Swiss naturalisation according to François Silvant
In a well-known sketch, Vaud comedian François Silvant portrays a naturalisation commission. The scene uses humour to explore a moment that can feel imposing for applicants.
Watch François Silvant's sketchArchive article reviewed and updated on 6 August 2026.
A satire of the commission
The comedy comes from the way serious questions are asked and interpreted. Behind the caricature is a useful truth: the tone and format of an interview can vary significantly from one commune to another.
Practical lessons for preparation
- Ask the commune for the current interview format and its preparation material.
- Be ready to explain your motivation and life in Switzerland with concrete examples.
- Study history, geography, institutions and local life instead of relying on one answer list.
- Practise answering aloud to build clarity and confidence.
An archive, not official guidance
The sketch does not explain the law and does not represent every commission. It remains a cultural view of naturalisation and a useful way to reduce interview anxiety before studying official sources.
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