If you’re headed to Switzerland, chances are you’re excited about getting the chance to experience its culture, view its sights, enjoy its cuisine, and get a taste of the legendary Swiss hospitality. One way to ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the above is to learn the basics of Swiss social etiquette – including a proper Swiss greeting! So if you want to know how to say “Hello” in Swiss, keep reading.
If you’re hanging out with Swiss locals, you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to get to know them and introduce yourself. And what better way to start a conversation than with a friendly hello? In Swiss German you can say “Grüezi” (pronounced “gross-zee”), or if you are speaking in Swiss French you can say “Bonjour” (pronounced “bun-joor”).
Whichever language you choose, be sure to accompany it with a nice, casual smile, a bow, or a handshake. Swiss prefer to greet on a first name basis, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about the name when you first meet them.
In addition to the traditional Swiss greetings, there is one slightly more humorous but still common way to say “Hello” in the Swiss way. This fun introduction is “Füüf vor Zwöi” (pronounced “foo-ef voor tsvoo-i”), which literally means 4 past 9. It has been known to raise a smile or two when greeted this way in Swiss, and it certainly makes for an interesting ice breaker.
So next time you meet some new Swiss friends, don’t forget to make them feel welcome with your very own Swiss salutation!
When you know how to say hello in Swiss, you can easily introduce yourself and make a great impression. Greeting the Swiss with a friendly “Grüezi”, a “Bonjour”, or even a humorous “Füüf vor Zwöi” can help you feel more at home in the country, and more connected to its culture. Good luck, and happy greeting!