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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Stay informed and use Swiss German newspapers and radio stations

Stay informed and use Swiss German newspapers and radio stations

The press landscape in Switzerland is diverse. On the one hand because of the trilingualism of the country, on the other because Swiss people consume more printed media than, for example, watch TV. Quite different from the south of Europe,

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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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What is the official language of Switzerland?

What is the official language of Switzerland?

Due to its high quality of life and above-average wages, Switzerland is considered to be an attractive location. This is why many people aspire to relocate to this small Alpine country. In June 2004, the legal framework of the Swiss

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Do all Germans understand Swiss German?

Do all Germans understand Swiss German?

This is a question that cannot be answered either with a clear yes or a definite no. Some Germans can understand it quite well. Others do not understand a word – literally. Test your knowledge Let us pose a question:

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Is speaking Standard Swiss German enough to live in Switzerland?

Is speaking Standard Swiss German enough to live in Switzerland?

Switzerland’s linguistic diversity Switzerland is certainly one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The diversity of the landscape, it’s history, cultural background and linguistic diversity make this country an unusual place. There is no other place in the world

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The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Learning Swiss German

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Learning Swiss German

This is how to start If you are already catching up on your favorite German and Swiss TV shows, movies and pop stars to help you brush up your listening skills, why not start dipping into Swiss culture too? I

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Herzlich Willkommen or Bienvenue to Charming Biel

Herzlich Willkommen or Bienvenue to Charming Biel

The charming town of Biel in canton Berne is the largest bilingual city in Switzerland. Walking through the streets and listening to the chatter in both Swiss German and French lends a unique pleasant atmosphere to the town. Hallo/GrĂĽezi and

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