I have assisted clients on their naturalization path for over five years. Before starting the naturalization process, they often deal with misconceptions about it. Here are some I often hear:
This process is too overwhelming. I can’t take on a project of this size right now.
Some paperwork has indeed been done at the beginning (s. requirements). However, there is a lot of time between each step, which you can use to learn about the required topics and the language you need. As with any more significant project, it is necessary to break it down into small steps.
My progress in German class is so slow, I’ll never be able to learn German well enough. I will fail the language tests and not be able to get my C-permit nevermind my Swiss passport.
Thinking that you must know the language perfectly and communicate without errors is incorrect. You need to be able to speak in German about topics relevant for naturalization.
I can’t even order anything in a restaurant. How can I learn what is required and discuss it in front of the committee in a foreign language?
Effective learning that focuses on skills and topics relevant to your naturalization will prepare you for the interview. After learning what you need for naturalization, you may still not be able to order perfectly in a restaurant, but you can discuss the Swiss Constitution with a waiter, and who else can do that?
Speaking German in front of a panel makes me very nervous. Sometimes, I even panic at the thought.
That’s understandable – and quite normal. Speaking in front of strangers makes most of us nervous – even in our native language! Similar to a job interview, you can prepare for the interview questions that are likely to be asked, practice, and then appear confident in front of the panel.
What if they said in the final interview that my German is not good enough and it was all for nothing?
In the final interview, the committee may decide that your German needs to be increased and refuse to continue the procedure. This may be the case even though you have proven your level with a certificate. However, this is unlikely if you focus your preparation on the language you need for the interview and train the questions and answers for the naturalization interviews. Focusing on the most direct path to your naturalization or C-permit can save you time and resources.
Do you have any questions about the naturalization process and the required language? Please feel free to write me an email.
In case you have more than a couple of questions on how to proceed with your process of naturalization, you can click here to book a free strategy session.