German Exam for Naturalisation in Zurich (KDE)

Small group in Zurich

8 lessons of 45 minutes over two weeks (4 sessions), evenings from 17:30 or 19:00. Maximum 5 participants at Leutschenbachstrasse 95, 8050 Zürich.

Online across Switzerland

The same preparation by video call — independent of where you later sit the test in Canton Zurich.

Private lessons

One-to-one preparation built around your level, your timeline and the part you want to strengthen.

In-company for teams

Naturalisation German preparation delivered at your company, scheduled around your operations.

Yes. The requirements, your route (KDE or telc B1) and your learning plan can be explained in English, so you understand exactly what Canton Zurich expects. The lessons themselves are mainly in German, because you are preparing for a German exam and need to practise in the target language.

KDE stands for Kantonaler Deutschtest für die Einbürgerung — the cantonal German test for naturalisation. It is the official language proof recognised by Canton Zurich (and some other cantons) for naturalisation. It has an oral part at level B1 (listening and speaking) and a written part at level A2 (reading and writing).

No. We offer the preparation, not the exam. The KDE is taken at an officially accredited test centre in Canton Zurich, and we help you choose a suitable one and register. Alternatively, you can provide the German proof through the telc B1 certificate, which we can administer in-house.

For naturalisation in Canton Zurich the KDE requires level B1 orally (listening and speaking) and level A2 in writing (reading and writing). In the oral part you should manage everyday communication; in the written part you should understand short texts and fill in simple forms.

Yes. If you hold a recognised B1 certificate — such as telc, Goethe, ÖSD or fide — you do not need to take the KDE in Canton Zurich. At Bildung und Entwicklung Schweiz® you prepare specifically for telc B1 and sit the telc exam directly with us, through a licensed telc examiner. The telc B1 certificate also counts as the German proof for the settlement permit C.

People going through ordinary naturalisation in Canton Zurich who do not already hold another recognised German proof. If you already have a B1 certificate (for example telc, Goethe, ÖSD or fide), you do not need the KDE. Whether it applies to you depends on your commune and your prior education.

Typically people whose mother tongue is German, who attended at least five years of compulsory school in German, who completed an apprenticeship, gymnasium or studies in German, or who hold a recognised B1 language certificate. In those cases your German proof is already provided.

It has two parts. The written part covers listening, reading and writing and is taken in a group. The oral part covers speaking, in a personal conversation of around 15 minutes. Both parts must be passed and can usually be taken — and repeated — separately.

No. No dictionaries, notes or mobile phones are allowed; you show your German from memory. That is exactly why we train free, confident use of the language in the course, so you are secure without aids.

A valid ID. If you are already in the ordinary naturalisation procedure, your commune issues a letter that authorises your participation — bring that too. The exact requirements are in the invitation from your test centre.

You can repeat it. If you only failed one part, you repeat just that part. In ordinary naturalisation the repeat is arranged with your commune or the city chancellery. A failed attempt is not a barrier — many pass on the second try.

At the AOZ test centre in Zurich a partial repeat costs CHF 150 and repeating the whole test costs CHF 250. Fees can vary slightly by centre. The cost of the language proof is borne by the applicant.

The KDE is primarily a cantonal test for Zurich and is not accepted everywhere for naturalisation in other cantons. If you want to be safe across cantons, a Switzerland-wide certificate such as fide or telc B1 is the better choice.

The KDE is the cantonal Zurich naturalisation test (B1 oral, A2 written). fide is the federal proof recognised Switzerland-wide by the SEM. telc is an international certificate available at every level; a telc B1 certificate is recognised in Zurich and replaces the KDE. We help you choose the right route in a free first consultation.

For ordinary naturalisation, Canton Zurich also requires a basic-knowledge test (civics) on geography, politics, history and society of Switzerland and the canton. We prepare you for it with our digital StaatskundeTrainer, with over 330 questions and personal support — alongside your German preparation.

The KDE preparation course costs CHF 350 for 8 lessons of 45 minutes (CHF 43.75 per lesson). With a KulturLegi (Caritas) you receive 30% off and pay CHF 245. If you take the telc route, the telc exam fee applies separately.

At Leutschenbachstrasse 95, 8050 Zürich (district 11, near Oerlikon and Glattpark), and online by video call. For companies, we can also come to your premises.