Learning a language

The external pageLanguage 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, there are lots of one-semester courses (two hours a week) available in German as a Foreign Language at all language levels from A1 to C2. Bear in mind that you will probably have to attend courses at one level for several semesters until you can move on to the next level.

If you come to Zurich without any German at all and want to quickly acquire the basics, the best option is to attend a “Beginners’ German Highspeed” course, which is held twice a week. If you are already at “post-beginner” level (level A1.2-A2.2), you can also attend an intensive “Continuation” course between semesters.

If you are keen to understand or even learn to speak Swiss German, a knowledge of the language will give you a greater understanding of what makes Swiss culture and Swiss people unique. The “Swiss German for German Speakers” course (level C1-C2) helps you to understand spoken Swiss German and highlights cultural differences in verbal communication.

As well as German and Swiss German, the Language Center also runs language courses in English, French, Italian and nine other languages.

In order to advance in your career in Switzerland, it is advisable to learn at least one of the national languages.

 

You can also teach yourself language skills in the external pageSelf-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.

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