Jean-Marc Friedli was born in Brazil, to a Swiss bilingual family. He grew up in a trilingual environment, speaking French, German and Portuguese. He attended High school and University in Switzerland where he studied German, French, Philosophy and Anthropology. He also studied Cinema at a Film College in Brussels.

He has been working as a language teacher in public and private schools since 1980 (and for over ten years in the language school he co-founded). He has been active as a translator for different companies since 1986.

Several trips to Greece, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, England, Scotland and Australia deepened his familiarity and love of languages.

In addition, Jean-Marc Friedli is an active musician and photographer.