Many people wonder what language do Swiss people speak? After all, there are four national languages in Switzerland, French, German, Italian, and Swiss Romansh being spoken all over the different regions of the country. But despite the multiple languages, Swiss folks have developed their own particular language, often referred to as Schweizerdeutsch, which is a German dialect and a beautiful example of how cultures can come together and find common ground.
You see Switzerland is a special place. It is a country that unites four very different cultures and languages. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the people of Switzerland have developed their own language–Schweizerdeutsch. Schweizerdeutsch is the langauge spoken not only in Switzerland, but also in the Liechtenstein and parts of Austria. The list of dialects spoken in Switzerland includes Swiss German, Swiss French, Swiss Italian, and Swiss Romansh.
Schweizerdeutsch is a German dialect, meaning it has a German base but with local variations and some French, Italian, or Romansh words added. It is a language of choice between German-speaking Swiss people, and it focuses mainly on the spoken form, as native Swiss speakers usually are quite good in reading standard German written language. The interesting thing about Schweizerdeutsch is that it is not like the standard German you will encounter in Germany. Rather, it is full of idiomatic expressions, regional references, and humorous expressions that will make learning this language an enjoyable experience.
For example, in German you would say: “Ich möchte etwas trinken”. The Swiss German version of this would be, “I Het zmittrunka”. In English this would translate to “I want to have a drink”.
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Tips for Learning Schweizerdeutsch
1. Listen, Listen, and then Listen Some More
The best way to learn Schweizerdeutsch is to listen to native speakers. Search for Swiss tv and radio broadcasts, watch video clips, or better yet listen to actual conversations taking place in Switzerland. It may seem overwhelming at first, and don’t worry if you don’t understand. You can repeat the words and phrases until you get a better feel for the language.
2. Learn the Different Dialects
Schweizerdeutsch has a range of different dialects, each with their own particular slang and turns of phrase. The Swiss German spoken in the major cities such as Zurich and Basel differs from that spoken in the smaller cantons and the rural areas. Learning multiple dialects will give you more insight into the nuances of the Swiss German language.
3. Make Mistakes
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes when speaking Schweizerdeutsch. A big part of learning any language is making mistakes and then learning from them. Don’t be embarrassed. Make as many mistakes as possible, and soon enough you will develop a feel for the language and the idioms and expressions that are unique to Schweizerdeutsch.
4. Find a Language Partner
Finding a language partner is an excellent way to practice Schweizerdeutsch. A language partner is a native Swiss speaker who can help you with your language learning and help you learn the slang and idioms of the language. The more you practice with a Swiss language partner, the more comfortable you will become with the language.
5. Have Fun with Schweizerdeutsch
Remember, learning any language is about having fun. Throw yourself into the language, learn some new words and phrases, and even throw in a few humorous expressions here and there. If you make the effort, you will be rewarded with fluency in Schweizerdeutsch.
When it comes to the language of Switzerland, it’s evident that the country has a very unique one. It is full of expressions and references that can make learning a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By familiarizing yourself with the different dialects, making plenty of mistakes, finding a language partner, and above all, having an open attitude to learning the language, you will soon be speaking Schweizerdeutsch like a true Swiss native.
Just don’t be surprised when people you don’t recognize respond to you in what sounds like a different language, because after all, that is exactly what it is!