Do People Speak English in Switzerland?

Are you traveling to Switzerland soon and want to know if people speak English?

Switzerland is a linguistic melting pot, with four official languages that include German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

Although English is widely spoken in Switzerland and has gained popularity in recent years due to globalization and the country’s thriving tourism industry, it is not an official language. However, there have been recent discussions about potentially adding English as Switzerland’s fifth official language.

Now, the prevalence of English varies across different regions. If this is your first time visiting Switzerland, you probably have a list of questions forming in your head like, “Will communication be challenging in Switzerland if I only speak English?” or “Should I consider getting a subscription to a language learning app and learn a few sentences to get by?”

In this post, I will answer these very questions and dive into the diverse landscape of Switzerland, exploring the prominence of English and how it coexists with the country’s linguistic heritage.

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Is English Spoken in Switzerland?

Let’s dive right into it. Yes, people most certainly speak English in Switzerland!

English proficiency is increasing, thanks to globalization, the influence of popular culture— English-language movies, TV shows, and music are widely consumed in Switzerland — and the importance of English in the business world.

Based on the EF English Proficiency Index, approximately 60% of the Swiss population (over 5 million people) speaks English. Now, a portion of this could be considered just “basic” English, but it still helps in understanding each other. Am I right?!

The level of English proficiency varies across different regions and is influenced by various factors, such as education and exposure to English-speaking environments.

As you might have guessed, areas heavily populated with tourists are more likely to be proficient in English and even embrace it. Some Swiss people enjoy practicing their English with foreign visitors. While others feel uncomfortable speaking in English, so it may be beneficial to learn a few phrases in [Swiss] German to better communicate.

Official Languages of Switzerland | What Language is Spoken in Switzerland?

Did you know Switzerland has four official languages? I know, I was just as surprised as you are. Considering that the country is only as large as the combined areas of Vermont and New Hampshire, this is quite impressive.

Multilingualism has consistently been an integral aspect of Switzerland’s identity and stands as one of its defining characteristics.

The country’s four official languages include German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Each language corresponds to a particular region in the country, creating a diverse linguistic landscape.

German

German is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland, with approximately 62% of the population using it as their primary language.

The German language made its way to Switzerland around 400 CE. The Germanic tribe called Alemanni invaded northern Switzerland, and this area eventually became the German-speaking region of the country that we know today.

German is the official language in 17 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons including popular tourist destinations, Lucerne, Zurich, and Basel.

Fun Fact: Switzerland is divided into 26 distinct regions known as cantons, which are comparable to states in the United States.

This is where it gets interesting.

Adding to the complexity, the majority of the Swiss population more commonly converse in a distinct dialect of German known as Swiss German. This dialect closely resembles German but features some variations in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Though, to me, it sounds like a completely different language!

Swiss German is a collection of Alemmanic dialects and is actually the most widely spoken language in Switzerland. Speakers of this dialect also frequently incorporate French and Italian words and phrases into their everyday language.

During our recent journey to Switzerland, my husband and I witnessed precisely this situation. Frequently, we noticed locals using three out of the four official languages to converse during dining outings.

We even joined in on the fun! We greeted the waitress with a “Grüezi” in [Swiss] German, said “Merci” in French when our food arrived (i.e., thank you), and bid farewell with “Ciao” in Italian as we left the restaurant.

French

French takes the second position, being spoken by approximately 23% of the Swiss population. Switzerland was introduced to the French language during the late 15th century when the House of Savoy conquered the western region of the country.

Today, you’ll notice French is spoken primarily in the region known as the “Suisse Romande”. Popular French-speaking cities to visit in this region include Geneva, Lausanne, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Sion, and Montreaux.

It’s important to note that some cantons are also bilingual. For example, in the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, and Valais, you’ll hear people speaking both French and German.

Italian

Italian is spoken by approximately 8% of the Swiss population, mostly in the southern part of Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Ticino and some areas of Grisons.

Switzerland houses the third-largest Italian community outside of Italy. The presence of Italians in Switzerland can be attributed to various historical factors. One significant influence was the Roman Empire’s expansion into the region and later, the immigration of Italians post-World War II.

Geographically, the mountainous terrain of Switzerland contributed to the isolation of different communities, preventing widespread standardization of the language. As a result, Swiss-Italian has noticeable distinctions from standard Italian.

If you are planning to travel to both Switzerland and Italy, this particular region offers a perfect base for sightseeing. I would suggest staying in Lugano, which is the largest city in Ticino and a popular destination among tourists. Morcote, named the most beautiful village in Switzerland, is another great option and is just 7 miles from Lugano.

Romansh

Romansh, the least spoken official language, is only used by a small percentage of the Swiss population (<0.5%), mainly in the canton of Graubünden (Grisons). Romansh has been a “national” language of Switzerland since 1938.

Romansh is thought to have its origins around 15 BC when the Romans conquered the canton, which was known as Rhaetia back then. Over time, the language spoken by the soldiers (Vulgar Latin), along with the local languages and dialects spoken by the native inhabitants, evolved into what is recognized today as the Romansh language.

Around 40% of Romansh speakers have migrated to various regions of Switzerland in the last century seeking better job prospects. As a result, the number of Romansh speakers has dwindled, and currently, only about 60,000 people are estimated to still speak the language.

So unless you’re traveling to the canton of Grisons, it’s unlikely that you will encounter this language being spoken during your visit to Switzerland.

English Proficiency in Switzerland

English proficiency in Switzerland is generally high, especially in urban areas where international companies are based. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Switzerland currently ranks #29 (out of 111) in terms of English proficiency compared to other non-native English-speaking countries.

However, it is important to note that English proficiency is not uniform across the country. The German-speaking regions tend to have higher English proficiency compared to the French and Italian-speaking regions.

This is because English is often taught as a second language in schools in German-speaking areas, and there is greater exposure to English-speaking media and international businesses.

For example, in Zurich, many Swiss schools offer English as a mandatory subject from a young age, contributing to higher language proficiency among the younger generations.

If you are visiting Switzerland for the first time and are concerned about easily communicating with the locals, here is a list of cities ranked in order of their highest English proficiency to help you decide where you would like to visit:

• Zurich: 622 (Very high English proficiency)
• Winterthur: 618 (Very high English proficiency)
• Basel: 615 (Very high English proficiency)
• Lausanne: 592 (High English proficiency)
• Bern: 575 (High English proficiency)
• Lucerne: 573 (High English proficiency)
• Geneva: 555 (High English proficiency)

Having said that, the language barrier should not deter you from exploring some of the most breathtaking spots in the country. I recently traveled to the quaint village town, Mürren with a year-round population of only 400 people, and I encountered no issues.

Most likely, hotel desk clerks and restaurant staff will have a sufficient grasp of English no matter where you visit, enabling effective communication with visitors.

Common Words to Learn Before Visiting Switzerland

It is definitely possible to visit Switzerland without knowing a word of [Swiss] German, French, Italian, or Romansh and manage just fine. Nevertheless, it’s a thoughtful gesture to practice a few words that you’ll use frequently to show respect for the locals.

You don’t want to be the tourist who appears clueless while interacting with Swiss people, giving them a “huh” expression. Some may actually find this quite rude.

All you need is a basic level of German or Swiss German to greet them and politely ask if they can speak English.

Pro Tip: In every region of the country, it is considered polite to greet shop assistants when entering a shop and to express gratitude by saying goodbye and thank you as you leave.

Plus, there may also be situations where English isn’t understood AT ALL, so it’s helpful to be prepared.

Here are a few essential words to learn before your trip:

Learning the local language can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Even mastering the basics can significantly enhance your ability to communicate with Swiss locals and navigate various everyday situations with ease.

Resources for Learning Swiss German

Unfortunately, there are limited resources available for learning Swiss German, as it is primarily an oral language with fewer written materials.

It is actually easier to first learn Standard or “High” German, as this is the written language and the one taught in schools. The majority of German-speaking Swiss people can understand High German; they just might prefer not to SPEAK it! Ha!

Afterward, you can focus on training your ear to understand the various Swiss dialects.

I would recommend purchasing the following resources to help you learn Swiss German:

• Swiss German for Beginners YouTube channel
• Hoi: Your New Swiss German Survival Guide // (Kindle)
• Swiss German for English Speakers: Book 1 // (Kindle)
• Swiss German for English Speakers: Book 2
• Heidi—2015 (available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+)
• Mr. Moll & the Chocolate Factory (available in Swiss German on Apple TV+)
• Music album titled ‘Ich liebe Dich’ (available on Spotify)

If all else fails, you can always rely on translation apps, like Google Translate, as a fallback option. This app allows you to translate items on a menu and also helps you convert English phrases to your desired foreign language when speaking with the locals.

FAQs: English in Switzerland

Can you work in Switzerland only speaking English?

While it is definitely possible to find job opportunities in Switzerland where English is the primary language of communication, the availability of such positions may be limited, depending on the industry and location.

Certain multinational companies, technology firms, research institutions, and other international organizations in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are more likely to hire English-speaking professionals.

Can you get by with only speaking English in Zurich?

Yes, you can generally get by with only speaking English in Zurich. English is widely understood and spoken in Zurich, especially in areas frequented by tourists, international businesses, and expats.

However, while English is prevalent, it’s always polite and appreciated to make an effort to use basic greetings and phrases in Swiss German or the local language when interacting with locals.

Learning a few common words in the local language can also enhance your overall experience and interactions during your time in Zurich.

Which part of Switzerland speaks the most English?

Geneva has the highest proportion of English speakers in Switzerland. Being an international city and a major hub for diplomacy, business, and organizations like the United Nations, many residents and visitors in Geneva have a good command of English.

Wrap-Up: Do People Speak English in Switzerland?

All in all, people most certainly speak English in Switzerland. English is frequently spoken in this land of chocolates and cheese (and even preferred by some residents so they can practice their English). As a result, you should encounter little difficulty communicating with the locals during your trip.

However, the Swiss population has a reputation for being reserved or “cold”, so it’s a good idea to learn a few basic words before you go so you show an interest in their culture and can enhance your interactions with the locals.

More posts about Switzerland:

• Paragliding In Lauterbrunnen
• How To Get To Jungfraujoch From Lauterbrunnen
• Lauterbrunnen To Mürren: How To Get There By Cableway, Train, Or On Foot
• Murren Restaurants: 10 Best Dining Spots
• Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons To Visit
• 2 Days In Lucerne: The Perfect Itinerary For A Fairy Tale Visit
• One Day in Bern: Best Things to Do + Itinerary
• Is Bern Worth Visting? 7 Reasons We Think So!