Facilitated Naturalisation Written Exam

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
Hey guys,

I'm very happy I stumbled upon this forum, as I'm at the end of a very arduous process of facilitated naturalisation and I'm facing a big and scary challenge. I'd really appreciate your help!

So, I started my application for the Swiss facilitated Naturalisation, given that my grandmother was registered as Swiss (both her parents were born there). She was born in Chile, as I was. It's taken me ages to get all the documents they requests and meet all the requirements (like travelling there at least a few times, having contact with Swiss people, joining a Swiss club).

I finally have absolutely everything they needed, and the final step has come: the interview and the written exam. My problem is twofold: official languages and general knowledge about the country.

I've been living in Berlin for a year and a half, but my German is still very basic and blunt. I'm learning, but it's slow and hard progress. The lady at the embassy told me the interview could be held in English, but the written exam has to be in either German or French, and English (or the use of any translation devices) is not an option. She also said the exam is not multiple choice, and written answers must be provided.

So, I am wondering, given my very basic German, and the fact that I've never lived there (I can only learn facts online about the country), would it be a complete waste of time to carry through with the application? It costs 500 euro and I'm currently unemployed and don't have money to spare.

If the questions are kind of basic, and the replies can be too (sentences with a simple structure), I think I could do okay. I just don't know how complex the language will be, the questions will be, and how high their standards are.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post. I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say! I have to confirm the interview asap, and don't know what to do.

2
As far as I know, there is no written exam for facilitated naturalization. I think the gal at the embassy was confused.

There is an interview, and they do expect you to know a little bit of German for that.

3
That's strange. She's mentioned it so many times. I even asked about the language, and she asked back at Bern, etc., and it's been a constant back and forth.

Examples (extracts from emails):

I would like to arrange an appointment for the naturalization interview and the written test. I can submit the following date proposals:

Unfortunately, it is not allowed to use any translation software or dictionary. The test and as well the interview has to be in an official Swiss language as this is one of the main foundation if you’re applying for the Swiss citizenship.

So, we can held the interview in English but the exam has to be in German and French (both languages are shown on the paper). The format is not multiple choice it’s more like answers you have to write.

What I'm applying for is: facilitated naturalization according to article 58a SCA

And I applied before January 1st, 2018, so the old law applied (that's what she told me, and why she encouraged me to do it before that date, cause afterwards it'd be impossible to do it through grandparents).

But if you're certain about this, then that's a huge load off my back. I can half guess and half explain German good enough in conversation, but reading and writing would be a huge challenge.

Thanks again!

4
I did the written test in Swiss Consulate in Sao Paulo december last year. My procedure is similar to yours, facilitated naturalization, my grandfather was swiss.

My test consisted in 30 written question, wich I did in French. The test is not easy at all, you must know Swiss History, Geography, Politics and actual knowledge.

From what I read you must get 60% of the test right to go forward with the process.

I had achieved a lot from the internet at the website " about.ch "

From there you can get a general look of Switzerland, and from what was in the website I did some further research on each subject.

I would study hard and go on with the procedure, since Swiss laws on immigration change a lot over the years, and if you pass the opportunity you might not be able to try again later.

But still , study hard and you will be fine.

Hope my answer was useful.

Best of luck!!

5
Thanks so much! I guess I should start brushing up my German and Swiss common knowledge skills. I hope I can learn enough of both. The website looks really useful. Much appreciated!