What’s up with the «li» in Switzerland? An explanation for the Swiss German diminutive

What’s up with the «li» in Switzerland? An explanation for the Swiss German diminutive

Swiss German is characterized by the frequent use of the diminutive. This means that nouns are usually “reduced in size” by adding the suffix “li” to them. The counterpart in High German is the ending “chen/lein”. If you don’t speak

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With those Swiss German words you will survive

With those Swiss German words you will survive

In Switzerland we speak Swiss German. Although it comes from High German, it is a dialect of its own. A German from Stuttgart may still understand us, but a German from Hamburg has no chance. Although High German is his

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Arriving in Switzerland

Arriving in Switzerland

How beautiful is Switzerland? As one of the most beautiful regions on this planet, Switzerland offers more than many might realize. From the majestic peaks of the Alps, to the numerous lakes and streams that provide 6% of Europe with

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Moving from the US to Switzerland

Moving from the US to Switzerland

If you are planning on moving to Switzerland from the United States, you will want to be well prepared. It is very important that you take the time to learn about the area and the culture, the language, and the

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Why should I learn Swiss German?

Why should I learn Swiss German?

If you are considering moving to Switzerland, it may be a good idea to learn Swiss German. When you are traveling abroad or making a life transition and headed to a new country, you may be unfamiliar with its language.

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Studying in Switzerland

Studying in Switzerland

Depending on what you plan on studying, studying abroad can provide you with an education and also an amazing experience. There are a number of different programs in Switzerland that allow you to study abroad on behalf of some of

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A Quick Guide to Switzerland‘s Amazing Lakes

A Quick Guide to Switzerland‘s Amazing Lakes

Water, water, everywhere… Switzerland is definitely a country where you won‘t die of thirst.  Although its land mass is only 0.4% of Europe, Switzerland is the source of 6% of the continent‘s fresh water reserve. Some of this water comes

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Typical Swiss – chocolate, banking and watches …?

Typical Swiss – chocolate, banking and watches …?

People say that different countries have different customs. The Swiss, too, have some typical quirks and behaviours that make them immediately identifiable to others. How do you recognize a typical Swiss?   1. The Swiss people are multilingual In Switzerland,

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Typical Bern = typical Switzerland?

Typical Bern = typical Switzerland?

Through the eyes of a tourist Switzerland is like a bouquet of flowers. While foreign nationals are quickly taken with the colours, the scent, the crisp freshness of each single flower, a Swiss likes to dig until he finds a

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Typical Basel – Bebbis, Fasnacht and Sports

Typical Basel – Bebbis, Fasnacht and Sports

The question of who is a real Basler is not easy to answer. There is actually no such thing as a real Basler. In the city city on the Rhine, people refer to themselves as «d Bebbi». And these Bebbi

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