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, 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.
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.
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.
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, what to see etc., and the official site for statistics of the Swiss Government.
All about life in Switzerland – A service of the Confederation, cantons and communes