Swiss German — Essentials (for English Speakers) Official
200 essential Swiss German (Züridütsch) words for English speakers. Greetings, survival phrases, key vocabulary to understand everyday Swiss German, with phonetic pronunciation guides.
CEFR A1 — Beginner
At this level you can introduce yourself, order food, ask directions. Vocabulary: ~500 words (cumulative).
Swiss German → English211 words~22 days at 10 words/day1 downloadA1A2
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Pronounced: GREW-etsi (ü like French 'tu', z as 'ts'). The standard formal greeting in Swiss German. Derived from 'Gott grüez i' (God greet you). In Bernese dialect: 'Grüessech'.
Hoi
hi (informal)
Hoi, wie gaats?
Hi, how are you?
Pronounced: HOY. The most common informal greeting in Zürich. Casual and friendly. Can be combined: 'Hoi zäme' (hi everyone).
Sali
hi (informal)
Sali, bisch au da?
Hi, are you here too?
Pronounced: ZAH-lee. Common informal greeting from Latin 'salve'. Widely used in Basel and Zürich. Bisch is the Swiss German 'du bist' (you are).
Tschau
bye (informal)
Tschau, bis morn!
Bye, see you tomorrow!
Pronounced: CHOW (like Italian 'ciao'). From Italian 'ciao'. Used for goodbye (rarely for hello in Swiss German). 'Morn' = tomorrow (Standard German: morgen).
Uf Wiederluege
goodbye (formal)
Merci vilmal, uf Wiederluege!
Thank you very much, goodbye!
Pronounced: oof VEE-der-LOO-eh-geh. Swiss equivalent of 'Auf Wiedersehen'. 'Luege' = to look/see (Standard German: schauen/sehen). Literally 'until we see each other again'.
Adieu
goodbye
Adieu mitenand!
Goodbye everyone!
Pronounced: ah-DYUH (French origin). From French. Used as a farewell across Swiss German. More common in western Switzerland and Bern. 'Mitenand' = together/everyone.
Guete Morge
good morning
Guete Morge, häsch guet gschlafe?
Good morning, did you sleep well?
Pronounced: GOO-eh-teh MOR-geh. Swiss German form of 'Guten Morgen'. 'Häsch' = hast du (have you). 'Gschlafe' = geschlafen (slept). Note the past participle prefix g- instead of ge-.
Schöne Oobe
good evening
Schöne Oobe, chömed Si ine!
Good evening, come in! (formal)
Pronounced: SHUR-neh OH-beh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). 'Oobe' or 'Aabig' = evening (Standard German: Abend). 'Chömed Si' is the formal imperative. In Bernese: 'Schöne Aabe'.
Guet Nacht
good night
Guet Nacht, schlaf guet!
Good night, sleep well!
Pronounced: goot NAKHT (ch as guttural throat sound). Same structure as Standard German 'Gute Nacht' but shortened. 'Schlaf guet' = schlaf gut.
Merci
thank you
Merci, das isch nett!
Thanks, that's nice!
Pronounced: mair-SEE (French origin). From French. Swiss Germans overwhelmingly use 'Merci' instead of 'Danke'. 'Isch' = ist (is). This French borrowing is universal in Swiss German.
Merci vilmal
thank you very much
Merci vilmal für d Hilf!
Thank you very much for the help!
Pronounced: mair-SEE FILL-mahl. 'Vilmal' = vielmals. 'D Hilf' uses the Swiss definite article 'd' for feminine nouns (Standard German: die Hilfe). Note 'Hilf' without final -e.
Exgüsi
excuse me / sorry
Exgüsi, wo isch de Bahnhof?
Excuse me, where is the train station?
Pronounced: ex-GEW-see (ü like French 'tu'). From French 'excusez'. Used to get attention or apologize. 'De' = der (the, masculine). Very commonly used in shops and on the street.
Bitte
please
En Kafi, bitte.
A coffee, please.
Pronounced: BIT-teh. Same as Standard German. 'En' = ein/einen (a). 'Kafi' = Kaffee (coffee). Swiss German simplifies articles: en (masc.), e (fem.), es (neuter).
Gärn gscheh
you're welcome
Gärn gscheh, das isch doch keis Problem.
You're welcome, that's no problem at all.
Pronounced: GAIRN g-SHEH (guttural g, 'ä' as in 'air'). Literally 'gladly happened'. Standard German: 'Gern geschehen'. 'Keis' = kein (no). Swiss German shortens 'geschehen' to 'gscheh'.
Wie gaats?
how are you?
Hoi, wie gaats der?
Hi, how are you? (informal)
Pronounced: vee GAHTS. 'Gaats' = geht es. 'Der' = dir (dative, informal you). Without 'der' it's more neutral. Standard German: 'Wie geht es dir?'
Guet, merci
good, thanks
Guet, merci, und der?
Good, thanks, and you?
Pronounced: goot mair-SEE. Standard response to 'Wie gaats?'. 'Und der?' = und dir? (and you?). Swiss Germans typically respond briefly and return the question.
En Guete
bon appetit / enjoy your meal
S Ässe isch parat — en Guete!
The food is ready — enjoy your meal!
Pronounced: en GOO-eh-teh. Short for 'einen guten Appetit'. Said before meals. Very commonly used at tables in restaurants and at home. 'Parat' = bereit (ready).
Proscht
cheers!
Proscht, uf eusi Gsundheit!
Cheers, to our health!
Pronounced: PROSHT. From Latin 'prosit'. Used when clinking glasses. Important: maintain eye contact while saying Proscht — it's considered rude not to. 'Eusi' = unsere (our).
Grüessech
hello (formal, Bernese)
Grüessech mitenand!
Hello everyone! (formal)
Pronounced: GREW-eh-sekh (Bernese; final ch guttural). Bernese (Bärndütsch) formal greeting. More old-fashioned than Zürich's 'Grüezi'. The '-ech' ending is a Bernese pronoun form for 'euch' (you, formal).
Sali mitenand
hi everyone
Sali mitenand, schön sind er da!
Hi everyone, nice that you're here!
Pronounced: ZAH-lee MIT-en-ahnd. 'Mitenand' = miteinander (together/everyone). 'Er' = ihr (you, plural). Common way to greet a group of friends.
Tschau zäme
bye everyone
Tschau zäme, bis am Samschtig!
Bye everyone, see you Saturday!
Pronounced: CHOW TSEH-meh (ä as in 'bed'). 'Zäme' = zusammen (together). 'Samschtig' = Samstag (Saturday). Swiss German day names: Mäntig, Ziischtig, Mittwuch, Dunschtig, Friitig, Samschtig, Sunntig.
Schöne Taag
have a nice day
Merci und schöne Taag no!
Thanks and have a nice day!
Pronounced: SHUR-neh TAHG (long 'a'). 'Taag' = Tag (day), with typical Swiss German long vowel. 'No' = noch (still/yet). Often said when leaving a shop.
Es tued mer leid
I'm sorry
Es tued mer leid, ich ha das nöd gwüsst.
I'm sorry, I didn't know that.
Pronounced: es TOOD mair LYDE. 'Tued' = tut (does). 'Mer' = mir (me, dative). 'Nöd gwüsst' = nicht gewusst (not known). Standard German: 'Es tut mir leid'.
Bis bald
see you soon
Tschau, bis bald!
Bye, see you soon!
Pronounced: biss BAHLD. Same as Standard German. 'Bis' phrases are common: bis morn (tomorrow), bis spööter (later), bis am Mäntig (Monday).
Guete Rutsch
happy New Year (said before)
Guete Rutsch is neue Jahr!
Happy New Year!
Pronounced: GOO-eh-teh ROOTSH. Said before midnight on New Year's Eve. After midnight: 'Es guets Neus!' (a good new one). A traditional Swiss German/German greeting.
Schöni Feiertäg
happy holidays
Schöni Feiertäg und e guets Neus!
Happy holidays and a good New Year!
Pronounced: SHUR-nee FYE-er-teg. 'Schöni' = schöne (adjective ending). 'Feiertäg' = Feiertage (holidays). Used around Christmas and New Year.
luege
to look / to watch
Lueg mol, was isch das?
Look, what is that?
Pronounced: LOO-eh-geh. Standard German: schauen/gucken. 'Lueg' is the du-imperative. 'Mol' = mal (once, softening particle). One of the most characteristic Swiss German verbs.
lose
to listen
Los mol, ich muess der öppis säge.
Listen, I have to tell you something.
Pronounced: LOH-zeh. Standard German: zuhören/hören. 'Los' is the du-imperative. 'Muess' = muss. 'Öppis' = etwas (something). 'Säge' = sagen (to say).
rede
to speak / to talk
Chönsch du Züridütsch rede?
Can you speak Zurich German?
Pronounced: REH-deh. Standard German: reden/sprechen. 'Chönsch' = kannst (can you). Swiss German rarely uses 'sprechen'; 'rede' and 'schwätze' are preferred.
chaufe
to buy
Ich muess no Brot chaufe.
I still need to buy bread.
Pronounced: KHOW-feh (ch as strong guttural, au as 'ow'). Standard German: kaufen. The k→ch shift is a hallmark of Swiss German (Alemannic). In Bernese: 'choufe'. Past participle: 'gchauft'.
schaffe
to work
Wo schaffsch du?
Where do you work?
Pronounced: SHAHF-feh. Standard German: arbeiten. 'Schaffe' specifically means physical or professional work. 'Schaffsch' = arbeitest du. Very commonly used in daily life.
poschte
to do groceries / to shop
Ich muess no go poschte.
I still need to go grocery shopping.
Pronounced: POSH-teh. From French 'poste/paquet'. Specifically for grocery shopping. 'Go poschte' uses the go-construction: go + infinitive (to go do something). Standard German: einkaufen.
laufe
to walk
Mir laufed zum Bahnhof.
We walk to the train station.
Pronounced: LOW-feh (au as 'ow'). FALSE FRIEND: In Standard German 'laufen' = to run, but in Swiss German 'laufe' = to walk. To run = 'springe' in Swiss German.
springe
to run
De Bueb springt schnäll.
The boy runs fast.
Pronounced: SHPRING-eh. FALSE FRIEND: In Standard German 'springen' = to jump, but in Swiss German 'springe' = to run. To jump = 'gumpe' in Swiss German.
ghöre
to hear / to belong
Das ghört mer.
That belongs to me.
Pronounced: G-HUR-eh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Two meanings: 'to hear' and 'to belong to'. Standard German: hören/gehören. 'Mer' = mir (dative). Context determines meaning.
fröge
to ask
Chan ich di öppis fröge?
Can I ask you something?
Pronounced: FRUR-geh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: fragen. 'Chan' = kann (can). 'Di' = dich (you, accusative). 'Öppis' = etwas (something).
hocke
to sit
Hock di ane!
Sit down!
Pronounced: HOK-keh. Standard German: sitzen/sich setzen. 'Hock di ane' = setz dich hin (sit down). 'Ane' = hin (directional). Used much more than 'sitze' in Swiss German.
stah
to stand
Ich stah scho sit ere Stund do.
I've been standing here for an hour already.
Pronounced: SHTAH. Standard German: stehen. 'Scho' = schon (already). 'Sit' = seit (since/for). 'Ere Stund' = einer Stunde (dative). 'Do' = da/hier (here).
cho
to come
Chasch morn cho?
Can you come tomorrow?
Pronounced: KHO (ch as strong guttural). Standard German: kommen. 'Chasch' = kannst du (can you). Note k→ch shift. Irregular: ich chume, du chunsch, er/si chunnt, mir chömed.
gah
to go
Mir gönd jetzt hei.
We're going home now.
Pronounced: GAH. Standard German: gehen. 'Gönd' = gehen (wir-form). 'Hei' = heim/nach Hause (home). Conjugation: ich gah, du gasch, er/si gaht, mir gönd.
wüsse
to know (a fact)
Ich weiss nöd, was ich söll mache.
I don't know what I should do.
Pronounced: VEWS-seh (ü as 'ew'). Standard German: wissen. 'Nöd' = nicht (not). 'Söll' = soll (should). Conjugation: ich weiss, du weisch, er/si weiss.
chönne
can / to be able to
Ich cha kei Züridütsch.
I can't speak Zurich German.
Pronounced: KHURN-neh (ch guttural, ö like 'ur'). Standard German: können. Note k→ch. 'Cha' = kann (ich-form). 'Kei' = kein (no/not any). Conjugation: ich cha, du chasch, er/si cha, mir chönd.
müesse
must / to have to
Ich muess go schaffe.
I have to go to work.
Pronounced: MEWS-seh (ü as 'ew'). Standard German: müssen. 'Muess' = muss. 'Go schaffe' = arbeiten gehen. The go-construction (go + infinitive) is uniquely Swiss German.
wölle
to want
Was wotsch trinke?
What do you want to drink?
Pronounced: VURL-leh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: wollen. 'Wotsch' = willst du. Conjugation: ich will, du wotsch, er/si will, mir wönd. Note: 'wotsch' is very distinct from Standard German.
sölle
should / ought to
Söll ich cho?
Should I come?
Pronounced: ZURL-leh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: sollen. 'Söll' = soll. Conjugation: ich söll, du söllsch, er/si söll, mir söled. Used for suggestions and obligations.
haa
to have
Ich ha Hunger.
I'm hungry.
Pronounced: HAH (long 'a'). Standard German: haben. 'Ha' = habe. Conjugation: ich ha, du häsch, er/si hät, mir händ. Essential as main verb and auxiliary for past tense.
sii
to be
Er isch en guete Fründ.
He is a good friend.
Pronounced: ZEE (long 'i'). Standard German: sein. 'Isch' = ist. Conjugation: ich bi, du bisch, er/si isch, mir sind. Past: 'ich bi gsi' (I was/have been).
mache
to make / to do
Was machsch hüt am Oobe?
What are you doing tonight?
Pronounced: MAHKH-eh (ch as light guttural). Same as Standard German 'machen'. 'Machsch' = machst du. 'Hüt' = heute (today). 'Am Oobe' = am Abend (in the evening).
neh
to take
Ich nimm e Stange.
I'll take a beer (draft).
Pronounced: NEH. Standard German: nehmen. 'Nimm' = nehme (ich-form). 'E Stange' = a tall glass of draft beer, typical Swiss bar order. Conjugation: ich nimm, du nimmsch.
geh
to give
Gib mer mol de Salz.
Give me the salt, please.
Pronounced: GEH. Standard German: geben. 'Gib' = imperative. 'Mer' = mir (me). 'Mol' = mal (softener). 'De' = den/der (the). Conjugation: ich gib, du gisch.
esse
to eat
Mir gönd hüt usse esse.
We're eating out today.
Pronounced: ES-seh. Same root as Standard German 'essen'. 'Usse' = auswärts/draussen (out). 'Gönd' = gehen (we go). Past: 'Ich ha gässe' (I ate).
trinke
to drink
Wotsch öppis trinke?
Do you want something to drink?
Pronounced: TRINK-eh. Same as Standard German 'trinken'. 'Wotsch' = willst du (do you want). 'Öppis' = etwas (something). Past: 'Ich ha trunke' (I drank).
schlafe
to sleep
Ich ha schlecht gschlafe.
I slept badly.
Pronounced: SHLAH-feh. Same root as Standard German 'schlafen'. Past participle: 'gschlafe' (not 'geschlafen'). Swiss German shortens ge- to g- in participles.
ufstah
to get up
Ich bi hüt früe ufgstande.
I got up early today.
Pronounced: OOF-shtah. Standard German: aufstehen. 'Uf' = auf. 'Früe' = früh (early). Past: 'ufgstande' (aufgestanden). Uses 'sii' (sein) as auxiliary: 'ich bi ufgstande'.
verstah
to understand
Ich verstah kei Wort!
I don't understand a word!
Pronounced: fair-SHTAH. Standard German: verstehen. 'Kei Wort' = kein Wort (not a word). Very useful phrase for newcomers to Swiss German!
zahle
to pay
Chan ich mit Charte zahle?
Can I pay by card?
Pronounced: TSAH-leh. Standard German: zahlen/bezahlen. 'Charte' = Karte (card), with k→ch shift. Switzerland is increasingly cashless but still uses cash more than neighbors.
warte
to wait
Wart churz, ich chume grad.
Wait a moment, I'm coming right away.
Pronounced: VAR-teh. Same root as Standard German 'warten'. 'Churz' = kurz (short/briefly). 'Grad' = gerade (right now/just). Note k→ch shift in 'churz'.
probiere
to try
Wotsch mol probiere?
Do you want to try?
Pronounced: pro-BEER-eh. Same as Standard German 'probieren'. Often used for tasting food: 'Wotsch probiere?' at a market stall. 'Mol' = mal (softener, once).
Ich tue lese
I'm reading
Ich tue grad es Buech lese.
I'm reading a book right now.
Pronounced: ikh TOO-eh LEH-zeh. The tun-periphrasis is a key Swiss German feature. 'Tue' + infinitive emphasizes ongoing action, like English present continuous. Standard German avoids this construction.
s Velo
bicycle
Ich fahre mit em Velo zur Arbet.
I ride my bike to work.
Pronounced: s VEH-lo (French origin). From French 'vélo'. Standard German: Fahrrad. 's' = das (neuter article). 'Em' = dem (dative). Switzerland is very bike-friendly, especially cities.
s Natel
mobile phone
Wo isch mis Natel?
Where is my mobile phone?
Pronounced: s nah-TEL. Originally a Swisscom brand name (Nationales Autotelefon), now generic for any mobile phone. 'Mis' = mein (my, neuter). Standard German: Handy.
s Trottoir
sidewalk
Gang uf em Trottoir!
Walk on the sidewalk!
Pronounced: s trot-TWAHR (French origin). From French 'trottoir'. Standard German: Bürgersteig/Gehweg. Swiss German uses many French loanwords. 'Gang' = geh (go, imperative).
s Billett
ticket
Häsch es Billett gchauft?
Did you buy a ticket?
Pronounced: s bil-YEH (French origin). From French 'billet'. Standard German: Fahrkarte/Ticket. 'Gchauft' = gekauft (bought). Used for transport tickets and event tickets.
de Znüni
morning snack (around 9am)
Ich ässe mis Znüni immer um nüni.
I always eat my morning snack at nine.
Pronounced: deh ts-NEW-nee (ü as 'ew'). From 'zu Nüni' (at nine). A cultural institution in Switzerland — a mid-morning break with food. Children bring Znüni to school. 'Nüni' = neun (nine).
de Zvieri
afternoon snack (around 4pm)
Mir hocked zäme zum Zvieri.
We sit together for afternoon snack.
Pronounced: deh ts-FEER-ee. From 'zu Vieri' (at four). The afternoon equivalent of Znüni. Often bread, cake, or fruit with coffee. A cherished Swiss tradition.
s Znacht
dinner / supper
Was gits zum Znacht?
What's for dinner?
Pronounced: s ts-NAKHT (ch guttural). From 'zu Nacht' (at night). Standard German: Abendessen. 'Gits' = gibt es (is there / what's there). Traditionally a cold meal in Switzerland.
s Zmorge
breakfast
Mir nähmed s Zmorge am achti.
We have breakfast at eight.
Pronounced: s ts-MOR-geh. From 'zu Morgen' (in the morning). Standard German: Frühstück. The z-meals (Zmorge, Znüni, Zmittag, Zvieri, Znacht) are uniquely Swiss.
s Rüebli
carrot
Rüeblitorte isch typisch Schwiizerisch.
Carrot cake is typically Swiss.
Pronounced: s REWB-lee (ü as 'ew'). Standard German: Karotte/Möhre. The -li diminutive suffix is typical Swiss German. Rüeblitorte (carrot cake) is a classic Swiss dessert.
de Härdöpfel
potato
Mir bruuched Härdöpfel für d Rösti.
We need potatoes for the Rösti.
Pronounced: deh HAIR-dur-pfel (ä as 'air', ö as 'ur'). Literally 'earth apple' (Erdapfel). Standard German: Kartoffel. 'Bruuched' = brauchen (need). Rösti is the iconic Swiss potato dish.
s Poulet
chicken (meat)
Ich nimm s Poulet mit Pommes.
I'll have the chicken with fries.
Pronounced: s poo-LEH (French origin). From French 'poulet'. Standard German: Hähnchen/Hühnchen. 'Pommes' = Pommes frites (French fries). Another French loanword in Swiss German.
s Güezi
cookie / biscuit
Wotsch es Güezi zum Kafi?
Do you want a cookie with your coffee?
Pronounced: s GWET-see (ü as 'ew'). Also spelled 'Guetzli' or 'Güetzi'. Standard German: Keks/Plätzchen. Especially associated with Christmas baking (Güezli bache). In Bernese: 'Biscuit'.
de Coiffeur
hairdresser
Ich muess zum Coiffeur gah.
I need to go to the hairdresser.
Pronounced: deh kwah-FUR (French origin). From French 'coiffeur'. Standard German: Friseur/Frisör. Used by both genders. Shows the strong French influence on Swiss German vocabulary.
d Beiz
pub / bar / restaurant
Gömer hüt in d Beiz?
Shall we go to the pub today?
Pronounced: d BYTES. Standard German: Kneipe/Gaststätte. 'Gömer' = gehen wir (shall we go). A Beiz is typically a casual, cozy neighborhood restaurant or bar.
s Estrich
attic
D Chischte sind uf em Estrich.
The boxes are in the attic.
Pronounced: s ESH-trikh (ch guttural). FALSE FRIEND: In Standard German 'Estrich' = floor/screed, but in Swiss German it means attic (Dachboden). 'D Chischte' = die Kisten (the boxes).
de Chaschte
cupboard / wardrobe
S Gschirr isch im Chaschte.
The dishes are in the cupboard.
Pronounced: deh KHASH-teh (ch as strong guttural). Standard German: Kasten/Schrank. Note k→ch shift. 'Gschirr' = Geschirr (dishes). 'Im' = in dem (in the). Can mean any large storage furniture.
s Chind
child
S Chind schlaaft scho.
The child is already sleeping.
Pronounced: s KHIND (ch as strong guttural, like clearing throat). Standard German: Kind. k→ch shift. Plural: 'Chind' or 'Chinder'. 'Scho' = schon (already). 'Schlaaft' = schläft (sleeps).
d Lüüt
people
Da sind vill Lüüt.
There are many people.
Pronounced: d LEWT (long ü as 'ew'). Standard German: Leute. 'Lüüt' with long ü is characteristic Zürich pronunciation. 'Vill' = viele (many). Always plural, like English 'people'.
de Bueb
boy
De Bueb gaht id Schuel.
The boy goes to school.
Pronounced: deh BOOB. Standard German: Junge/Bub. 'De' = der (masculine article). 'Id' = in die (into the). 'Schuel' = Schule (school). Plural: 'Buebe'.
s Meitli
girl
S Meitli isch mega härzlich.
The girl is very kind/warm.
Pronounced: s MYTE-lee (ei as 'eye'). Standard German: Mädchen. Diminutive with -li. Neuter (like all -li diminutives). In Bernese: 'Meitschi'. 'Härzlich' = herzlich (warm/kind).
de Sack
bag
Bruuchsch en Sack?
Do you need a bag?
Pronounced: deh ZAHK. Standard German: Tüte/Beutel. In Swiss shops you'll be asked 'Bruuchsch en Sack?' (paper or plastic bag). NOT vulgar in Swiss German (unlike some German dialects).
d Serviette
napkin
Chasch mer e Serviette geh?
Can you give me a napkin?
Pronounced: d zair-vee-ET-teh. From French 'serviette'. Standard German: Serviette (same word, but Zürich pronunciation differs). 'E' = eine (feminine article).
de Fränkli
Swiss franc (diminutive)
Das choschtet zwänzg Fränkli.
That costs twenty francs.
Pronounced: deh FRENK-lee. 'Fränkli' is the diminutive of 'Franke'. 'Choschtet' = kostet (costs), with k→ch shift. 'Zwänzg' = zwanzig (twenty). Currency: CHF (Schweizer Franken).
d Wohnig
apartment / flat
Mir sueched e neui Wohnig.
We're looking for a new apartment.
Pronounced: d VOH-nig. Standard German: Wohnung. Swiss German drops the -ung ending to -ig. 'Sueched' = suchen (look for/search). 'Neui' = neue (new, feminine).
d Chuchi
kitchen
Ich bi id Chuchi.
I'm in the kitchen.
Pronounced: d KHOO-khee (both ch sounds guttural, like clearing throat). Standard German: Küche. Double ch sound — 'Chuchi' is one of the most fun Swiss German words to pronounce. The ch is uvular, like clearing your throat.
de Lade
shop / store
De Lade macht um sächsi zue.
The shop closes at six.
Pronounced: deh LAH-deh. Standard German: Laden/Geschäft. 'Macht zue' = macht zu (closes). 'Sächsi' = sechs (six). Swiss shops generally close earlier than in Germany.
d Migros
Migros (major supermarket)
Ich gah no schnäll id Migros.
I'm quickly popping into Migros.
Pronounced: d MEE-gros. One of Switzerland's two major supermarket chains (with Coop). Migros famously does NOT sell alcohol or tobacco. Founded by Gottlieb Duttweiler in 1925.
d Apothek
pharmacy
Wo isch d nöchscht Apothek?
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Pronounced: d ah-po-TEHK. Standard German: Apotheke. Swiss German drops the final -e. 'Nöchscht' = nächste (nearest). Swiss pharmacies can give basic medical advice.
de Zug
train
De Zug isch pünktlich cho.
The train arrived on time.
Pronounced: deh TSOOG. Same as Standard German. 'Pünktlich' = on time. 'Cho' = gekommen (come/arrived). Swiss trains (SBB) are famously punctual.
s Tram
tram / streetcar
Mir nähmed s Tram zum Bellevue.
We take the tram to Bellevue.
Pronounced: s TRAHM. Zürich has an extensive tram network. 'Nähmed' = nehmen (we take). Bellevue is a central tram hub in Zürich. Neuter in Swiss German.
d Haltestell
stop (bus/tram)
D Haltestell isch grad det ume.
The stop is right around there.
Pronounced: d HAHL-teh-shtell. Standard German: Haltestelle. 'Grad' = gerade (right/just). 'Det ume' = dort drüben (over there). Zürich stops are well-marked with schedules.
de Bahnhof
train station
Mir träffed eus am Bahnhof.
We'll meet at the train station.
Pronounced: deh BAHN-hohf. Same as Standard German. 'Träffed' = treffen (meet). 'Eus' = uns (us/ourselves). Zürich HB (Hauptbahnhof) is Switzerland's largest station.
gäbig
convenient / handy / easy
Das isch mega gäbig!
That's super convenient!
Pronounced: GEH-big (ä as in 'bed'). Uniquely Swiss German word with no direct Standard German equivalent. Means practical, convenient, easy to use. One of the most useful Swiss adjectives.
fein
tasty / delicious
Das Ässe isch fein gsi.
The food was delicious.
Pronounced: FYNE (ei as 'eye'). In Swiss German 'fein' primarily means tasty/delicious (Standard German: lecker). 'Gsi' = gewesen (been). Used constantly for food: 'Das isch fein!' (That's yummy!).
gruusig
disgusting / terrible
Das Wätter isch gruusig.
The weather is terrible.
Pronounced: GROO-zig. Also spelled 'grüsig'. Standard German: grausig/schrecklich. Can mean physically disgusting or generally terrible. 'Wätter' = Wetter (weather).
gschpässig
strange / funny / odd
Das isch e gschpässigi Gschicht.
That's a strange story.
Pronounced: g-SHPES-sig. Standard German: komisch/spaßig. Can mean funny-strange or funny-humorous depending on context. 'Gschicht' = Geschichte (story). '-igi' is feminine adjective ending.
glustig
craving / curious / tempted
Ich bi glustig uf e Glace.
I'm craving an ice cream.
Pronounced: GLOOSS-tig. Uniquely Swiss German. 'Glustig uf' = having a craving for. 'Glace' = Eis/Eiscreme (ice cream, from French 'glace'). No Standard German equivalent.
strub
wild / hectic / intense
S isch en strube Taag gsi.
It was a hectic day.
Pronounced: SHTROOP. Uniquely Swiss German. Can describe weather (stormy), a situation (hectic), or hair (wild/messy). 'En strube' = masculine adjective with article.
mega
very / super / really
Das isch mega cool!
That's really cool!
Pronounced: MEH-gah. Used as an intensifier, like English 'super' or 'really'. Very common in informal Swiss German, especially among younger speakers. Standard German: sehr/total.
huere
very / damn (intensifier)
Das isch huere guet!
That's damn good!
Pronounced: HOO-eh-reh. Strong intensifier, mildly vulgar (originally related to 'Hure' = prostitute). Very commonly used, less shocking than it sounds. 'Huere guet' = verdammt gut.
cheibe
damn / really (intensifier)
Das isch cheibe schwer.
That's really difficult.
Pronounced: KHYE-beh (ch guttural, ei as 'eye'). Intensifier, slightly vulgar (from 'Cheib' = carcass/rogue). Similar strength to 'huere'. Can be used positively or negatively. 'Schwer' = schwer (difficult).
gmüetlich
cozy / comfortable / pleasant
Dini Wohnig isch mega gmüetlich.
Your apartment is really cozy.
Pronounced: g-MEWT-likh (ü as 'ew', ch guttural). Standard German: gemütlich. A core cultural concept in Swiss/German life. 'Dini' = deine (your, feminine). Describes warm, comfortable atmospheres.
lässig
cool / nice / awesome
Das isch lässig, merci!
That's cool, thanks!
Pronounced: LES-sig. In Swiss German 'lässig' is very positive (cool/great). In Standard German it means 'casual/laid-back'. Common compliment and expression of approval.
blööd
stupid / annoying
So blööd, ich ha de Bus verpasst.
So annoying, I missed the bus.
Pronounced: BLURD (long ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: blöd/dumm. 'Verpasst' = verpasst (missed). Long ö vowel is typical Zürich pronunciation. Used for situations and people.
gäng
always / all the time
Er chunnt gäng z spaat.
He always comes too late.
Pronounced: GENG (ä as in 'bed'). Primarily Bernese German. Zürich equivalent: 'immer'. 'Z spaat' = zu spät (too late). Shows dialectal variation within Swiss German.
äbe / ebe
exactly / you see / well
Äbe, das han ich au gseit.
Exactly, that's what I said too.
Pronounced: EH-beh (ä as in 'bed'). Versatile discourse particle. Can mean 'exactly', 'you see', 'well', or 'that's just how it is'. Standard German: eben. Very frequently used in conversation.
eigetlich
actually / really
Was wotsch eigetlich?
What do you actually want?
Pronounced: EYE-get-likh (ch guttural). Standard German: eigentlich. Same usage but Swiss pronunciation drops the 'n'. Used to add nuance or redirect a conversation.
grad
right now / just
Ich chume grad.
I'm coming right now.
Pronounced: GRAHD. Standard German: gerade. Very commonly used. 'Grad' can mean 'right now', 'just (did)', or 'straight/directly'. Much more common than 'gerade' in speech.
nomol
again / once more
Chasch das nomol säge?
Can you say that again?
Pronounced: NO-mol. Standard German: nochmal/noch einmal. 'Säge' = sagen (to say). Very useful phrase when you don't understand Swiss German!
eifach
simply / just / easy
Das isch eifach so.
That's just how it is.
Pronounced: EYE-fakh (ch guttural). Standard German: einfach. Can be adjective (easy/simple) or adverb (simply/just). 'Das isch eifach so' is a very Swiss way of accepting things.
öppe
approximately / about / roughly
S sind öppe zwänzg Lüüt cho.
About twenty people came.
Pronounced: UR-peh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: etwa/ungefähr. 'Öppe' is distinctly Swiss. Related: 'öpper' (somebody), 'öppis' (something), 'öppedie' (sometimes).
Ich ha kei Luscht
I don't feel like it
Ich ha kei Luscht go poschte.
I don't feel like going grocery shopping.
Pronounced: ikh hah kye LOOSHT. 'Kei' = kein/keine (no). 'Luscht' = Lust (desire/motivation). The go-construction: 'go poschte' = einkaufen gehen. Very commonly used to decline invitations.
Das isch mega guet
that's really good
Das Ässe isch mega guet, merci!
The food is really good, thanks!
Pronounced: dahs ish MEH-gah goot. 'Mega' intensifies any adjective. 'Guet' = gut (good). Can describe food, situations, ideas. Very common positive expression.
Was hesch gseit?
what did you say?
Was hesch gseit? Ich ha nöd verstande.
What did you say? I didn't understand.
Pronounced: vahs hesh g-ZYTE. 'Hesch' = hast du (have you). 'Gseit' = gesagt (said). Swiss German uses ONLY the perfect tense for past events — never simple past (Präteritum).
Häsch es Füfliber?
do you have a 5-franc coin?
Häsch es Füfliber? Ich bruuch eis für de Wageliblitzsäuli.
Do you have a 5-franc coin? I need one for the shopping cart lock.
Pronounced: hesh es FEWF-lee-ber (ü as 'ew'). 'Füfliber' = 5-Franken-Stück (5-franc coin). From 'fünf Libras'. Also: Zwöiliber (2 francs), Einliber (1 franc). 'Bruuch' = brauche (need).
Ich cha nöd
I can't
Sorry, ich cha morn nöd cho.
Sorry, I can't come tomorrow.
Pronounced: ikh KHAH nurd (ch guttural, ö like 'ur'). 'Cha' = kann (can). 'Nöd' = nicht (not). 'Nöd' is Zürich dialect; in Bern: 'nid'. Very basic and essential negation pattern.
Das geit nöd
that doesn't work / that's not possible
Sorry, das geit hüt nöd.
Sorry, that won't work today.
Pronounced: dahs GYTE nurd (ei as 'eye', ö as 'ur'). 'Geit' = geht (goes/works). 'Nöd' = nicht. Used to politely decline or explain something isn't possible. Opposite: 'Das geit' (that works/OK).
Isch guet
it's fine / OK / alright
Isch guet, kei Problem.
It's fine, no problem.
Pronounced: ish GOOT. Short for 'Es isch guet'. Universal Swiss German expression of agreement or acceptance. 'Kei Problem' = kein Problem (no problem).
S isch eso
that's how it is / it is what it is
Ja, s isch eso, da chasch nüüt mache.
Yes, that's how it is, you can't do anything about it.
Pronounced: s ish EH-zo. Quintessentially Swiss expression of acceptance. 'Da chasch nüüt mache' = da kannst du nichts machen (you can't change it). Reflects Swiss pragmatism.
Häsch recht
you're right
Ja, du häsch recht, mir sötted gah.
Yes, you're right, we should go.
Pronounced: hesh REKHT. 'Häsch' = hast (du). 'Recht' = right/correct. 'Sötted' = sollten (should, wir-form). Used to agree with someone's point.
Gopfridstutz!
good grief! / for crying out loud!
Gopfridstutz, das han ich nöd erwartet!
Good grief, I didn't expect that!
Pronounced: GOP-frid-shtoots. A euphemistic exclamation, derived from 'Gott fri(e)d schütz' (God's peace protect). Used to express surprise or frustration. Not considered truly offensive.
Heilandsack!
oh my! / holy cow!
Heilandsack, isch das tüür!
Holy cow, that's expensive!
Pronounced: HYE-lahnd-zahk. Exclamation of surprise, from 'Heiland' (savior) + 'Sack'. Mildly blasphemous but widely used. 'Tüür' = teuer (expensive).
Es bitzeli
a little bit
Ich cha es bitzeli Züridütsch.
I can speak a little bit of Zurich German.
Pronounced: es BIT-tseh-lee. 'Bitzeli' is a double diminutive: Bitz (bit) + -eli. Standard German: ein bisschen. Also: 'es Bitzli'. Very commonly used.
Pronounced: mahkht NEWT (long ü as 'ew'). 'Nüüt' = nichts (nothing). Standard German: Macht nichts. Used to reassure someone after a small mistake or apology.
Ich has Gfühl
I have the feeling / I think
Ich has Gfühl, es rägnet bald.
I have the feeling it's going to rain soon.
Pronounced: ikh hahs g-FEWL (ü as 'ew'). 'Has' = habe das (contracted). 'Gfühl' = Gefühl (feeling). Used like English 'I think' or 'I reckon'. 'Rägnet' = regnet (rains). 'Bald' = soon.
Es gaht so
so-so / it's OK
Wie gaats? — Es gaht so.
How are you? — So-so.
Pronounced: es GAHT zo. Noncommittal response to 'Wie gaats?'. Implies things are neither great nor terrible. Standard German: Es geht so.
Gäll?
right? / isn't it?
Das isch schön, gäll?
That's nice, right?
Pronounced: GELL (ä as in 'bed'). Swiss German tag question, equivalent to English 'right?' or German 'nicht wahr?'. Extremely common. Added to statements seeking confirmation. Also 'gell' in some dialects.
Oder?
right? / or?
Mir gönd morn, oder?
We're going tomorrow, right?
Pronounced: OH-der. Tag question, like 'gäll?' but slightly more questioning. Can also literally mean 'or'. Used at the end of statements. Standard German also uses this.
Halt
just / simply (filler)
S isch halt Züri.
That's just Zurich (for you).
Pronounced: HAHLT. Discourse particle indicating something is inevitable or accepted. Standard German also uses 'halt'. Often combined: 'Das isch halt eifach so' (That's just how it is).
chalt
cold
Hüt isch es huere chalt.
It's really cold today.
Pronounced: KHAHLT (ch as strong guttural, like clearing throat). Standard German: kalt. The k→ch shift (Zweite Lautverschiebung) is the most distinctive Swiss German sound change. All initial k- becomes ch-: Kind→Chind, Käse→Chäs.
Chind / Chinder
child / children (pronunciation example)
D Chinder spieled im Garte.
The children are playing in the garden.
Pronounced: KHIND / KHIN-der (ch as strong guttural). Demonstrates k→ch shift: Kind→Chind, Kinder→Chinder. 'Spieled' = spielen (they play). 'Im Garte' = im Garten (in the garden). The ch sound is the hallmark of Swiss German.
de Chäs
cheese
De Chäs isch us de Schwiiz.
The cheese is from Switzerland.
Pronounced: deh KHES (ch guttural, ä as in 'bed'). Standard German: Käse. k→ch shift + loss of final -e. 'Us de Schwiiz' = aus der Schweiz (from Switzerland). Switzerland produces over 450 varieties of cheese.
d Chatz
cat
D Chatz schlaaft uf em Sofa.
The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
Pronounced: d KHAHTS (ch as strong guttural). Standard German: Katze. k→ch shift. 'Uf em' = auf dem (on the). Diminutive: 'Chätzli'. Also: 'Büsi' (cat, informal/baby talk, very Swiss).
s Hüüsli
little house
Das isch es herzig Hüüsli.
That's a cute little house.
Pronounced: s HEWS-lee (long ü as 'ew'). Demonstrates the diminutive -li suffix: Haus→Hüüs→Hüüsli. Long vowels (üü) are common in Zürich dialect. 'Herzig' = süß/niedlich (cute). -li always makes nouns neuter.
s Büsi
kitty / cat (informal)
S Büsi will usse gah.
The kitty wants to go outside.
Pronounced: s BEW-zee (ü as 'ew'). Affectionate Swiss word for cat. No Standard German equivalent. 'Usse' = raus/nach draußen (outside). Children and adults both use it. Very typically Swiss.
s Vögeli
little bird
S Vögeli singt am Morge.
The little bird sings in the morning.
Pronounced: s FUR-geh-lee (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Diminutive: Vogel→Vögeli. The -eli variant of -li is used after certain sounds. All diminutives are neuter ('s'). 'Singt' = singt (sings).
de Aabig
evening
Am Aabig gömer is Kino.
In the evening we're going to the cinema.
Pronounced: deh AH-big (long 'a'). Standard German: Abend. Long vowel 'aa' is typical Zürich. Also 'Oobe' in some Zürich contexts. 'Gömer' = gehen wir (we go). 'Is' = ins (into the).
Ich ha gseit
I said / I have said
Ich ha gseit, ich chume spööter.
I said I'd come later.
Pronounced: ikh hah g-ZYTE. Swiss German has NO simple past tense (Präteritum). ALL past events use perfect tense: 'Ich ha gseit' (not 'Ich sagte'). This is the most important grammar rule for Swiss German.
Ich bi gsi
I was / I have been
Ich bi geschter in Züri gsi.
I was in Zurich yesterday.
Pronounced: ikh bee g-ZEE. 'Gsi' = gewesen (been). Uses 'sii' (sein) as auxiliary: 'bi gsi'. 'Geschter' = gestern (yesterday). Even 'war' (was) is replaced by 'bi gsi' in Swiss German.
Si tuet choche
she is cooking (continuous)
Si tuet grad s Znacht choche.
She is cooking dinner right now.
Pronounced: zee TOOT KHOKH-eh (both ch sounds guttural). Another example of tun-periphrasis with different subject: 'Si tuet' = sie tut (she does). 'Choche' = kochen (to cook), with k→ch shift. Shows the construction works with all subjects.
s Büechli
little book / booklet
Ich ha es Büechli über Züri gläse.
I read a little book about Zurich.
Pronounced: s BEWKH-lee (ü as 'ew', ch guttural). Diminutive: Buch→Büech→Büechli. Umlaut + -li is the standard pattern. 'Gläse' = gelesen (read, past participle). All -li words are neuter.
s Blüemli
little flower
Ich ha Blüemli für di.
I have flowers for you.
Pronounced: s BLEWM-lee (ü as 'ew'). Diminutive: Blume→Blueme→Blüemli. Swiss German uses diminutives much more than Standard German. 'Für di' = für dich (for you).
s Stüeli
little chair
Hock di uf s Stüeli.
Sit on the little chair.
Pronounced: s SHTEW-eh-lee (ü as 'ew'). Diminutive: Stuhl→Stuehl→Stüeli. The -eli form is used after -l. Diminutives express smallness, affection, or informality. Very productive in Swiss German.
öpper
somebody / someone
Hät öpper öppis gseit?
Did somebody say something?
Pronounced: UR-per (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: jemand. Part of the öpp-family: öpper (someone), öppis (something), öppe (approximately), öppedie (sometimes). Unique to Swiss German.
öppis
something
Wotsch öppis esse?
Do you want to eat something?
Pronounced: UR-pis (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: etwas. Very commonly used. 'Öppis Guets' = etwas Gutes (something good). Part of the distinctly Swiss öpp-series.
Pronounced: NEWT (long ü as 'ew'). Standard German: nichts. Long 'üü' is Zürich pronunciation. 'Weiss' = weiß (know). Very common: 'Nüüt los' = nothing going on.
sicher
sure / certainly / of course
Sicher, das mach ich gärn.
Sure, I'll gladly do that.
Pronounced: ZIKH-er (ch guttural). Used as a confident affirmation. 'Gärn' = gerne (gladly). Often used alone as a response: 'Chasch cho?' — 'Sicher!' (Can you come? — Of course!).
genau
exactly / precisely
Genau, so han ich das au gmeint.
Exactly, that's what I meant too.
Pronounced: geh-NOW (au as 'ow'). Same as Standard German. Used very frequently as a conversation filler and agreement marker. 'Gmeint' = gemeint (meant). 'Au' = auch (also).
jetzt / jetz
now
Mir müessed jetz gah.
We have to go now.
Pronounced: YETST. Standard German: jetzt. Often shortened to 'jetz' in Swiss German. 'Müessed' = müssen (we must). Very commonly used temporal adverb.
denn
then / because (particle)
Was isch denn passiert?
What happened then?
Pronounced: DEN. Used as a question particle adding curiosity or emphasis. 'Was isch denn los?' = What's going on? Standard German uses it similarly. 'Passiert' = happened.
au
also / too
Ich wott au cho!
I want to come too!
Pronounced: OW (like 'ow' in 'cow'). Standard German: auch. 'Wott' = will (want). Very frequently used. Pronunciation: like English 'ow'. Position in sentence is flexible.
nöd
not
Ich weiss nöd.
I don't know.
Pronounced: NURD (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Zürich German for 'nicht' (not). In Bernese: 'nid'. In Basel: 'nit'. This word immediately identifies which dialect someone speaks.
de / d / s
the (articles)
De Maa, d Frau und s Chind.
The man, the woman, and the child.
Pronounced: deh / d / s. Swiss German definite articles: de (masc.), d (fem.), s (neuter). Standard German: der, die, das. Swiss articles are shorter and often merge with following words.
en / e / es
a / an (articles)
En Maa, e Frau und es Chind.
A man, a woman, and a child.
Pronounced: en / eh / es. Swiss German indefinite articles: en (masc.), e (fem.), es (neuter). Standard German: ein, eine, ein. Simpler than Standard German — fewer case distinctions.
mir
we
Mir gönd jetz.
We're leaving now.
Pronounced: MEER. Standard German: wir. Swiss German 'mir' = we (subject). NOT dative 'mir' (to me). Context distinguishes: 'Mir gönd' (we go) vs 'Gib mer' (give me).
er / si / es
he / she / it
Er isch da, si isch nöd da.
He is here, she is not here.
Pronounced: air / zee / es. Same as Standard German but pronunciation differs. 'Si' can mean 'she' or 'they' depending on verb form: 'si isch' (she is), 'si sind' (they are).
go
to go (do something) — verbal particle
Ich gah go poschte.
I'm going grocery shopping.
Pronounced: GO. The go-construction is uniquely Swiss German: movement verb + 'go' + infinitive. 'Go poschte' = einkaufen gehen. Also: 'go luege' (go look), 'go schlafe' (go sleep).
Chuchichäschtli
kitchen cupboard
S Gwürz isch im Chuchichäschtli.
The spice is in the kitchen cupboard.
Pronounced: KHOO-khee-KHESH-tlee (three guttural ch sounds!). The famous Swiss German tongue-twister word. Chuchi (kitchen) + Chäschtli (little cupboard). Three ch sounds! Used to test if someone can pronounce Swiss German.
ane
there / to there (direction)
Chum ane!
Come here!
Pronounced: AH-neh. Directional adverb meaning 'to here/there'. Standard German: hin/her. 'Chum ane' = komm her (come here). Swiss German distinguishes direction more than Standard German in some cases.
det
there / over there
Det äne isch de Bahnhof.
Over there is the train station.
Pronounced: DET. Standard German: dort/da drüben. 'Det äne' = dort drüben (over there). 'Det' alone = dort (there). Position words are important in Swiss German.
do
here
Ich bi do.
I'm here.
Pronounced: DOH. Standard German: hier/da. 'Do' = here. Very basic and frequently used. 'Do ane' = hierhin (to here). 'Do ume' = hier herum (around here).
dehai
at home
Ich bi dehai.
I'm at home.
Pronounced: deh-HYE (like 'hi'). Standard German: daheim/zu Hause. Contracted from 'da heim'. Very commonly used: 'Ich gah hei' (I'm going home). 'Hei' = heim (homeward).
usse
outside / out
Chum, mir gönd usse.
Come, let's go outside.
Pronounced: OOS-seh. Standard German: draußen/raus. 'Usse' = outside (location). 'Use' = hinaus (direction outward). Swiss German distinguishes location vs direction adverbs.
inne
inside / in
Chömed Sie ine!
Come in! (formal)
Pronounced: IN-neh. Standard German: drinnen/herein. 'Ine' = herein (direction inward). 'Inne' = drinnen (location inside). Formal: 'Chömed Si' = Kommen Sie (imperative).
obe
up / above / upstairs
Ich bi obe im Büro.
I'm upstairs in the office.
Pronounced: OH-beh. Standard German: oben. 'Obe' = location above. 'Ufe' = direction upward (hinauf). 'Büro' = Büro (office), same word.
une
down / below / downstairs
De Chäller isch une.
The cellar is downstairs.
Pronounced: OO-neh. Standard German: unten. 'Une' = location below. 'Abe' = direction downward (hinunter). 'Chäller' = Keller (cellar), with k→ch shift.
Ich verstah nur Bahnhof
I don't understand a thing (idiom)
Wenn d Lüüt schnäll reded, verstah ich nur Bahnhof.
When people talk fast, I don't understand a thing.
Pronounced: ikh fair-SHTAH noor BAHN-hohf. Same idiom as in Standard German (literally 'I only understand train station'). 'Reded' = reden (they talk). 'Schnäll' = schnell (fast). Useful phrase for learners!
dere / dem
this (dative demonstrative)
Mit dere Frau han ich gredt.
I spoke with that woman.
Pronounced: DEH-reh / DEM. Swiss German still uses dative case: 'dere' (fem. dative), 'dem' (masc./neut. dative). 'Gredt' = geredet (spoken). Genitive is almost completely replaced by dative + 'vo'.
vo
of / from (replaces genitive)
D Wohnig vo mim Kolleg.
My colleague's apartment.
Pronounced: FO. Standard German genitive ('des Kollegen') is replaced by 'vo' + dative: 'vo mim Kolleg' (von meinem Kollegen). 'Mim' = meinem. Swiss German essentially has no genitive case.
am / im / zum
at the / in the / to the (contractions)
Ich bi am Morge im Büro und zum Zmittag dehai.
I'm at the office in the morning and home for lunch.
Pronounced: ahm / im / tsoom. Preposition contractions work like Standard German: am = an dem, im = in dem, zum = zu dem. 'Zmittag' = Mittagessen (lunch). These are used constantly.
wäge
because of
Wäge dem Wätter bliib ich dehai.
Because of the weather I'm staying home.
Pronounced: VEH-geh (ä as in 'bed'). Standard German: wegen + genitive. Swiss German: 'wäge' + dative ('dem'). 'Bliib' = bleibe (stay). The dative after 'wäge' is standard in Swiss German (never genitive).
Ich ha gha
I had / I have had
Ich ha Glück gha.
I was lucky / I had luck.
Pronounced: ikh hah G-HAH. Double perfect: 'ha gha' = habe gehabt (have had). Swiss German sometimes uses double perfect for emphasis or past-of-past. 'Glück' = luck.
Ich bi cho
I came / I have come
Ich bi geschter z spaat cho.
I came too late yesterday.
Pronounced: ikh bee KHO (ch guttural). Motion verbs use 'sii' (sein) as auxiliary: 'bi cho' = bin gekommen. 'Geschter' = gestern (yesterday). 'Z spaat' = zu spät (too late). Perfect tense only — no 'ich kam'.
Ich bi gange
I went / I have gone
Ich bi id Stadt gange.
I went to the city.
Pronounced: ikh bee GAHNG-eh. 'Gange' = gegangen (gone). Uses 'sii' (sein): 'bi gange'. 'Id Stadt' = in die Stadt (to the city). No simple past: never 'ich ging', always 'ich bi gange'.
flicke
to fix / to repair
Chasch du das flicke?
Can you fix that?
Pronounced: FLIK-keh. Standard German: reparieren/flicken. In Swiss German 'flicke' is the everyday word for any repair. Past: 'Ich ha das gflickt' (I fixed that).
bringe
to bring / to take
Ich bringe der morn s Buech.
I'll bring you the book tomorrow.
Pronounced: BRING-eh. Standard German: bringen. 'Der' = dir (dative). Past: 'Ich ha bracht' (I brought). Same root as Standard German but conjugation differs slightly.
zieh
to pull / to move
Zieh an de Tüür!
Pull the door!
Pronounced: TSEE. Standard German: ziehen. 'An de Tüür' = an der Tür (on the door). Also: 'aazieh' (to put on clothes), 'uszieh' (to take off clothes), 'zügle' (to move house).
brüele
to cry / to yell
S Chind brüelet.
The child is crying.
Pronounced: BREW-eh-leh (ü as 'ew'). Standard German: weinen/schreien. 'Brüele' can mean both crying and yelling in Swiss German. Context matters: a child 'brüelet' = cries; an angry person 'brüelet' = yells.
lache
to laugh
Mir händ mega glachet.
We laughed so much.
Pronounced: LAHKH-eh (ch light guttural). Same root as Standard German 'lachen'. Past: 'glachet' (gelacht). 'Mega' = sehr (very). 'Händ' = haben (wir-form).
s Gäld
money
Ich ha nöd gnueg Gäld debi.
I don't have enough money on me.
Pronounced: s GELD (ä as in 'bed'). Standard German: Geld. 'Debi' = dabei (on me/with me). 'Gnueg' = genug (enough). Swiss currency is the Schweizer Franke (CHF), not the Euro.
d Zit
time
Ich ha kei Zit.
I don't have time.
Pronounced: d TSEET. Standard German: Zeit. 'Kei' = keine (no). Very commonly used: 'Ich ha Zit' (I have time), 'Es isch Zit' (It's time), 'Mit de Zit' (over time).
d Strass
street / road
Wo isch d Bahnhofstrass?
Where is Bahnhofstrasse?
Pronounced: d SHTRAHSS. Standard German: Straße. 'Strass' without final -e. Bahnhofstrasse is Zürich's famous shopping street. 'Wo isch' = wo ist (where is).
de Platz
square / place / space
Mir träffed eus am Paradeplatz.
We meet at Paradeplatz.
Pronounced: deh PLAHTS. Same as Standard German. 'Paradeplatz' = Zürich's famous banking square. 'Am' = an dem (at the). Also means 'space/room': 'Es hät kei Platz' (there's no space).
s Wasser
water
Ich hätt gärn es Glas Wasser.
I'd like a glass of water.
Pronounced: s VAHS-ser. Same as Standard German. 'Hätt gärn' = hätte gerne (would like). Swiss tap water is excellent and safe to drink. Restaurants serve bottled water (paid) unless you ask for 'Hahnewasser'.
s Hahnewasser
tap water
Chasch mer Hahnewasser bringe?
Can you bring me tap water?
Pronounced: s HAH-neh-VAHS-ser. 'Hahne' = Hahn (tap/faucet). Swiss tap water is world-class quality. In restaurants, you can ask for 'Hahnewasser' — it's free but some places prefer to sell bottled water.
d Schuel
school
D Chind gönd id Schuel.
The children go to school.
Pronounced: d SHOOL. Standard German: Schule. 'Gönd' = gehen (they go). 'Id' = in die (into). Swiss school system varies by canton. Compulsory education starts at age 4 (Kindergarten).
s Spital
hospital
Mir müessed is Spital.
We need to go to the hospital.
Pronounced: s shpee-TAHL. Standard German: Krankenhaus/Spital. 'Is' = ins (into the). In Swiss German 'Spital' is the standard word. Major hospitals: Universitätsspital Zürich, Inselspital Bern.
de Arzt / d Ärztin
doctor (male/female)
Ich muess zum Arzt gah.
I need to go to the doctor.
Pronounced: deh ARTST / d AIRTS-tin. Same as Standard German. 'Zum Arzt' = zum Arzt (to the doctor). Swiss healthcare requires mandatory insurance (Krankenkasse). Doctors are typically addressed as 'Herr/Frau Doktor'.
de Schlüssel
key
Wo sind mini Schlüssel?
Where are my keys?
Pronounced: deh SHLEWS-sel (ü as 'ew'). Same as Standard German. 'Mini' = meine (my, plural). Common worry: 'Ich ha de Schlüssel vergässe' (I forgot the key). Losing apartment keys in Switzerland means expensive lock replacement.
schwirig
difficult / hard
Züridütsch isch schwirig zum lerne.
Zurich German is difficult to learn.
Pronounced: SHVEE-rig. Standard German: schwierig. 'Zum lerne' = zum Lernen (to learn). Swiss German has no standardized written form, making it harder to study than Standard German.
lieb
dear / sweet / kind
Du bisch mega lieb.
You're really sweet.
Pronounced: LEEB. Same as Standard German. Used affectionately. 'Lieb haa' = to love/like. 'Ich ha di lieb' (I love you, between family/close friends — less intense than 'Ich liebe dich').
schnäll
fast / quick
Mach schnäll!
Hurry up!
Pronounced: SHNELL (ä as in 'bed'). Standard German: schnell. 'Mach schnäll' = mach schnell (hurry up). 'Ä' replaces 'e' in many Swiss German words. Common imperative expression.
langsam
slow / slowly
Chönsch bitte langsamer rede?
Can you speak more slowly please?
Pronounced: LAHNG-zahm. Same as Standard German. 'Langsamer' = langsamer (comparative, slower). Essential phrase for Swiss German learners. Swiss speakers often talk fast in dialect.
ganz
whole / entirely / very
Das isch ganz okay.
That's quite okay.
Pronounced: GAHNTS. Same as Standard German. 'Ganz' softens adjectives: 'ganz guet' (quite good), 'ganz schön' (quite nice). Also: 's ganze' = the whole thing.
vil / vill
much / many / a lot
Es hät vill Lüüt gha.
There were a lot of people.
Pronounced: FILL. Standard German: viel. 'Vill' with double l is Zürich spelling. 'Es hät gha' = es hat gehabt/gegeben (there were). 'Meh' = mehr (more).
wenig
few / little / not much
Ich ha wenig Zit.
I have little time.
Pronounced: VEH-nig. Same as Standard German. 'Wenig Zit' = wenig Zeit (little time). Opposite: 'vill' (much/many). 'Es wenigs bitzeli' = a tiny little bit.
Wie seit mer ...?
how do you say ...?
Wie seit mer 'thank you' uf Züridütsch?
How do you say 'thank you' in Zurich German?
Pronounced: vee ZYTE mair. 'Seit mer' = sagt man (one says). 'Uf' = auf (in, when talking about languages). Essential phrase for language learners. Answer: 'Mer seit Merci'.
Ich lerne Züridütsch
I'm learning Zurich German
Ich lerne Züridütsch, chönsch langsamer rede?
I'm learning Zurich German, can you speak more slowly?
Pronounced: ikh LAIR-neh TSEW-ree-DEWCH (ü as 'ew', ch guttural). A very useful sentence to tell Swiss people. Most will appreciate the effort and switch to slower speech or Standard German to help you. 'Langsamer' = more slowly.
Ich chume us ...
I come from ...
Ich chume us England.
I come from England.
Pronounced: ikh KHOO-meh oos (ch guttural). 'Chume' = komme (come). 'Us' = aus (from). k→ch shift. Essential for introductions. 'Us de Schwiiz' = from Switzerland, 'us de USA' = from the US.
Wo isch ...?
where is ...?
Wo isch de nöchscht Bancomat?
Where is the nearest ATM?
Pronounced: vo ISH. 'Wo isch' = wo ist. 'Bancomat' = ATM (from Italian/French, Swiss term). Standard German: Geldautomat. 'Nöchscht' = nächst (nearest).
This deck has 211 words in total — copy it to your library to study them all.
Grammar Guide (10)
No Präteritum
Swiss German only uses the perfect tense — never the simple past
Ich ha geschter es Buech gläse. Ich ha gseit gha, dass ich chome.
Swiss German has no simple past (Präteritum). You always use the perfect tense: ich ha gmacht (I did/made), ich bi gange (I went).
The perfect is formed with 'haa' (to have) or 'sii' (to be) + past participle: Ich ha gschribe (I wrote). Er isch cho (He came).
For past-in-the-past, Swiss German uses the double perfect: Ich ha gseit gha (I had said). Er isch cho gsi (He had come).
Even 'was' and 'had' are expressed with perfect: ich bi gsi (I was), ich ha gha (I had).
This means you never need to learn Präteritum verb forms — just master the past participle (usually g- + stem).
tun-Periphrase
Using 'tue' + infinitive to express habitual or ongoing actions
Ich tue jede Morge Ziitig läse.
'Tue' + infinitive expresses habitual or ongoing actions: Ich tue läse (I'm reading / I read regularly).
Conjugation of 'tue': i tue, du tuesch, er/si tuet, mir tüend, ir tüend, si tüend.
Unlike in Standard German (where 'tun' + infinitive is considered poor style), this is perfectly standard in Swiss German.
Examples: Si tuet immer z'spaat cho (She always comes too late). Mir tüend am Sunntig wandere (We hike on Sundays).
The subjunctive 'tät' is used for polite requests: Ich tät gärn es Bier bstelle (I would like to order a beer).
go-Construction
The particle 'go' appears before an infinitive after verbs of motion
Ich gah go poschte. Chunnsch go schwümme?
After motion verbs (gah, cho, laufe), the particle 'go' precedes the infinitive: Ich gah go poschte (I'm going to shop).
'Go' indicates purpose of movement (like English 'to go do something'): Mir gönd go ässe (We're going to eat).
Also used with 'cho' (to come): Chunnsch go luege? (Are you coming to look?). Er chunnt go hälfe (He's coming to help).
Sometimes 'go' appears doubled: Ich gah go go luege — varies by region and is optional.
This construction has no equivalent in Standard German and is one of the most distinctive features of Swiss German.
No Genitive Case
The genitive case does not exist — replaced by dative + 'vo/vom' (of/from)
S Auto vom Vater. D Farb vo de Blueme.
Swiss German has no genitive case. Possession uses dative + 'vo/vom': s Huus vom Nachbar (the neighbor's house).
'Vo' + dative replaces all genitive functions: wäge dem Wätter (because of the weather), aastatt vom Kafi (instead of the coffee).
Dative articles: em (masculine/neuter), ere (feminine), de (plural). Example: s Buch vo de Lehreri (the teacher's book).
Alternative possessive: Dem Vater sis Auto (the father's car) — dative + possessive pronoun, very common in speech.
The genitive only survives in fixed expressions and place names — you never need to learn genitive forms.
Diminutive -li
The suffix -li is far more productive than Standard German -chen/-lein — applied to almost anything
Es Brötli, es Hündli, es Kafi-Tässli, es Bänkli.
The diminutive -li replaces Standard German -chen/-lein: Hund→Hündli, Brot→Brötli, Tisch→Tischli.
The stem vowel often umlauts: a→ä (Glas→Gläsli), u→ü (Hund→Hündli), o→ö (Wort→Wörtli).
-li is much more productive than in Standard German: Rüebli (carrot, no longer diminutive), Müesli (muesli), Guetzli (cookie/biscuit).
All diminutives are neuter: s Meitli (the girl), s Büebli (the little boy), s Chätzli (the kitten).
Regional variations: Bernese uses -i instead of -li: Hundi, Bröti. Basel uses -li like Zürich.
Relative Pronoun 'wo'
'Wo' is the universal relative pronoun — it replaces der/die/das/welcher entirely
De Maa, wo da wohnt. D Frau, wo ich gsee ha.
'Wo' is the only relative pronoun in Swiss German: De Maa, wo chunnt (The man who comes).
It never changes for gender or case: D Frau, wo do wohnt (The woman who lives here). S Chind, wo spilt (The child that plays).
For accusative/dative objects, add a resumptive pronoun: De Maa, wo ich en gsee ha (The man whom I saw). D Frau, wo ich ere ghulfe ha (The woman whom I helped).
With prepositions: S Huus, wo mir drin wohned (The house we live in). De Stuel, wo er druf hockt (The chair he sits on).
'Wo' is never replaced by 'der/die/das' or 'welcher' — even in formal Swiss German speech.
Articles & Cases
Articles are de/d/s instead of der/die/das — accusative mostly matches nominative
De Maa gseht d Frau. Ich gib em Maa s Buech.
Definite articles: de (masculine), d (feminine), s (neuter), d (plural). Examples: de Hund, d Chatz, s Huus, d Lüüt.
Indefinite articles: en (masculine), e (feminine), es (neuter). Examples: en Maa, e Frau, es Chind.
Accusative is mostly the same as nominative: Ich gseh de Maa (not 'den Mann'). Only pronouns change: ich→mi, er→en/ihn.
Dative: em (masculine/neuter), ere (feminine), de (plural). Examples: Ich gib em Maa s Gäld. Ich hilfe de Chind.
Dative often merges with prepositions: im (in em), am (a em), vom (vo em), zum (zu em).
k→ch Sound Shift
All initial k- systematically becomes ch-: kaufen→chaufe, Kind→Chind, kalt→chalt
S Chind isch chrank und hät nöd chönne cho.
All words starting with k- have ch- in Swiss German: kaufen→chaufe, Kind→Chind, kalt→chalt, Kirche→Chile, Kopf→Chopf.
The ch is a uvular fricative [χ], much stronger than German 'ach'-ch: können→chönne, kommen→cho, Kuchen→Chuechä.
k inside words also shifts: Decke→Teggi, trinken→trinke (stays due to -nk). Final -k often stays: Stück→Stuck.
Loanwords usually keep k: Kino, Kilometer, Kaffee→Kafi (partially adapted).
This shift is one of the most recognizable features of Swiss German and immediately distinguishes it from Standard German.
Verb Conjugation
Verb endings differ from Standard German — plural uses -ed, never -en
Ich mache, du machsch, er macht, mir mached, ir mached, si mached.
Present tense endings: ich -e, du -sch, er/si/es -t, mir -ed, ir -ed, si -ed. Example: ich gang, du gasch, er gaht, mir gönd.
The 2nd person singular always ends in -sch: du machsch, du chunnsch, du hesch. Never -st as in Standard German.
All plural forms (we/you/they) have the same ending -ed: mir mached, ir mached, si mached. No -en as in Standard German.
Strong verbs often have different stem vowels: geben→gäh (i gib, du gisch, er git, mir gäbed).
The formal 'Sie' uses 3rd person plural: Chömed Si ine! (Please come in!). Mached Si sich kei Sorge! (Don't worry!).
Vowel & Diphthong Shifts
Systematic sound patterns: au→uu, ei→ii, eu→üü distinguish Swiss German from Standard German
S Huus isch nöi. D Lüüt händ kei Zit.
au→uu: Haus→Huus, Maus→Muus, laufen→laufe (Zürich keeps au), kaufen→chaufe. In Bernese: au→ou (Hous).
ei→ii/i: Zeit→Zit, weit→wit, Arbeit→Arbet, heißen→heisse (ei sometimes stays). Long i: Ziit, wiit.
eu/äu→üü: Leute→Lüüt, neu→nöi/nüü, heute→hüt, Häuser→Hüüser.
Standard German ie→ie/iä: lieb→lieb, Brief→Brief (stays). But: liegen→lige, fliegen→flüge.
These shifts are not random — they follow historical sound laws of Alemannic German and apply consistently across vocabulary.