German Language proficiency is a compulsory part of living and working in German-speaking Switzerland – and is a requirement for a residence permit. German Language knowledge and skills allow students to aim higher in their careers and establish valuable professional connections. Whether you’re learning German from scratch, want to improve your language skills, are looking to obtain a professional international certificate, or working on your ability to speak and debate in German, we have the perfect course for you. International Swiss School’s friendly, dedicated team is here to help students reach their personal goals, word by word, step by step. The educational program of ISS is divided into Exam Preparatory Courses, Standard German Courses, and SummerIntense Courses.

Standard Courses of the German Program at the International Swiss School offer a comprehensive and structured approach to German Language learning. International Swiss School provide students with the necessary tools, guidance, and resources to develop their German Language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the German-speaking world. Whether for academic requirements, personal interest, or future career prospects, ISS German Language courses can be a valuable opportunity for language acquisition and cultural exploration. German Language courses at the International Swiss School are designed to help students learn and improve their proficiency in the German language.

Summer Intense German Courses at the International Swiss School are designed to provide a concentrated and immersive German learning experience for students of all proficiency levels. Summer Intense courses take place during the summer months to give ISS students more availability to focus on their language studies. Whether ISS students are complete beginners or already have some knowledge of German, language courses at the International Swiss School provide structured lessons and practice opportunities to enhance language skills. Summer Intense Courses of German at the International Swiss School cover various aspects of language learning, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

The Official German Exam Preparatory Program at the International Swiss School is designed to help students prepare for language proficiency exams. The educational program is applicable for candidates who wish to earn a Goethe Certificate for further higher education or for job applications. ISS students are able to access university resources to practice their language skills, seek help with specific challenges, and further enhance their learning experience for earning Goethe Certificate.

Standard Courses of German Program: For all Levels (A1 – C2 of German from the CEFRL)

Each level of the German Language Course at the International Swiss School incorporates interactive activities, listening exercises, reading comprehension tasks, and writing assignments. Cultural aspects are integrated into the curriculum, providing students with a deeper understanding of the German-speaking world. The aim of the Standard Courses of the German Program is to help students progress through the different proficiency levels of the German language, ensuring comprehensive and systematic development of their language skills.

The Standard German Language program at the International Swiss School covers every level of proficiency as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from A1 to C2 level. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a widely recognized framework used to assess and describe language proficiency levels. It provides a standardized way to measure and compare language skills across different languages and countries. The CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe and has become the reference point for language teaching, learning, and assessment. German Language courses are designed to provide a comprehensive and structured approach to language learning, ensuring that students develop their German language skills progressively. The number of students in a batch for all courses is nearly 6-8 people to make the educational process more convenient and effective for all ISS students.

Course Schedule

German Language Course is applicable for students who wish to learn the German Language part-time and for those who wish to upgrade their German Language level.

*Students are obligated to cover the tuition fees at the beginning of each term.

Summer Intense Courses of German Program: For all Levels (A1 – C2 of German from the CEFRL)

Summer Intense Courses of German at the International Swiss School are designed to provide a concentrated and immersive language learning experience for students of all proficiency levels. Summer German Language courses take place during the summer months when ISS students have more availability to focus on their language studies. Summer Intense Courses are characterized by a higher intensity of learning, with longer class hours per day or week compared to Standard Courses. Summer Intense Courses of German at the International Swiss School is applicable for candidates wishing to learn German program part-time and for students who wish to upgrade their level of German. The intense programs cover in-depth knowledge of each subject.

Summer Intense Courses of German at the International Swiss School cover all the necessary language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The ISS curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded language learning experience and aims to enhance both fluency and accuracy. Summer Intense Courses of German follow the standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ensuring a structured progression through the language proficiency levels. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a widely recognized framework used to assess and describe language proficiency levels.

Learning activities at the International Swiss School include group discussions, role plays, interactive exercises, language games, and multimedia resources. The educational process at the Summer Intense Courses of German focused on providing ample opportunities for students to practice their language skills in real-life contexts. Speaking practice is a significant component of Summer Intense Courses in German. Students participate in oral exercises and conversations, allowing them to improve their pronunciation, fluency, and overall communication skills. The immersive environment of the Summer Intense Courses of German encourages students to use German as much as possible and gain confidence in their speaking abilities.

Program Schedule

Summer Intense Courses of German at the International Swiss School is applicable for students who wish to learn the German Language part-time and for those who wish to upgrade their levels.

*Students are obligated to pay the fees at the beginning of each term.

CEFR Descriptors

The CEFR provides descriptors that outline the linguistic knowledge and skills associated with each proficiency level. CEFR descriptors offer detailed descriptions of language abilities in terms of vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and communication strategies. They help ISS assessors, educators, and learners understand the specific expectations and criteria for each level. Below you will see a detailed description of the levels from A1 to C2 due to the Common European Framework of Reference. German Language courses provided by the International Swiss School meet the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference.

A1 Level. The A1 level is the beginner level, where ISS students are introduced to the basics of the German Language. Educational processes focus on fundamental vocabulary, essential grammar structures, and basic communication skills. Students learn to introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, and engage in basic everyday conversations. Students are able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at satisfying specific needs and introducing themselves and others.

A2 Level. Educational processes at this level aim to expand vocabulary, deepen grammar knowledge, and improve communication skills. ISS students learn to express their opinions, discuss familiar topics, describe experiences, and understand simple written texts and dialogues.

B1 Level. The B1 level marks an intermediate stage of proficiency. Educational processes at this level aim to develop more advanced grammar structures, increase vocabulary, and enhance speaking and writing skills. Students learn to express themselves more fluently, engage in discussions, write coherent texts, and comprehend more complex written and spoken materials.

B2 Level. The B2 level represents an upper-intermediate proficiency level. Educational processes at this level focus on refining and expanding language skills. Students develop a broader vocabulary, enhance their grammar knowledge, and improve their ability to express themselves effectively in various contexts. ISS Language Courses aim to strengthen reading comprehension, listening skills, and writing proficiency.

C1 Level. The C1 level is an advanced level of proficiency. Educational processes at this level aim to prepare students for more complex language use. Students expand their vocabulary to encompass a wide range of topics, refine their grammar skills, and engage in sophisticated oral and written communication. Reading comprehension and listening skills are further developed, enabling students to understand and analyze complex texts and conversations.

C2 Level. The C2 level represents native-level proficiency in the German language. Educational processes at this level focus on refining language skills to a high level of accuracy, fluency, and complexity. Students work on advanced grammar structures, expand their vocabulary to encompass specialized fields, and master sophisticated communication in both formal and informal contexts. ISS Language Courses emphasize critical thinking, advanced reading, and listening comprehension, and advanced writing skills.

Official German Exam Preparatory Programs

Official German Exam Preparatory Programs at the International Swiss School are designed to help students prepare for language proficiency exams. The educational program is applicable for candidates who wish to earn a Goethe Certificate for the German Language for Higher Studies at the University or for job applications. To prepare for the Goethe Certificate exam, International Swiss School provides students with modern university resources, including sample exams, preparation books, online practice materials, and preparatory classes. University resources help familiarize students with the exam format, provide practice opportunities, and develop the specific language skills required for each level.

International Swiss School helps students to understand the exam structure. ISS students familiarize themselves with the format, sections, and requirements of the specific Goethe Certificate level they are aiming for. They understand the types of tasks, time limits, and scoring criteria for each section of the exam, and strengthen their vocabulary by learning new words and phrases regularly. Practical classes at the International Swiss School give students the ability to pay attention to grammar rules and practice applying them in different contexts, working on improving their accuracy and fluency in spoken and written German.

Speaking practice is a significant component of the Official German Exam Preparatory Program at the International Swiss School. Students participate in oral exercises and conversations, allowing them to improve their pronunciation, fluency, and overall communication skills. The immersive environment of the Official German Exam Preparatory Program encourages students to use German as much as possible and gain confidence in their speaking abilities.

Program Schedule

Official German Exam Preparatory Programs at the International Swiss School are applicable for ISS students who wish to earn a Goethe Certificate for Higher Studies or for job application.

Goethe Certificate

The Goethe Certificate, also known as the Goethe-Zertifikat, is an internationally recognized language proficiency certificate awarded by the Goethe-Institut. It assesses the German language skills of non-native speakers and is widely accepted for academic and professional purposes. The Goethe Certificate is available at various levels, corresponding to the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The levels include A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Each level represents a progressive advancement in language skills, from basic to advanced proficiency.

The Goethe Certificate is widely recognized by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies as proof of German language proficiency. It is required for admission to German universities, job applications, and immigration purposes. The certificate serves as evidence of the student’s language skills and can enhance academic and professional opportunities. Obtaining the Goethe Certificate demonstrates a commitment to learning and achieving proficiency in the German language. It validates language skills and provides individuals with an internationally recognized credential opening doors to various opportunities in education, career, and personal growth.