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Alessio

on Jul 31, 2025

Europe

Is it necessary knowing German to work in MBB's offices in Zurich?

Hi, I am a Bocconi student (fresh undergraduated), In september I'm starting my International Management Master in Bocconi. I might have the chance to even pursue a DD program with HSG (if I got accepted).

With a Double Degree Bocconi-St. Gallen, without knowing German at all, do I have CONCRETE chances to break into zurich offices?

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Lukas

Coach

edited on Aug 01, 2025

~10yrs experience in consulting | ex-BCG Project Leader | Personalized prep & coaching | INSEAD MBA

Hi,

definitely possible to break into the Zürich office without German.

Source: some of my consultants at BCG from the Zürich office did not speak German. However, they all spoke at least one other language spoken in Switzerland (French, Italian). So assuming you speak Italian you should.

Reach out if you want to chat more.

Best,

Lukas

Jeroen

Coach

14 hrs ago

Ex-Netherlands Recruitment Lead OW | 5+ years of coaching experience | Great Price/Value | Free Intro Calls

Speaking from experience, I know that some of the T2s are also typically less strict with language requirements.

Feel free to reach out if it’d be helpful to chat!

Pallav

Coach

11 hrs ago

Non-target expert | Ex-BCG | >200 cases

For MBB Zurich, German is not officially mandatory, but it strongly increases your chances. Here’s how it typically works:

Client-facing roles (which most MBB roles are) require consultants who can speak the local language, especially for public sector, SME clients, or deeply local topics.
Zurich office staffing is Switzerland- and DACH-wide, and most clients will be German-speaking. So even if you’re brilliant, your staffing potential shrinks significantly if you don’t speak German — which may make you a riskier hire.

However, there are exceptions, and you still have a concrete shot if:

You have outstanding academics (top of class at Bocconi + acceptance to the HSG DD program is already impressive).
You bring a unique profile or experience (e.g., international, tech background, languages like French or Italian if they align with some clients).
You’re flexible with cross-staffing — for example, working on international or Middle East–based projects initially.
You’re actively learning German and make that clear. Firms love to see initiative and long-term commitment to the region.

In short: Yes, you still have a shot — but it will be very competitive. If Zurich is your dream office, start learning German now and make that part of your story in the cover letter and interviews.

Let me know if you want help positioning your profile or messaging for Zurich.