avis, quels sont les côtés positifs et négatifs de suivre une formation en plus de son travail ?
Tip: Organise your answer like this: D'un côté, c'est pratique parce que… mais de l'autre, c'est parfois difficile parce que…
Grammar focus: Use French connectors — d'un côté… de l'autre, cependant, en revanche, tandis que, par contre — and comparatives to compare ideas — plus calme que, moins cher que, aussi intéressant que.
4. Express Your Opinion on a Hypothetical Situation
This section evaluates your ability to express opinions using the conditionnel présent and the hypothesis structure (Si + imparfait + conditionnel présent).
Example questions:
- Si vous étiez maire / syndic / président de commune, qu'est-ce que vous changeriez dans votre commune ?
- Est-ce que vous feriez un bon / une bonne chef ? Pourquoi ?
- Pourriez-vous envisager d'apprendre un nouveau métier ? Pourquoi ? Pourquoi pas ?
- Quelle fête ou tradition de votre pays aimeriez-vous voir exister aussi en Suisse, et pourquoi ?
Tip: Start your sentences with Si j'étais… je ferais… or J'aimerais que… Show that you can imagine and explain reasons clearly.
Grammar focus: Master these structures:
- Si j'étais maire, je changerais…
- J'aimerais apprendre un nouveau métier parce que…
- Je voudrais que cette tradition existe aussi en Suisse.
Essential Vocabulary for the FIDE B1 Speaking Test
The four question categories of the FIDE B1 speaking test revolve around specific themes. Here is the key vocabulary you need for each:
Work and professional life (le travail) la formation continue — le métier — le poste — les compétences — l'expérience professionnelle — le collègue — l'employeur — le contrat — la réunion — la candidature
The commune and daily life in Switzerland (la commune) la commune — la mairie / le syndic — les démarches administratives — le permis de séjour — s'inscrire — le formulaire — les autorités — le quartier — les transports en commun — les services publics
Celebrations and traditions (les fêtes et traditions) la fête — la tradition — les invités — organiser — participer à — la coutume — le repas — se retrouver — la famille élargie — les vœux
Training and education (la formation) suivre une formation — apprendre — se former — les études — le diplôme — la certification — progresser — les connaissances — améliorer — l'apprentissage
Tip: For each theme, prepare two or three sentences using this vocabulary before your exam. The more naturally you can use these words in context, the more confident you will feel on the day.
What Grammar Do You Need for the FIDE B1 Speaking Test?
To succeed in the FIDE B1 speaking part, you need a solid command of the following:
- Past tenses (passé composé and imparfait) — to describe experiences clearly. Read our guide on passé composé vs imparfait.
- The conditional (je ferais, j'aimerais) — for hypothetical questions
- Comparatives and superlatives — to compare life in Switzerland and in your home country
- French connectors — to structure your answers logically
How to Prepare for the FIDE B1 Speaking Test
1. Practise speaking every day
The most important thing is to speak as much as possible — in French, in real-life situations. At work, at the shop, with neighbours. Every conversation counts.
2. Prepare your answers to typical questions
Read the question categories above and prepare structured answers for each. Practise saying them aloud — not reading them, but speaking naturally from notes.
3. Work with a qualified tutor
A native French tutor who knows the FIDE exam format will be able to run mock oral exams with you, correct your mistakes in real time, and help you build the vocabulary and grammar you need. Read our tips for preparing for the Swiss nationality interview.
4. Know the exam format
Register at an authorised FIDE testing centre in your canton. You choose the language — French, German or Italian. The oral part lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Discover our complete guide on online FIDE test preparation.
FIDE Test Preparation by Canton
We support students preparing for the FIDE test across all French-speaking cantons of Switzerland — and also from abroad for those relocating to Switzerland.
Geneva (Genève) Geneva is home to a large international community — diplomats, UN workers, professionals from all over the world. Many of our Geneva students prepare for the FIDE B1 for their C permit or Swiss naturalisation. Discover our French courses for Geneva. — Learn French in Geneva.
Vaud — LausanneLausanne and the canton of Vaud attract a growing number of expatriates working in finance, technology and international organisations. Discover our FIDE preparation courses for Lausanne. — Learn French in Lausanne.
Other French-speaking cantons We also support students in Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Jura and the Valais — as well as in the bilingual regions of Bern and Zurich. All lessons are delivered online, so wherever you are in Switzerland, we can prepare you for the FIDE test.
Preparing from abroad Some of our students prepare for the FIDE test from the UK, Australia, the United States and other countries before relocating to Switzerland. All preparation is done entirely online. Contact us to discuss your situation.
FIDE Test and Swiss Citizenship — What You Need to Know
The FIDE test is required for anyone applying for a Swiss residency permit (B or C) or Swiss naturalisation who does not have French, German or Italian as their mother tongue. The minimum recommended age is 16 years old.
For Swiss citizenship, you need B1 in speaking and listening. A2 suffices for reading and writing. You can also prepare for the FIDE test from abroad — many of our students prepare from the UK, Australia and other countries before relocating to Switzerland.
For the B permit, only the oral part is required. For the C permit and naturalisation, both oral and written parts are generally required.
The full test costs CHF 250 — CHF 170 for the oral part and CHF 120 for the written part.
Read our article on what B1 level means for Swiss citizenship and our tips for the Swiss nationality interview for more details.
What Our Students Say about FIDE B1 Preparation
“ 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
Read more testimonials from our students in Switzerland.
Prepare for the FIDE Test with French via Skype
At French via Skype, our native French tutor has over 20 years of international teaching experience and specialises in FIDE test preparation. She has supported many students in French-speaking Switzerland — in Geneva, Lausanne and beyond — as well as students preparing from abroad.
Our lessons are delivered online via Zoom or Teams, covering all aspects of the FIDE exam — speaking, listening, reading and writing. We offer private FIDE preparation courses from A1 to B1, with mock oral exams, personalised feedback and structured lesson summaries.
All of our students have successfully passed their FIDE test — many who prepared for A2 achieved B1.
Discover our FIDE preparation courses:
Frequently Asked Questions about the FIDE B1 Speaking Test
Do I need to live in Switzerland to take the FIDE test?
No — the FIDE test can be taken at authorised centres in Switzerland, and preparation can be done entirely online from anywhere in the world. Many of our students prepare from the UK or other countries before moving to Switzerland. Discover our online FIDE preparation.
What level do I need for Swiss citizenship?
You need B1 in speaking and listening, and A2 in reading and writing. Read our guide on what B1 level means for Swiss citizenship.
How is the FIDE test different from the DELF?
The FIDE test is specifically designed for life in Switzerland and focuses on everyday situations in Swiss daily life. The DELF is an internationally recognised French language diploma valid worldwide. Both are valid for immigration and citizenship purposes in different countries. Read more about our DELF preparation courses.
How long does it take to prepare for the FIDE B1?
This depends on your starting level. Most students need between 2 and 6 months of regular preparation. Contact us to discuss your level and timeline.
Can I take the FIDE test in French even if I live in a German-speaking canton?
Yes — you can choose the language of the FIDE test regardless of where you live in Switzerland.
Ready to Start?
Whether you are preparing for a residency permit, Swiss naturalisation, or simply want to feel confident speaking French in everyday situations in Switzerland — we are here to help.
Contact us to discuss your needs.
We will design a preparation plan tailored to your level, your goals and your exam date.
À bientôt !
