Bringing Ideas and Innovation to Language Learning

Building your communication skills

We support professionals with a series of online private lessons

We tailor our online language training to enhance your communication skills—whether for work, living abroad, preparing for our business language Accreditation or for tests like the Swiss FIDE.

Our lessons focus on:

Real-life communication skills
Practical tasks
Carefully scaffolded lessons
Inter lesson practice activities

This ensures:

Faster progress
Higher retention
Measurable improvement
Sustainable skill development
No wasted time
Only commercially relevant learning

FIDE Test – French Language Preparation

If you are applying for Swiss naturalisation, a residence permit (B) or a settlement permit (C), you will need to prove your level of language proficiency.

The FIDE test is an official language assessment used in Switzerland. It evaluates your ability to communicate in real-life situations, with a focus on everyday life in a Swiss context (e.g. work, administration, school, shopping).

What does the FIDE test include?

You can take two parts:

Speaking & Listening (oral exam)
Reading & Writing (written exam)

What levels are tested?

The FIDE test assesses language skills from A1 to B1, based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

In most cases, applicants are expected to demonstrate:

A1–B1 levels
In some cantons: B2 oral level

Swiss Permit Language Requirements (Geneva)

Situation	Current Permit	Request	Oral	Written
Spouse (non-EU)	None	B Permit	A1	-
Renew B (non-EU)	B Permit	B Permit	A1	-
After 10 yrs → C	B Permit	C Permit	A2	A1
Spouse (Swiss/permit)	B Permit	C Permit	A2	A1
After 5 yrs → early C	B Permit	C Permit	B1	A1
After 10 yrs → nationality	C Permit	Swiss Passport	B1	A2
After 5 yrs (facilitated)	C Permit	Swiss Passport	B1	A2

What can you do at each level?

A1 (Beginner):

Introduce yourself and others
Answer simple personal questions
Communicate basic needs (e.g. shopping, daily life)
Understand slow, clear speech

A2 (Elementary):

Understand simple information about work, school or health
Handle routine situations (e.g. at a public office)
Describe your background and experiences

B1 (Intermediate):

Understand key information in everyday and professional situations
Deal with most real-life situations independently
Express opinions, goals and experiences clearly

Testimonials

I highly recommend The Language Alliance for anyone preparing for the FIDE Swiss test. The online classes were engaging and very well organised. Juliet was an exceptional teacher, supportive, motivating, and key to helping me pass and reach my B1 level.

Jessica, FIDE Swiss test candidate

Juliet helped me excel in my FIDE language test in a short timeframe, building strong foundations I still use today. Her engaging, interactive lessons have brought my French to a level where I’m comfortable speaking and understanding it in daily life.

Hayes, FIDE Swiss test candidate

Juliet's French lessons have been highly engaging and effective, helping me build confidence and improve my language skills quickly, helping me integrate into a french speaking city.

Abi, FIDE Swiss test candidate

Juliet has been absolutely brilliant in helping me prepare for the FIDE test. Her teaching style is very practical, efficient and effective. After each lesson, the material she shares enables me to also practise at home which has really given me the confidence to speak French when I’m out and about. Thank you Juliet!