Frequently Asked Questions

Sessions are conducted either online via Google Meet, Skype, or Zoom, or in-person in conference rooms and private offices.

Marins Linguistics Academy operates independently and does not work with the Jobcenter or Federal Employment Agency (RAV), nor with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The language courses are privately financed, and participants usually do not receive financial assistance.

Alongside training in German, Swedish, Italian and Norwegian with a strong academic curriculum, Marins Linguistics Academy offers literature courses and language programs tailored for medical professionals, seafarers, corporates and academic institutions.

Marins Linguistics Academy is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Is Marins Linguistics Academy open during vacations/holidays?

You can register by filling out the registration form on our website or by confirming the course via email

After registration, you will receive a contract and an invoice detailing the course fees.

For a complete overview of our courses, please have a look at the Courses section on our website.

The levels indicated refer to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), according to which language skills are classified on a scale from A1 to C2 in the areas of reading, listening comprehension, speaking and writing. -> here (PDF)

If you want to check availability for a particular course the best thing for you to do is to send Marin linguistics Academy an email. Petra Marin will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.

For beginners without any previous knowledge, new courses start every week. Students with previous knowledge write a placement test. The course start is decided together based on the test result.

Superintensiv - 1 Monat (4 oder 5 lessons per week; 24 lessons, 135 min)

Intensiv - 2 mounts (3 lessons per week; 24 lessons, 120 min)

Standard - 3 months (2 lessons per week; 24 lessons, 90 min)

One lesson hour is 60 minutes long.

The language courses are primarily taught in the target language, including beginner courses. If necessary, grammar can be explained in English or another language at the A1 level, which is appropriate for beginners who may not yet be proficient in the target language.

• Access to a laptop or PC

• A fast, stable internet connection

• A headset (recommended), or headphones and a microphone

• A modern browser, upgraded to the latest version.

• MLA recommends using a webcam.

• Where possible, please use a laptop or a PC rather than a smartphone or tablet, as it will be easier for you to participate in group activities.

Yes, you can login on their laptops or smartphones. 

Trial lessons are only possible with prior arrangement. The trial lesson is free.

Yes, you need an appointment. The replacement test consists of 10 min grammar and 10 min short interview.

This depends on your study objective. Your age, language level and work/study experience will also be crucial in deciding what type of course you should be studying.

If you already have previous knowledge of the language you want to continue learning, you will be asked to take a grammar test and an online speaking interview will be arranged with Petra Marinova. You will then be placed into a class according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).  

Marins Linguistics Academy do are best to accurately place you based on the placement test. If you still think that you are in the wrong level, please speak to Petra Marin. Then, you will work together to find a solution and the appropriate course for you.

You should talk to Petra Marin as soon as possible to discuss your level. You should always consult Petra Marin first with any doubts.

You should consult Petra Marin first. She can organize a reassessment if necessary. 

Your feedback is very important to Marins Linguistics Academy. You should contact Petra Marin immediately and you will try to find a solution together. You can also end the course at any time (one week's notice) or take a break or change to another course. 

The online courses have 2-3 participants.

Face to face classes have 2-6 participants.

Yes, if you let Marins Linguistics Academy know in advance before the course begins.

For most General courses you will have to get one textbook and one workbook.

Petra Marin will advise you which books you need during your first class.

No. Books are not included in the course fee. The students should purchase their own course book prior to their course and Marins Linguistics Academy will advise on this.

No. Marins Linguistics Academy does not take the responsibility of the courier.

You should expect about two hours of homework per day.

There is a monthly progress review. This short test is designed to highlight any areas studied that month that may need further work.

You can access the lesson materials online so that you don’t fall behind. 

If you need to change the day or time of your class, you can do this directly with the trainer. We only ask you to give 2 or more business days’ notice (e.g. to change a class on a Thursday, let the teacher know on the Tuesday before).

Yes. Children age 8 and up are accepted. 

Yes, if you have attended at least 70% of the classes on your course. If you would like a certificate, email:

At the end of the language course you will receive a certificate of completion from Marins Linguistics Academy. The certificate states the duration of your participation in the course and your final language level. If you need an official language certificate, you can register for a telc or goethe examination.

You will find the fee information for a particular course on the course information page on our website.

Payment can be made only by bank transfer directly to the company's account. Cash payments are not accepted.

Payment must be made before the course starts and within 7 days after receiving the invoice

Failure to pay on time may result in losing your place in the course.

Yes, a 10% surcharge applies to lessons booked outside of core hours (Monday-Friday 08:00-20:00).

Yes, Marins Linguistics Academy will send you an invoice.

No, Marins Linguistics Academy can send you monthly bills at no extra costs.

Included in the price are the own additional learning materials, Certificates of Study (Studienbescheinigung), Confirmation of Registration (Anmeldebecheinigung), placement test and a certificate of completion.

Cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or letter) to Marins Linguistics Academy. The full cancellation policy can be found here.

Private lessons not canceled with at least 24 hours' notice will be charged

Refunds are subject to our refund policy outlined in the terms and conditions document.

Lessons can be postponed up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Postponements made later will be charged.

Missed lessons due to illness or holidays may be charged unless rescheduled within the same month.

The period of validity is recorded on the contract and invoice. Any missed lessons will be made up for within the agreed duration of the entire course.

Marins Linguistics Academy respects your privacy rights and keeps your personal data confidential.

Learning resources provided by Marins Linguistics Academy may be used for personal use only.

Marins Linguistics Academy allows you to take holidays during your course but you must give two full weeks’ notice.

Marins Linguistics Academy allows you to take holidays during your course but you must give two full weeks’ notice.

Swiss law applies, with Zurich as the court of jurisdiction.