Table of Contents
- 1 Do Swiss understand high German?
- 2 Is it worth learning Swiss German?
- 3 Are Germans and Swiss similar?
- 4 How do you greet in Swiss-German?
- 5 Can German speakers understand Swiss German?
- 6 How can I become fluent in Swiss German?
- 7 What are German podcasts?
- 8 Can I get a transcript in German of each podcast?
- 9 What is an English-Speaking podcast?
Do Swiss understand high German?
Swiss people can understand regular German. For most Germans, it’s very difficult (often impossible) to understand Swiss German. People in southern Germany can often understand Swiss German. Local dialects in all German countries can be difficult to understand for anybody not familiar with it.
Is it worth learning Swiss German?
If you’re busy learning German, then other varieties, like Swiss German might not be on your radar quite yet. But if you plan to spend time in Switzerland or you have Swiss friends, then learning Swiss German is totally worth it. You’ll also learn some useful phrases and vocabulary to impress your Swiss friends.
How different is Swiss-German?
Swiss German consonants are a different case from vowels. Orthographically speaking, they are longer, whereas their pronunciation is a bit harsher than their German counterparts….Consonants.
| Standard German | English | Swiss German |
|---|---|---|
| Koch | cook | Choch |
| kommen | to come | cho |
| Kind | kid | chind |
| kaufen | to buy | chaufe |
Are Germans and Swiss similar?
Swiss-German is pretty much just a variation or a dialect of standardized German language. It is the collective name for Alemannic dialects that are spoken in Switzerland. Swiss German differs from standardized German language in phonology, vocabulary and grammar.
How do you greet in Swiss-German?
How do you say Hello in German? Common greetings in Swiss-German include “Grüezi,” “Guetä Tag” & “Hallo.” What concerns the spelling of these words, there are no fix conventions to follow. Also, depending on the dialect, the spelling of these greetings can vary drastically.
How different is Swiss German?
Can German speakers understand Swiss German?
The dialects of Swiss German must not be confused with Swiss Standard German, the variety of Standard German used in Switzerland. Most people in Germany do not understand Swiss German. Therefore, when an interview with a Swiss German speaker is shown on German television, subtitles are required.
How can I become fluent in Swiss German?
- 6 tips for learning Swiss German. I stepped off the plane in Zürich 19 years ago with just one word of German – “nein”.
- Get a decent grasp of “High German”.
- Listen to Swiss-German Music.
- Watch Swiss TV.
- Put yourself out there and practice.
- Take a Swiss-german class.
- Start small and give it a go.
Why does Swiss German sound different?
The Swiss use shorter sounds for diphthongs (two vowels next to each other in the same syllable), and they are usually transformed into long vowels. The /au/ of Standard German becomes /u/ in Swiss German; for example, “laut” becomes “lut” (loud).
What are German podcasts?
German podcasts are an underestimated language learning resource that can help you become more fluent in everyday conversation. Why’s that? Well, here are a few reasons: Even better, podcasts are often free.
Can I get a transcript in German of each podcast?
A transcript in German of each podcast is provided. If you’re sitting in a German cafe tucking into a black forest cake and coffee, you can always eavesdrop on what other people are saying. But if you’re at home and the nearest German-speaking person to you is hundreds of miles away, what can you do?
Are podcasts free to listen to?
All podcasts are completely free for three weeks after their release. Podcasts older than three weeks are still accessible for a subscription fee in the lesson library. German learners can find 3 to 5 new podcasts here per week. Check my review of GermanPod101 to find out more.
What is an English-Speaking podcast?
An English-speaking host is your guide through each episode and she’s joined by conversational partners who help to break down the German conversations. Lots of interesting situations are featured such as an investigation of crop circles and UFOs. Transcripts in German of each podcast are available for download.