Language Skills on a Swiss Resume: How to Do It Right
The languages you need for a role depend on its tasks. Describe as specifically as possible what you can currently do in each language and what your assessment is based on.
The Problem: Vague Statements in Your CV
“English: good” or “French: school knowledge” leaves open whether you can write emails, hold conversations or read specialist texts. A more specific description helps put your experience in context.
Use the language requirements of the role as your guide. Your listening, speaking and writing skills may differ.
The Solution: The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) describes language ability. The Council of Europe global scale distinguishes six levels. This summary provides orientation, not a placement test:
- A1: Use simple everyday expressions; hold short conversations with people who speak slowly and helpfully.
- A2: Understand frequent expressions and exchange information in simple everyday situations.
- B1: Understand the main points on familiar topics and make simple connected statements.
- B2: Understand the main ideas of complex texts and converse with relative spontaneity and fluency.
- C1: Understand demanding texts and use language flexibly in social, academic and professional contexts.
- C2: Understand virtually everything heard or read and express fine distinctions of meaning precisely.
Context: B1 does not simply mean “fluent”. C1 and C2 do not identify a native language or guarantee negotiation skills in every field. List a language as your native language only if that is accurate. Order other languages by relevance to the role or by level.
Certificates and language stays
A language certificate records an examination result. Give the exact examination name, the certified result or level and the examination year. A current self-assessment differs from an earlier certificate; do not present them as the same evidence.
Example of a self-assessment, not a certificate: English: B2 (self-assessment, September 2026; regular email correspondence). Use this format only if the level and described practice actually match your experience.
Time spent in a language region can describe practical experience, but does not prove a CEFR level on its own. “French: six-month language stay in Lausanne” describes a stay; it does not replace a level assessment. Add only activities you actually carried out in that language.
Check the language section of your CV
PARAT is a starting point for your application. Whatever tool you use, you remain responsible for the information about your language skills.
Check the finished version to ensure the language, level, type of assessment and any certificate and year are clearly presented together. A template or automatic formatting replaces neither a level assessment nor checking your information.
Conclusion: Be Honest and Precise
Use the official descriptors for orientation and describe your current language use. If your level varies between skills, say so specifically. Do not claim negotiation ability solely on the basis of a CEFR level; describe relevant professional experience only if you actually have it.
Check one language entry
Write an entry for one language and check:
- Is it clear whether the level is self-assessed or based on an exam?
- For a certificate, are the exam name, result and year accurate?
- Does my practical example describe something I actually did in this language?
Add one missing detail. If you are unsure about the level, use the linked CEFR descriptions for guidance; this check does not determine a language level.
