When it comes to Switzerland, there is no shortage of amazing things to talk about. From its celebrated castles, charming villages, and delicious cheese to its luxury watches and chocolate, the mountain-hemmed country offers one of the most unique experiences in the world. However, one of the most interesting things about Switzerland is actually something that may not be immediately obvious to many travelers, and that is the language spoken by Swiss people.
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The Land of Multilingualism
When asking what language Swiss speak, it’s important to note that the answer is not one size fits all. Switzerland is a multilingual nation that speaks four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. While these are its national languages, English is widely spoken as well, especially in the major cities. Depending on which region you visit in Switzerland, you could encounter any of these languages.
German As the Most Popular Language
Interestingly, the predominant language spoken in Switzerland is German, making up roughly 64% of the population’s mother tongue. This is in line with Switzerland’s geographical location in the Alps, as German is primarily spoken in neighboring countries like Germany and Austria. The dialect of German in Switzerland is referred to as Swiss German and it is slightly different from the standard German spoken in Germany. Interestingly, it is not just solely one language, but rather a variety of Alemannic dialects, so it can even differ depending on which region of Switzerland you are in.
French in the West
In western Switzerland, French is spoken and is the primary language of roughly 23% of the population. This can be attributed to the close proximity to France, which of course is French speaking. French Swiss dialects differ from the standard French, much like Swiss German, and is sometimes referred to as Romandy
Italian in the South
The southern part of Switzerland is host to the Italian-speaking people, making up about 8% of the Swiss population. Although significantly less than those that speak German or French, the Italian Swiss are proud of their native language and local dialects.
Romansh in the South East
The Romanesque language is incredibly unique as it is descended from Latin and spoken by only about 1% of the population. The language is spoken in the southeastern canton of Graubünden and is scattered among the valleys of the area. It is closely related to Romansh spoken in Italy and is a distinctive part of Swiss culture.
Of course, with so many languages spoken in the country it can be difficult to determine which one Swiss people actually speak. As a result, many Swiss people are multilingual and speak two or more languages, sometimes even mixing the languages sometimes referred to as “Schwiizerdütsch”.
So when you ask what language does Swiss speak, the answer is really all of them! The country is full of wonderful dialects and languages that have come together to give Switzerland its unique atmosphere and culture. Whether you are visiting the country for the romance of French or the soothing melodies of Swiss German, you are sure to find something particularly enjoyable in the language of the people!