What is the difference between a private German class and a group class?

In a private German course, lessons are tailored specifically to your personal learning goals, your language proficiency level, and your learning pace. You and your teacher decide together which topics to focus on. These might include, for example, grammar, conversation, writing, business German, or preparation for a language exam. This allows you to make the most effective use of your class time.

For which language levels does ILS Zürich offer private German courses?

ILS Zürich offers private German courses for levels A1 through C2. This makes private lessons suitable for both beginners with little or no knowledge of German and advanced learners who want to build their language skills in a targeted way.

Can I choose the class times for my private German lessons myself?

Yes. Course days and times are arranged on an individual basis. This makes private German lessons particularly suitable for people who need a flexible schedule due to work, school, family, or other commitments. The total duration of the course can also be determined on an individual basis.

Can I take a private German class with other people?

Yes. In addition to traditional one-on-one lessons, ILS Zürich also offers semi-private lessons as well as private lessons for groups of three or four. This allows you to learn German together with friends, family members, or colleagues. The participants themselves put together their own study groups.

Can I prepare for a German exam through private lessons?

Yes. Private German lessons can be specifically tailored to help you prepare for a language exam. Together with your teacher, you can focus on the areas that are particularly important for your exam, such as speaking, writing, listening comprehension, or reading comprehension. The lessons can be tailored to your current level of proficiency and your exam date.

Are there also private German lessons for professional purposes?

Yes. Classes can be tailored to professional situations and industry-specific vocabulary. At ILS Zürich , private German courses are available for medical professionals, lawyers, and architects, among others. Depending on the profession, students can practice skills such as conversations with clients or patients, written communication, presentations, or specialized vocabulary.

How long is a lesson in a private German course?

At ILS Zürich , each lesson lasts 45 minutes. The number of lessons you’ll need and the duration of your course depend on your starting level, your personal learning goals, and your desired pace of study. You can therefore choose a course package that fits your individual goals.

KDE Exam Prep Courses in Zurich

Digital Private Course Brochure

KDE GERMAN COURSES & EXAM PREPARATION IN ZURICH

KDE Preparation Course - German for Your Naturalization

Prepare specifically for the Cantonal German Test (KDE) in the Canton of Zurich.

The KDE assesses German language proficiency, which is required, among other things, for naturalization in the Canton of Zurich: B1 for speaking and A2 for writing. In the KDE preparation course at ILS Zürich , you’ll practice these specific language skills and gain practical experience with the exam’s requirements.

German Course with a focus on B1 speaking and listening, as well as A2 reading and writing

Targeted Training focused on typical tasks and everyday situations at the KDE

Exam Preparation for the Language Proficiency Test in the Canton of Zurich

Prices for the KDE Exam Prep Course in Zurich

Learn more about our prices and course packages for private, semi-private, and trio private courses.

Packages	Price	Price per lesson
60 Lesson Package	CHF 3'900.-	CHF 65.-
50 Lesson Package	CHF 3'350.-	CHF 67.-
40 Lesson Package	CHF 2'760.-	CHF 69.-
Bestseller!30-lesson package	CHF 2'130.-	CHF 71.-
20 Lesson Package	CHF 1'460.-	CHF 73.-
10 Lesson Package	CHF 750.-	CHF 75.-
5-lesson package - Exam preparation Special price for ILS exam participants	CHF 350.-	CHF 70.-

Packages	Price per person	Price per lesson
60 Lesson Package	CHF 2'100	CHF 35.-
50 Lesson Package	CHF 1'850.-	CHF 37.-
40 Lesson Package	CHF 1'560.-	CHF 39.-
30 Lesson Package	CHF 1'230.-	CHF 41.-
20 Lesson Package	CHF 860.-	CHF 43.-
10 Lesson Package	CHF 450.-	CHF 45.-

Group must be formed yourself

Packages	Price per person	Price per lesson
60 Lesson Package	CHF 1800.-	CHF 30.-
50 Lesson Package	CHF 1600.-	CHF 32.-
40 Lesson Package	CHF 1360.-	CHF 34.-
30 Lesson Package	CHF 1080.-	CHF 36.-
20 Lesson Package	CHF 760.-	CHF 38.-
10 Lesson Package	CHF 400.-	CHF 40.-

Group must be formed yourself

Level

Oral: B1, Written: A2

Course duration

This is determined individually by you. Each lesson lasts 45 minutes.

Registration

In person on site or via the online registration form

Course time

Determined individually by you.

Course days

Depending on the courses offered and the preparation program you choose

Materials

50.- CHF per lower school incl. 1 course book

Let's work together to achieve your German goals together.

We offer you the best learning environment on our premises. Take a look at some photos of our classrooms!

360° tour

Your Choice for KDE preparation

Read what our previous participants ILS Zürich about ILS Zürich !

      
   ILS-Zürich - International Language School
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   Valmira Jupolli 
 October 10, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. Everything was just perfect—the staff and the organization were both perfect 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
  
 
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   Media Mohammad 
 October 8, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. The staff was extremely friendly.🤗👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️🤓
  
 
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   Anis Jusufi 
 October 8, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. I really can’t recommend the ILS Zürich highly enough. Everything went smoothly, from the planning right up to exam day. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, and I felt very comfortable throughout the entire exam. I couldn’t have asked for better organization and support. Many thanks to the whole team! 😊
  
 
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   Garry Hassard 
 September 29, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. Just completed my A1 Super-Intensive German course. Support and guidance from Viviane at ILS Zürich what fabulous. Class size was perfect, and Jessica and Alina were committed, encouraging, and motivational teachers !… Thank you all ladies.
  
 
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   Rania Lamar 
 September 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. The staff are all nice, friendly, and helpful. I'm happy with that.
  
 
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   Kuriakos Iosifidis 
 September 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. I took a B1 exam. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The facilities are modern, new, and clean.
We had enough time to prepare between the written and oral exams.
Everything was very well organized.
  
 
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   Thibault K 
 September 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. I took the B1 exam today, and everyone was incredibly warm, friendly, and well-organized. I would recommend it to anyone.
  
 
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   the academic 
 September 23, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. I chose ILS Zürich for my German Telc B1 exam, and they didn't disappoint. Everything was explained clearly before the test, and everything went smoothly during the exam; the woman who proctored the written portion was very friendly and professional. The results were delivered 13 days after the test. I'll be back in a few months for the B2!
Thanks a lot
  
 
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   İsmail Öğüt 
 September 22, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. In my opinion, this is the most comprehensive and high-quality language school in Switzerland. Here, we’re not just learning a language—we’re also having a great time. The classrooms are air-conditioned and not crowded; in my previous language course, there were 12 students, but in the class I’m taking here, there are only three of us, and I find that to be a huge advantage. Our teacher, in particular, is very friendly and goes above and beyond to teach us—making the lessons more fun and helping us remember what we learn. If you want to learn a language, I think you should come and try out a trial day. Thank you (Ricardo) :)
  
 
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   Raluca Ungureanu 
 September 22, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex checks whether the original source of the rating is Google. I am very pleased with my experience at this school. The classes are well-organized, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the learning process is rigorous yet motivating. I would especially like to mention our teacher, Ricardo, who is an excellent instructor. He is very patient, explains things very clearly, and manages to make even the most difficult concepts easy to understand. The lessons are interesting, well-structured, and take place in a relaxed atmosphere where you feel encouraged to speak, ask questions, and learn without fear of making mistakes. Ricardo pays close attention to every student, and it’s clear that he puts his heart into what he does. Thanks to him, the course is much more enjoyable, and I feel like I’ve made real progress. I wholeheartedly recommend this school and, in particular, Ricardo’s classes.
  
 
 
  
 
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Find out more about our KDE prep courses

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Cantonal German Test (KDE)?

The KDE is the cantonal German language test for naturalization in the Canton of Zurich. It assesses whether applicants have the required German language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The test requires oral proficiency at the B1 level and written proficiency at the A2 level.

What level of German do I need for the KDE?

For the KDE, you need a B1 level in listening and speaking and an A2 level in reading and writing. That is why the KDE preparation course combines language training at different CEFR levels and focuses specifically on the skills being tested.

How can a German course help me prepare for the KDE exam?

A general German course improves your language skills over the long term. The KDE exam preparation goes one step further: You’ll practice the specific skills, types of tasks, and communication situations that are relevant to the Cantonal German Test.

What can I expect during the oral portion of the KDE exam?

The KDE includes an oral exam component. During this part of the exam, you will, among other things, introduce yourself and discuss a topic related to everyday life. In the preparation course, you will therefore practice speaking spontaneously, listening comprehension, and typical conversational situations at the B1 level.

What is covered on the KDE written exam?

The written portion consists of listening, reading, and writing tasks. Preparing for the exam will help you understand specific information, complete the written tasks correctly, and familiarize yourself with the exam procedure.

Do I need the KDE for naturalization in Zurich?

To qualify for regular naturalization in the Canton of Zurich, applicants must generally demonstrate sufficient proficiency in German. The KDE is one way to provide this proof of language proficiency. However, depending on an individual’s circumstances, another form of recognized proof may already be available, or an exception may apply.

Is the KDE also recognized for the C permit?

Yes. According to the Canton of Zurich, the Zurich Office of Migration also accepts the KDE as a valid language proficiency test for the C residence permit.

Is the KDE a general B1 German course?

No. A B1 German course provides comprehensive language skills at this level. KDE preparation, on the other hand, is specifically tailored to the requirements of the test. Since the KDE requires B1 for the oral section and A2 for the written section, the various skills are specifically practiced at the respective required levels.

What is the difference between KDE and the basic knowledge test?

The KDE assesses your knowledge of German. The basic knowledge test, on the other hand, covers knowledge about Switzerland as well as, among other things, geography, politics, history, and society. These are therefore two distinct parts of the naturalization process in the Canton of Zurich.

Where can I prepare for the KDE in Zurich?

At ILS Zürich , you can take a specialized KDE preparation course and practice your German listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for the exam.