What Languages Do People Actually Speak in Switzerland?

There are 4 official languages in Switzerland, i.e. German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The German, French and Italian languages are spoken as the official languages, nationwide. While the Romansh language is used only by the people who speak it. This article contains comprehensive details on the languages spoken in Switzerland. 

A majority of people in Switzerland speak German, either Swiss German or Standard German (>60%), followed by French (>20%) and then the Italian language (7-8%). Very less people in Switzerland speak Romansh, only 0.5%. Even though many Swiss universities offer both bachelor’s and master’s programs in English, students may need to gain an understanding of any of the four official languages in Switzerland to integrate into the culture and navigate through daily life with ease. This article is all about the languages spoken in Switzerland and the implications they have on Indian students going to study in Switzerland. 

The Four Languages in Switzerland

Unlike most other countries that have only 1 language as their official language, Switzerland has four official languages, namely German, French, Italian and Romansh. Derived from the country’s cultural connections with its neighbouring countries, such as Germany, Austria, France, and Italy, multilingualism is a distinctive trait of the country. 

Here is the detailed information on each of the 4 languages spoken in Switzerland for students going to study in Switzerland:

1. German

German is the main language in Switzerland. A vast majority in Switzerland (nearly 62%) speak the German language, which accounts for the country’s two-thirds population. However, the Swiss-German spoken in the country differs widely from the standard written German language. The German spoken in Switzerland is primarily Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch), a collection of Alemannic dialects that differ significantly from Standard German (Hochdeutsch) spoken in Germany and Austria. Read how to learn the German language. The differences between the two are described below:

• Swiss German: Swiss German serves as the everyday language for conversations, social exchanges, and frequently in professional settings within the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. It is a local dialect used by specific communities rather than the formal written language. Rather than a single, standardised dialect, Swiss German comprises a variety of regional forms, which can vary greatly from one town or valley to another. For example, the Zurich dialect (Züridütsch) exhibits distinct characteristics compared to the dialects found in Bern (Bärndütsch) or Basel. German (primarily Swiss German dialects) is spoken in the north, east, and central parts of Switzerland. Major cities like Zurich, Bern (though bilingual), Lucerne, and Basel are in the German-speaking region.
• Standard German: In Switzerland, the predominant spoken language is Swiss German, while Standard German is frequently used in writing, formal events, educational settings (often in conjunction with Swiss German), and media. Most Swiss Germans understand Standard German, even if they don't use it as their primary mode of speaking.

2. French

Spoken by over 23% population in Switzerland, the French language is the second most common language in Switzerland. The French spoken here, often referred to as Swiss French, is quite similar to the French spoken in France, with minor regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation.

While Swiss French is generally comprehensible to those who speak standard French, it includes unique vocabulary and phrases, as well as some differences in pronunciation, like the longer vowel sounds. However, for students familiar with standard French, communication will generally not be a significant hurdle.

French is predominantly spoken in the western part of Switzerland, known as the "Suisse Romande". Major cities in this region include Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel, and Fribourg (bilingual). The cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Jura are entirely French-speaking, while French also holds official status in the bilingual cantons of Bern, Fribourg, and Valais. Read how to learn French language. 

3. Italian

Italian is the third most prevalent national language in Switzerland, spoken by approximately 8% of the population as their primary language. Swiss Italian is mainly spoken in the canton of Ticino and the southern valleys of Graubünden.

The Italian language spoken in Switzerland is often referred to as the Swiss Italian language. While closely related to standard Italian, Swiss Italian has been influenced by the German and French languages spoken in other parts of Switzerland, leading to some differences in vocabulary and expressions. However, speakers of standard Italian will generally be able to understand and communicate effectively. Distinct local dialects also exist within Swiss Italian.

The Italian-speaking region is located in the southern part of Switzerland, bordering Italy, including major cities like Lugano and Bellinzona. Learn 100+ basic Italian words 

4. Romansh

Romansh (Rumantsch) is the least spoken of the national languages of Switzerland, with only about 0.5% of the Swiss population using it as their main language. Romansh is a Rhaeto-Romanic language with Latin roots, spoken primarily in the canton of Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland.

Romansh consists of several regional dialects that vary in how well speakers can understand each other. There are continuous efforts to promote and safeguard this distinctive linguistic heritage. Romansh speakers are concentrated in specific valleys of the canton of Graubünden, which is also home to German and Italian speakers, making it the only trilingual canton in Switzerland.

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Implications of Swiss National Languages on Indian Students

For Indian students considering studying in Switzerland, understanding this multilingual environment has several implications, such as:

• Language of Instruction: The primary language of instruction in Swiss universities generally depends on the institution's location. Universities in the German-speaking cantons (like ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, and University of Basel) predominantly offer programs in German. Similarly, universities in the French-speaking cantons (like EPFL Lausanne, University of Geneva, and University of Lausanne) mainly conduct courses in French. Universities in the Italian-speaking region (like the University of Lugano) use Italian as the primary language of instruction.
• English as a Bridge: While not a national language, English is widely spoken in Switzerland, especially among younger generations, in urban areas, and in academic and business settings. Many master's and PhD programs across various disciplines are offered in English. This can be a significant advantage for international students, including Indian students. However, relying solely on English might limit their daily interactions and integration into the local culture.
• Learning a Local Language: While studying in English is possible in Switzerland, as many universities offer programs in English, learning the local language of your university's region (German, French, or Italian) can greatly enhance your experience. Not only will it facilitate daily life, help you connect with locals, but it will also aid deeper cultural immersion. Universities often offer language courses for international students to help them immerse themselves in the local culture seamlessly.
• Swiss German Challenge: If you are studying in the German-speaking part, be prepared for Swiss German in everyday life. While Standard German might be taught in some language courses for foreigners, exposure to and understanding of the spoken Swiss German will be crucial for social integration. It's often recommended to focus on understanding Swiss German while learning Standard German for academic purposes.

This was all about the languages in Switzerland and their possible implications on Indian students going to study in the country. If you seek assistance for studying abroad, get expert help from Shiksha’s Counselling Services for free.