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 are not sure what level B1 means. In this article we will explain what the expectations are at level B1 for obtaining Swiss nationality or residency.
What is language level B1 required 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
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 a certification also called language certification which allows immigrants to Switzerland to demonstrate their language level to apply for residency or citizenship in Switzerland.
FIDE is the acronym for “French, Italiano, Deutsch in Switzerland” and refers to the Swiss program for promoting linguistic integration.
You will receive a language passport after passing the FIDE 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 Skype, 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 !
