KDE Language Test in Zürich

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
Dear All

Is there anyone who had a recent experience with KDE Test in Zürich canton within 2021?

I am looking for tips as to Sprechen section (B1) for naturalisation application. Does the structure resemble Goethe exams? e.g interactive conversation plus presentation and sharing of opinion on a topic.

Thanks to everyone who shares their experience.

Best,

2
Assume it has not changed since I completed it end of 2019. If so speaking test in front of 2 invigilators for 2-3 mins on your choice of topic chosen from 3-4 options provided when you enter the room. Topics were everyday stuff like family & hobbies. Very straightforward with no hidden traps. They asked 1 or 2 questions at the end but not interactive.

3

Thats good to hear as I feel nervous with presentation.

Thanks

4
I did the KDE in Winterthur in March, there are two elements to the speaking part.

Firstly, a bit about yourself- where you are from, what your hobbies are etc, you are asked questions about what you say - so if you say you like reading be prepared to say what you are reading now!

The second bit was a choice of four topics - all fairly general, I had a choice between school, sport, travel and festivals. I said a few things then the examiner asked a few questions, including how did the system here compare to that in my homeland - I think they were checking I could respond and not just say a prepared piece.

The examiners were really friendly and wanted to get the best out the candidates. There are two candidates in the room, but you don't interact at all.

You've probably seen this sheet but it is helpful to see what kind of topics can come up.

https://www.zh.ch/content/dam/zhweb/...ement_2021.pdf

Good luck

5

Hi, for the speaking part, when you choose among the options, they are all very general and you can talk in many respects. What is the expectation of the talk? for ex, if you choose School, are we supposed to talk about our schools or what? thank you for more information on that...

6
Hello everybody,

Is there anybody who took KDE exam and give a bit information about Sprechen part? when you choose among the options provided, i understand that all seem very generic topics like school, einkaufen etc. What is expected from us exactly? You can talk many thing on school for example but I try to understand how to and which direction to get prepared. Thank you!!!

7
Which book did you use if I may ask. Thank you !

8
Thanks for the info. May I please know if the resulting score is calculated for overall written part (average of written, listening and reading)?

9
Here’s my experience:

Our language certificate used for C permit was not accepted. Not sure why and we decided to do the KDE test.

1. Reading, writing and listening are all in one section. Speaking alone is another. If you want you can split the two and do only one and the other at another time.

2. Reading, writing and hearing are super easy exercises. If yo7 have lived in Switzerland for 5 years (c-permit requirement) or 10 years ( citizenship requirement) and know basic German you will pass.

3. Hearing has one Swiss German audio clip. It’s easy.

4. Speaking is 15. Minutes split into two parts. First part is to talk about you - speak for3-4 minutes. You have to talk about you, family, job and hobbies. Second part is on a topic you choose from a set of 4-5 options. All topics are about daily life like your work, neighborhood,apartment, travel etc. topics are easy. Important is you talk for 7-8 minutes. They will ask questions in between,so just pause and listen to the question before you speak again. It’s normally done with 2 candidates and 2 examiners. One examiner asks questions or engages in the conversation while the other grades you.

Test results come in 2 days and you need 60% in both separately. If you “fail” one you can retake only that section.

10
Because your certificate was not on the official list.

Official list of all accepted language certificate for permit and naturalization purposes:

https://www.sem.admin.ch/dam/sem/de/...tifikate-d.pdf