Learning a language
The external page Language Center of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich is run jointly by the two Zurich universities and offers a wide range of language courses and language learning opportunities.
The language courses are open to all members of the ETH Zürich and the University of Zurich.
If you would like to learn German, you will find a wide range of semester courses (usually with one double lesson per week) at all language levels from A1 to C2 in the German as a foreign language section. Please bear in mind that you should attend courses at one level over several semesters until you can move up to the next level.
The courses take place both at ETH centre and on Hönggerberg, and there is also the option of online courses. If you are coming to Zurich without any knowledge of German and would like to acquire the basics quickly, you should preferably attend a "Highspeed German" course, which takes place twice a week.
Would you like to understand or even learn to speak Swiss German? Swiss German will familiarise you with the special features of Swiss culture and the people of Switzerland.
In the course "Dialect comprehension and German in everyday life in Switzerland; B2-C1", listening comprehension is specifically trained in order to recognise the most important differences between standard German and the Swiss dialects.
In the course "Understanding/speaking Swiss German for German speakers" (level C1-C2), listening comprehension or speaking Swiss German is promoted every semester and intercultural differences in oral communication are highlighted.
You can also teach yourself language skills in the Self-Access Center.
Please note that it will depend on your supervising professorship as to whether any ECTS credits awarded by the Language Center will be recognised.
Languages at work
If you want to advance in your career following your employment at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, you need to master at least one of the three main national languages. Language skills are essential for anyone working in Switzerland and the required standard is often very high. The federal offices in Bern, for instance, usually require knowledge of French as well as German.
Financial support
The average fees for language courses are around CHF 486.00. ETH Zurich advises professorships to subsidise language course fees for doctoral students and scientific staff. Approach your professor and ask for financial assistance.