I am new to Switzerland. I don’t know any German and I’ve been told it’s a difficult language to learn. How is Swiss German different?

Swiss German is a dialect that escapes the rigidities of high German. The grammar is simplified, it borrows heavily from other languages and it is used as a spoken language in practically all situations of daily life. At Bodmer-ch, we focus on Zuri-Deutsch. If you are living in Zurich or its environs, it is the most commonly spoken dialect.

I’m pregnant and we’re planning on enrolling our child in the Swiss school system. I’ve always feared Swiss German but now I think learning the language could help.

How right you are! Not only when your child is school aged but all through your pregnancy and beyond. Switzerland offers a wealth of social services, support and playgroups that are all easily accessible to you when you speak Swiss German.

I’ve been living in Zurich for 20 years. I speak passable high German but socially, I haven’t ventured past the expat community. Is it just too late?

It’s never too late to reap the benefits of learning Swiss German. As a “next to native”, why not open up your areas of interest with people in the know?

I’m heading up the international division of a Swiss company. As an expat, I’m finding it difficult to acclimate to the Swiss mindset and culture. Any ideas?

Learning Swiss German can put you on the road to better understanding the Swiss way of life. It can help you gain acceptance at work and facilitate building all kinds of relationships.