Debate Club Zürich

Do you want to go in-depth into interesting social, moral and political questions and learn how to express your thoughts in an eloquent and convincing fashion?

In Debating we train to construct complex arguments and combine them with smart rhetoric, gesticulation and mimicry. We debate in the formats British Parliamentary Style and Offene Parlamentische Debatte, in all of which you have seven minutes time to represent your side in a speech.

Newsletter

In our Newsletter we inform you monthly about upcoming Trainings and Competitions.

We don't send any spam and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Introduction Evening Autumn Semester 2023

Our introductory evening will be held on 4th October at 6:30PM in HG D1.2

Weekly Debates

We are holding weekly trainings in person again! Debate workshops take place at 6:30, practice debates start at 7:00. Debates are taking place in ETH HG D3.1. Our practice sessions consist of a theory part and then a full debate in competition format with detailed feedback. Afterwards we usually go for a drink together.
  • Auf Deutsch: Mittwochs, 18:30
  • In English: On Tuesday, 6:30pm

Topics

Our topics cover everything from current questions about international relations to fundamental ethical debates. These are some topics we've already debated:

  • Sollte South Korea developed nuclear weapons?
  • Should former colonies which have turned into "failed states" be temporarily recolonised?
  • Should James Bond be female?
  • Is it amoral to have children?
  • Does science need to have a use?
List of all debated topics »

Competitions

At Competitions, members of all clubs and countries meet to debate and socialize.

We regularily participate in competitions, both german and international. Competitions are an unique opportunity to improve your debating skills and become a part of the debating community.

Everyone can participate in competitions, independent from previous debating experience. If you're interested, contact us!

Karte Turniere
Tournaments we have attended

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Debate Club Zurich open to people who are not associated with ETH Zurich?
The debate club is open only to students from ETH and UZH.
Do I need to sign up to come to the debates and debate trainings?
No, there is no signup needed. Just come by the room at the correct time. English debates are every Tuesday, and German debates are every Wednesday.
If you've never debated before, let us know when you come by and we will give you a quick introduction.
I want to go to a competition, how do I do that?
We regularily post about competitions in our WhatsApp groups and Newsletter. To sign up, talk to us at a training or message us.
Can I come in order to better my English/German?
Yes, feel free to stop by. Debaters of all experience levels in both language and debating are accepted.
Can I come as a spectator?
Yes, that is possible. However we recommend participating, as that will give you the best experience.

Oliver Fischer

President, IT

Maria Augstburger

Vice President, Finances

Aleksandra Marcinkowska

Event Organising, Social Media

Chantal Goutier

Communications, Coach

Ekaterina Heim

Events, Marketing

Jack Pelloni

University Politics

Constantin Schweizer

Tournaments


Contact

Are you interested in sponsoring the Debate Club?
Information for Sponsors

debattierclub@vseth.ethz.ch
Facebook-Page

Debattierclub Zürich, VSETH, CAB, Universitätsstrasse 6, CH-8092 Zürich