GERMAN EXAMS IN ZURICH

Cantonal German Test (KDE) in Zurich: Demonstrating German Language Proficiency for Naturalization

Would you like to become a naturalized citizen in the Canton of Zurich and need to demonstrate your German language skills? The Cantonal German Test for Naturalization (KDE) assesses the oral and written German language skills required for the naturalization process.

For listening and speaking, German proficiency at the B1 level is required. For reading and writing, you must reach the A2 level.

At ILS Zürich , you can prepare specifically for the KDE exam and—provided you meet the requirements for direct Registration —take the KDE exam.

Model test

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 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. The ÖSD exam was well organized. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was pleasant. Thank you very much!
  
 
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 February 24, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. I was greeted very warmly right from the start and felt at ease immediately. The exam was organized really well! Everything was well-structured, on time, and exceptionally well-prepared. It was clear that the team is very competent and experienced. Thank you very much for the excellent support and the perfect organization!
  
 
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 February 16, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. This is the third time I've visited the ILS Zürich to take an exam. My wife took the exam once, and I've taken it twice, and we've been very satisfied with the service every time. Thank you very much, ILS!
  
 
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 February 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. Dear TELC Team, I recently took the TELC B2 exam and would like to share my feedback. Overall, I found the exam to be well-structured and easy to understand. I was particularly impressed by the exam committee—everyone was very friendly, helpful, and professional. Thank you very much! Best regards, Lirie Jakupi 💕♥️
  
 
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 February 10, 2026
 
 
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 February 2, 2026
 
 
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 January 31, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. I took my B2 exam at ILS, and the atmosphere was just great. The staff were super friendly, helpful, and full of positive energy, so I felt extremely comfortable. A big thank you to everyone! To anyone who still has the exam ahead of them, I can say: You’ll take it in a very relaxed environment.☺️
  
 
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 January 24, 2026
 
 
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 January 16, 2026
 
 
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TEST DATES & PRICES

Prices, exam dates & Registration

Here you will find all the necessary information about our KDE exams in Zurich.

Available starting in January!

The KDE exam will be offered starting in January at ILS-Zürich . More information will follow shortly.

MORE INFO

More about the KDE

Learn everything you need to know about the KDE in Zurich.

Description

The KDE (Cantonal German Test for Naturalization) is a German language test administered by the Canton of Zurich. Its purpose is to determine whether you have the German language skills required for naturalization.

The KDE assesses four language skills:

Listening – Level B1
Speaking – Level B1
Reading – Level A2
Writing – Level A2

The exam consists of an oral and a written portion.

In the oral portion, you will, among other things, introduce yourself and discuss topics and situations from everyday life. The written portion includes tasks in the areas of listening, reading, and writing.

Examination venue

ILS-Zürich
Hagenholzstrasse 81a
8050 Zurich

Model test

Go to the model test >>

Registration

The number of places on the exams is limited. Please register early using the registration form or directly with us on site.

Please note that the examination fees must be paid in full by the day of the examination at the latest. Otherwise the participant will be excluded from the examination.

Deregistration

The examination fee will be waived or refunded in the event of deregistration before the end of the registration and deregistration period, although a processing fee of CHF 30 will be charged. Deregistration can only be made by e-mail. Examination fees will be charged in full in the event of deregistration after this deadline.

KDE Prep Course in Zurich

Would you like to prepare specifically for the KDE exam in Zurich?

ILS Zürich offers specialized KDE preparation courses. In these courses, you’ll learn about the structure and question types of the Cantonal German Test and can prepare specifically for both the oral and written portions of the exam.

Depending on the program, preparation for the KDE exam is available, for example, through private lessons or a preparatory course specifically designed for the exam.

KDE and the Basic Knowledge Test (GKT) in Zurich—all in one place

In addition to sufficient knowledge of German, basic knowledge of Switzerland, the Canton of Zurich, and the Zurich municipal system may also be required for regular naturalization in the Canton of Zurich.

This knowledge is demonstrated through the Basic Knowledge Test (GKT).

ILS Zürich Therefore, we offer you comprehensive support for all the important steps involved in the naturalization process:

Cantonal German Test (KDE)
KDE Prep Course
Basic Knowledge Test (GKT)
GKT Prep Course

This allows you to prepare specifically for both the language portion and the required basic knowledge, and to receive all your services related to KDE and the basic knowledge test in Zurich from a single provider.

ALTERNATIVES

Alternatives to the KDE Exam: Telc, ÖSD, SDS Exams & fide-Test

In addition to the KDE exam, SDS, Telc, ÖSD, and fide-Test are recognized exams for demonstrating proficiency in German.

SPACE

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GERMAN EXAMS IN ZURICH

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Browse the frequently asked questions and our answers!

What is the KDE?

KDE stands for the Cantonal German Test for Naturalization. The test was developed to verify the required German language proficiency as part of the naturalization process in the Canton of Zurich.

What level of German do I need for the KDE?

The following level of German proficiency is required for the KDE:

Listening: B1
Speaking: B1
Reading: A2
Writing: A2

These requirements thus correspond to the oral and written language skills required for naturalization.

What are the sections of the KDE exam?

The KDE consists of an oral and a written portion.

The oral portion of the exam specifically assesses your speaking and listening skills.

The written portion includes tasks in the areas of listening, reading, and writing.

Do I need the KDE for naturalization in the Canton of Zurich?

If you are applying for naturalization and cannot already demonstrate the required German language proficiency in another recognized way, the KDE may be required as proof of language proficiency.

There are various exceptions. Therefore, please check with your local municipality to find out what documentation you need for your specific naturalization process.

Where can I take the KDE exam in Zurich?

The KDE is administered by designated testing centers.

In the case of regular naturalization, your municipality will let you know when and where you can take the KDE.

For other purposes or certain naturalization procedures, it may be possible to submit an application directly to an examination agency ( Registration ).

Can I sign up directly for the KDE Register?

That depends on the purpose of the examination.

For regular naturalization, you should generally contact your local municipality regarding the KDERegistration .

If you are eligible for simplified naturalization, you can choose a language school and apply directly for the KDE Register.

For certain other purposes as well—such as providing proof of language proficiency for a C permit—it may be possible to take the test directly at Registration .

Can I use the KDE for the C permit?

Yes, the KDE is also accepted in the Canton of Zurich as proof of language proficiency for the C permit.

You should check with the relevant authority before submitting your application to determine which requirements apply to your specific case.

Do I need KDE and GKT for naturalization?

That depends on your personal situation and your educational and language credentials to date.

To qualify for regular naturalization in the Canton of Zurich, applicants must generally demonstrate both the required proficiency in German and the prescribed basic knowledge. However, there are exceptions.

Your municipality will let you know exactly what documentation you need.

Can a fide-Test replace KDE?

If you already have a recognized language proficiency certificate, you may not be required to take the KDE exam.

To determine whether your specific certificate will be accepted for your naturalization process, you should check the currently accepted language proficiency certificates or contact your local municipality.

KDE Exam in Zurich - Cantonal German Test for Naturalization

Cantonal German Test (KDE) in Zurich: Demonstrating German Language Proficiency for Naturalization

Experiences of our participants

Save CHF 30 with a combined booking

Prices, exam dates & Registration

Available starting in January!

More about the KDE

Alternatives to the KDE Exam: Telc, ÖSD, SDS Exams & fide-Test

fide-Test at the ILS

Telc exams at the ILS

ÖSD exams at the ILS

SDS examinations at ILS

Discover our exam rooms!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

ILS Assistant