Swiss German,
Living in Switzerland
Let’s face the truth, speaking standard / High German (Hochdeutsch) doesn’t mean that you can speak, or even understand Swiss German. Everyone who arrives to this beautiful country, has to discover this at one (very early) point.
But, good news: Swiss people do speak standard German, and they do not expect anyone to learn their language. Of course, they are happy, if someone understands them, but let’s be honest, even Swiss people do not always understand their country mates from another canton. Nowadays, it is less likely that you bump into a Swiss person, who speaks only Swiss German, but earlier it could happen in small villages.
And I guess, you know, that depending on which part of the country you live in, the Italian or French are even more important, than German. So, at first check out, how it is in your canton and try to learn that language at first.
Another important reason to learn standard German is, that Swiss German is not an internationally recognized language and even within Switzerland, standard German is used in any kind of formal documentation.
Living in Switzerland and Swiss German
Following you can find some important links where you can have more information about the requirements and life in Switzerland.
Please note, that depending on the type of residence permit, the canton, your nationality etc., a language exam is required. There are different options for internationally recognized German exams like the ones from Goethe, TELC, TestDaF, etc. Another option is to do the Swiss fide exam, which is easier to obtain, but it is only in Switzerland recognized, not internationally. I can prepare you for any of the German exams. You can find more information about this exam here: fide exam.
In my classes, I always teach the standard German. However, I can help you with tips and tricks, how to understand the Swiss German, if you wish and teach you some basic words and expressions as well.
Entry, Residence and Working in Switzerland
The side is the official portal of the Federal Council, the Swiss Government. Link
Don’t forget to check out the sidebar on the left of each page to select the category you need.
See the example on the left.
You can find much more information on this side, please feel free to consult it for whatever information.
Here you can find some links to the most common information people are looking for.
We hope, it is helpful to you.
Entry
The requirements for entering Switzerland differ depending on the purpose of stay (e.g. tourism, visit, employment, family reunification or studies) and length of stay (short or long).
If you are intending to come to Switzerland, the State Secretariat for Migration recommends that you check the entry requirements before travelling. Please refer to the information on the following pages: …
Residence
Anyone who works during his/her stay in Switzerland or who remains in Switzerland for longer than three months requires a permit. Residence permits are issued by the Cantonal Migration Offices. A distinction is made between short-term residence permits (less than 1 year), annual residence permits (limited) and permanent residence permits (unlimited).
Work
Switzerland has a dual system for the admission of foreign workers.
- EU/EFTA nationals have easier access to the Swiss employment market, thanks to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons
- Only a limited number of workers are admitted from non-EU/EFTA States, primarily management level employees, specialists and other qualified employees.
On this page you can find information about working in Switzerland if you are an EU/EFTA national.
You can also find information on the admission requirements for nationals from non-EU/EFTA states or how you can gain valuable experience as a young professional trainee in Switzerland. …
Free Movement of Persons Switzerland – EU/EFTA
On 21 June 1999, the European Union (EU) and Switzerland signed the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). The AFMP lifts restrictions on EU citizens wishing to live or work in Switzerland. The right of free movement is complemented by the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, by the right to buy property, and by the coordination of social insurance systems. The same rules also apply to citizens of EFTA member states.
The AFMP came into force in 1 June 2002. Each time the EU is enlarged, the agreement is extended to include the new member states by means of an additional protocol. …
Integration
The successful integration of foreign nationals is crucial for social cohesion in Switzerland. In order to achieve greater social cohesion, promote mutual respect and tolerance and offer immigrants an equal opportunity to participate in economic, social and cultural life, the Confederation, the cantons and the communes encourage integration on the basis of their common policy on integration. …
Life in Switzerland
Here you can find some other useful links with truthful information about visiting / moving to and living in Switzerland, like e.g. housing, health, insurance, political system, retirement, studying in Switzerland.
There is also an interesting side, where you can explore what to see in Switzerland, what you definitely should not miss out while living in this beautiful country.
If you would like to know a bit more about life in Switzerland, please check out the official site for statistics of the Swiss Government.
All about life in Switzerland
Easy answers about life in Switzerland … This is the information portal of the Swiss authorities, s service of the Confederation, cantons and communes.
Study in Switzerland
Everything you need as an expat in Switzerland. Tips and information about accommodation, finances, studying, getting around, health care, cost of living, finding a job and lot more.
Work
Switzerland has a dual system for the admission of foreign workers.
- EU/EFTA nationals have easier access to the Swiss employment market, thanks to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons
- Only a limited number of workers are admitted from non-EU/EFTA States, primarily management level employees, specialists and other qualified employees.
On this page you can find information about working in Switzerland if you are an EU/EFTA national.
You can also find information on the admission requirements for nationals from non-EU/EFTA states or how you can gain valuable experience as a young professional trainee in Switzerland. …
Visiting Switzerland
An amazing website with all tourist destinations in Switzerland. Don’t miss it out if you would like to see some amazing places.
Switzerland in Numbers
This is the official site of the Federal Statistical Office with information and statistics related to Switzerland.
Talk to us
Have any questions? We are always open to talk about your needs and how we can help you to accelerate your German learning process.