Learning German
Are you looking for a German course? On this page you will find more information on this topic.
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. English is also widely spoken. The Swiss Confederation
website has more information about the languages and dialects of the country.
DeutschBon – a voucher for a German course
Once a year, the City of Bern issues vouchers that are used to pay for German courses. The DeutschBon website has more information (DE).
Where can I find more information about language certificates and funding courses?
- The Canton of Bern has more information on this topic at Hallo-bern.ch.
- You can search for language courses that are financially supported on the Canton of Bern web portal. (DE, FR)
- People with limited means can receive a KulturLegi. With the KulturLegi, you benefit from discounts of 30 percent or more on many cultural, sports, leisure and educational activities (including language courses) in the canton of Bern and throughout Switzerland. (DE, FR)
Finding a German course
- You can use the Canton of Bern's search engine to find the right course for you (DE, FR).
- In the City of Bern, parents with pre-school age children have the opportunity to learn German together in MuKi German courses.
- The programme «Learning German before Kindergarten» is a support programme from the City of Bern aimed at young children who speak little to no German. You can find more information on the Primano website (DE).
- The City of Bern offers intensive language courses for children and teenagers who speak little or no German (DE).
- The Canton of Bern offers «Regional Intensive Courses PLUS» for young people aged 13 to 17. You can find more information on the Amt für Kindergarten, Volksschule und Beratung AKVB website (DE, FR).
Where can I find a free or low-cost German course?
- Once a year, the City of Bern issues vouchers that are used to pay for German courses. The DeutschBon website has more information (DE).
- The Catholic Church has a list of free or low-cost German courses in the Bern region. (DE)
Which language certificate is valid for my residence permit?
- You can take the «fide» language test, which tests your language skills in everyday life in Switzerland. You can find more information on the fide website (EN, DE, FR, IT).
- Do you need a language certificate when you extend your residence permit? The State Secretariat of Migration (SEM) website has more information on which language levels are required (EN, DE, FR, IT).