Why Learn German?
For healthcare professionals in Switzerland, it is a requirement to master one of the Swiss languages at a B2 level to have their diploma recognized. This can be achieved in German, French, or Italian. The majority of job opportunities are in German-speaking areas.
Effective communication with patients is essential, making it desirable for you to speak German reasonably well. The level of proficiency needed varies depending on the target audience and the role you are in.
Different Levels
Your German proficiency is measured on a language level, and you can take an exam at one of the recognized exam boards for each level:
- A1: Beginner. Understands simple words and very short sentences.
- A2: Still basic but with slightly longer sentences.
- B1: Simple and clear language. Understands most texts on common topics.
- B2: Grasps more complex texts and topics related to their own profession.
- C1: Understands difficult, long texts, even if abstract. Understands specialized language expressions, old-fashioned terms, and words.
- C2: Understands everything said or written.
Usually, for a job interview, B2 level is required, but sometimes B1 may be sufficient. In some institutions, you may start working while still in a B2 course, but in most cases, completing B2 is necessary. Check your current level here: https://www.goethe.de/en/spr/kup/tsd.html
CareToMatch Contract
CareToMatch can better facilitate your placement if your German is reasonably good. Therefore, we are often willing to contribute to a German course. This willingness depends on:
- How committed are you to living in Switzerland?
- Are you flexible?
- Are you language-sensitive, and have you made effort to improve your German?
Options
There are several language schools to choose from. We have very good experience with the language schools listed below. If you know a good language school yourself, financing up to a maximum of 1000 Euros is possible. The B2 final exam is not included in courses and costs approximately 250 Euros.
Option A – Online German Course
- You get lessons in a group, in German (this is proven to be effective)
- You can choose from an evening course, weekend course or intensive course.
- Digital material to practice A1 you pay yourself (about 300 Euros) or you do it by self-study through these tips
- Per level you need two courses of 300 Euros. For the courses A2 and B1 CareToMatch pays about 900 Euros (75%)
- If you also want to do B2 we pay 100 Euros. (B2 is often not necessary because you get that in Switzerland)
Option B – Online German Course in Spanish, Italian, or English
- A1 + A2 for a total of 40 hours over 2 months.
- B1 + B2 for a total of 120 hours over 6 months.
- Maximum 1 hour per day, but times/days are flexible between 8:00-11:00 or 18:00-21:00.
- Digital materials for practice.
- A1+A2+B1+B2 for 1500 euros, with CareToMatch financing up to 750 euros.
Note: Individual levels cost 350 euros for A1 or A2, and 1050 euros per level for B1 or B2.
What if I (don’t) complete the course?
If you don’t finish the course and don’t start working through CareToMatch, you must repay the advanced amount within one month of stopping.
The Process
- We determine your training needs in advance.
- You independently practice some German using our tips.
- We decide together if you are ready for the course and if CareToMatch will finance it.
- You receive an explanation of the contract and sign it.
- You pay CareToMatch your agreed share of the course, and we will enroll you the next working day. You can start the course immediately.
- Once you reach a new level, let us know. We connect you with healthcare institutions for a suitable job as soon as possible.
- Together with the healthcare institution, you decide if you want to start or come for a trial day.
- CareToMatch pays a maximum of 300 euros in travel expenses for the trial day.
- With a contract in hand, you are extra motivated to improve your German.