T2 firms in Zurich - Language Requirements

Hi, I used to work and hire for Monitor Deloitte Switzerland, and am still in touch with the team. While they used to be open to non-German speakers, this is no longer the case. While HR may tell you differently, and you will see on their public job postings that German is only "strongly preferred" and not mandatory, I can assure you that this is not the case - at least currently. There are English-only projects and clients, but the idea is that people are staffable on as wide a range of projects as possible - especially in the current climate where strategy projects are much harder to come by compared to a few years ago. I personally know a candidate who was recently rejected after the first round just because they didn't speak German (all other feedback was good). They might still let you interview, but when push becomes shove, between you and a DE-fluent candidate, they will go with the latter. And you can imagine that there is no shortage of such candidates in Switzerland.

Feel free to reach out for a session if you'd like to know more about the team and process. 

That's a very sharp list, and you've hit on one of the most common blockers for international candidates targeting Zurich. The short answer is that while your list is technically aligned with what the global recruiting portals state, the reality of getting staffed and promoted in Zurich is much tougher than policy suggests.

Here’s the fundamental distinction: the language requirement for an offer versus the requirement for success. Firms like Strategy& (which is DACH-heavy) and Kearney absolutely need German, as their client base is largely German-speaking Swiss corporate or industrial clients who conduct meetings and produce deliverables in German. If a recruiter tells you German is "not required" but 80% of the local client base speaks German, you are immediately disadvantaged for staffing and will hit a ceiling quickly.

The exceptions you listed (OW, EY-Parthenon, and Monitor Deloitte) are exceptions because of their specific industry focus. Oliver Wyman has a massive Financial Services practice, which is often conducted entirely in English, particularly for large, international banks based in Zurich. EY-P and Monitor Deloitte often function as specialized English-language hubs serving global clients (Pharma being a common one). If you can clearly articulate an industry focus (like FS or Life Sciences) that is globally managed, you can bypass the local German hurdle.

My advice: During networking calls or the initial recruiter screen, don't ask if German is "required." Instead, ask: "What percentage of local client projects are delivered entirely in English?" and "Does the typical first-year analyst need German to be successfully utilized on local Swiss projects?" If the honest answer is below 50%, treat German as a hard requirement for that firm. This will help you focus your efforts on the English-centric practices where you have the highest chance of quick utilization.

All the best!

From working at Kearney, I can confirm that German is required. From the projects conducted in Switzerland that I have come across, all have been staffed with German-speaking consultants based in-country, or colleagues based in Germany and Austria who are fluent in German. 

hey there :)

In Zurich, German is required or at least strongly preferred at most Tier 2 firms because a large share of clients are German speaking. Kearney, Roland Berger and Oliver Wyman typically expect strong German. For Strategy&, EY Parthenon and Monitor Deloitte it can be more flexible depending on team and project mix, but in practice German still gives you a clear advantage. I would always confirm directly with recruiting for the specific office and role since requirements can shift. Happy to chat more if helpful.

best,
Alessa :)

This sounds directionally correct, but I can't confirm it 100%. It resonates with what I heard from past candidates who were not German speakers but applying in Germany. 

These conditions also change sometimes so the only relevant information for you is actually recent information. 

If in doubt, follow up directly with the office recruiter from each firm. 

Best,
Cristian