Training


Whether you are embarking on your first degree or interested in professional development, the programme in translation at the ZHW is the right choice for everyone who loves to work with languages. And if you are already using languages in your present position and wish to train on as a true language specialist, the ZHW offers you the opportunity to perfect your skills. A fascination for texts and an eye for the precise, well-turned phrase, an abiding interest in social, political, cultural and international affairs: there can be no better motivation for studying translation at the ZHW. The ZHW presents an attractive alternative to traditional university language courses for all those who like to apply their skills practically and creatively - for everyone who wants to make language their future professional tool.

The Degree Programmes of the Department of Applied Linguistics and Cultural Studies


The ZHW is the only educational institution in German-speaking Switzerland to offer a state-recognized degree programme in translation and interpreting. Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the school's Translation Section and 10-15 on average in the Interpreting Section. They are taught by approximately 70 members of staff from a dozen countries who lecture exclusively in their mother tongue. The ZHW also offers German courses for non-native speakers and is a Swiss examination centre for the Goethe Institute in Munich.

Conditions of admission

Candidates who satisfy university entrance requirements for language studies in their native country may sit the Admissions Tests, which examine competence in the languages for which applicants wish to enrol. Candidates who fail one or more of the Admission Tests can prepare for the Admission Examination by attending our internal Preparatory Courses for two semesters.

Commencement of studies

The Degree Programme commences in late October.
The duration of each semester is 17 weeks.

The Degree Programme in Translation

To attend a regular degree course, students must enrol for a minimum of three languages: their mother tongue and two foreign languages. One of these three must be German. The degree programme offers a full range of subjects in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish. Where sufficient interest exists, further languages - like Russian or Portuguese - may be added to the programme. Regular students attend approximately 30 contact hours per week, which comprise text analysis, written expression, grammar, and techniques in written and oral translation. Texts are translated from all foreign languages into the mother tongue and from the mother tongue into the first foreign language.

This practical, language-oriented syllabus is supplemented by courses and lectures providing students with a more general educational background: linguistics, civilisation and culture in the various language areas, introductions to socio-political institutions and international organisations, basic science, fundamental principles of law, general economics, information technology.

The degree course leading to the Translation Diploma lasts four years, and includes a compulsory year spent at a university abroad during the third year of study.

The Degree Programme in Conference Interpreting

After gaining the Translation Diploma, students who demonstrate the necessary aptitude may enrol for a four-semester postgraduate course in conference interpreting.

Translation, interpretation


What does professional translating and interpreting involve? Translators and interpreters are language specialists, professionals in the art of communication. A translator works with written texts, while an interpreter translates the spoken word. Both are exceptionally well informed about modern society; both are versed in politics and economics – on the national and international stage; and both are familiar with the developments and problems of modern civilisation and culture. Translating and interpreting are professions which call for expertise in a number of select fields.

Translators and interpreters tend to choose between two basic forms of employment: some work as salaried employees in industry, international organisations, public administration and the media; others operate freelance, building up a clientele either on their own or through an agency. But thanks to the extensive training offered by the ZHW, our graduates are equipped to use their skills in many other areas as well: in journalism, PR, tourism, advertising, or indeed in any occupation where languages and texts play a central role.