Official education path
A three-year full-time study program that starts every three years in September and leads to a federal diploma.
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Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Gebärdensprachdolmetscher/in FH
You bridge language barriers between hearing and deaf people
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Gebärdensprachdolmetscher/innen translate spoken language into sign language and vice versa to enable integration and participation
You are at the heart of communication when deaf and hearing people meet. Your task is to break down language barriers precisely and discreetly. Through faithful interpretation in both directions, you enable full participation in education, medicine, justice, and culture. With thorough preparation and high concentration, you ensure every sentence is understood clearly. Your work actively promotes social integration
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryMedia, Information & Film
Swissdoc 0.811.17.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
No verified Swiss salary data is available for this profession yet.
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Gebärdensprachdolmetscher/in FH.
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Eidg. anerkanntes Diplom "Bachelor of Arts HfH in Sign Language Interpreting"
Typical training path
Eidg. anerkanntes Diplom "Bachelor of Arts HfH in Sign Language Interpreting"
Prerequisites
- Gymnasiale Maturität, Fachmaturität, Berufsmaturität or diploma from a Höhere Fachschule or Fachhochschule
- Hearing and vision test confirmed by a hearing aid specialist or optician (not older than 3 months)
- Successful admission procedure (cover letter)
- Understanding of a Swiss German dialect at native level (recommended)
- Possibility of admission sur Dossier
Requirements
- Interest in languages and language mediation
- Interest in intercultural topics
- Enjoyment of contact with deaf and hard-of-hearing people
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Language comprehension
- Confidentiality
- Enthusiasm for preparation
- Empathy
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You prepare intensively for the topic and technical vocabulary before each assignment. During the assignment, you take turns with a colleague to maintain high concentration throughout.
- You translate spoken words precisely into sign language and vice versa.
- You prepare thoroughly for the content before each assignment.
- You study provided documents and learn the specific technical vocabulary.
- You strictly adhere to confidentiality and maintain neutral behavior.
- You work in various fields such as medicine, justice, or education.
- You ensure smooth processes through fast and clear translation.
Working conditions
You often work on call at changing locations such as schools, hospitals, or courtrooms. Working hours are flexible and often take place in the evenings or on weekends.
Where to learn
- Interkantonale Hochschule für Heilpädagogik HfH Gebärdensprachdolmetschen GSD Schaffhauserstr. 239Postfach 5850, 8050 Zürich
- Schweizerischer Gehörlosenbund SGB-FSS SekretariatRäffelstr. 24, 8045 Zürich
- PROCOMTannwaldstr. 2, 4600 Olten
Strengths
- Language comprehension
- Confidentiality
- Enthusiasm for preparation
- Empathy
Trade-offs
- Flexible working hours
- High concentration
- Variable assignment locations
- Project-based pay
06 · Similar
