What does “Uf Wiederluege” mean in Swiss German?

“Uf Wiederluege” means “goodbye (formal)” in Swiss German. Example: Merci vilmal, uf Wiederluege! — Thank you very much, goodbye!

What does “Guete Morge” mean in Swiss German?

“Guete Morge” means “good morning” in Swiss German. Example: Guete Morge, häsch guet gschlafe? — Good morning, did you sleep well?

What does “Schöne Oobe” mean in Swiss German?

“Schöne Oobe” means “good evening” in Swiss German. Example: Schöne Oobe, chömed Si ine! — Good evening, come in! (formal)

What does “Guet Nacht” mean in Swiss German?

“Guet Nacht” means “good night” in Swiss German. Example: Guet Nacht, schlaf guet! — Good night, sleep well!

What does “Merci vilmal” mean in Swiss German?

“Merci vilmal” means “thank you very much” in Swiss German. Example: Merci vilmal für d Hilf! — Thank you very much for the help!

What does “Gärn gscheh” mean in Swiss German?

“Gärn gscheh” means “you're welcome” in Swiss German. Example: Gärn gscheh, das isch doch keis Problem. — You're welcome, that's no problem at all.

What does “Wie gaats?” mean in Swiss German?

“Wie gaats?” means “how are you?” in Swiss German. Example: Hoi, wie gaats der? — Hi, how are you? (informal)

What does “Guet, merci” mean in Swiss German?

“Guet, merci” means “good, thanks” in Swiss German. Example: Guet, merci, und der? — Good, thanks, and you?

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Swiss German — Essentials (for English Speakers) Official

Essential Swiss German (Züridütsch) words for English speakers. Greetings, survival phrases, key vocabulary to understand everyday Swiss German, with phonetic pronunciation guides.

CEFR A1 — Beginner

At this level you can introduce yourself, order food, ask directions. Vocabulary: ~500 words (cumulative).

Phrases you'll learn

What does “Uf Wiederluege” mean in Swiss German?: “Uf Wiederluege” means “goodbye (formal)” in Swiss German. Example: Merci vilmal, uf Wiederluege! — Thank you very much, goodbye!
What does “Guete Morge” mean in Swiss German?: “Guete Morge” means “good morning” in Swiss German. Example: Guete Morge, häsch guet gschlafe? — Good morning, did you sleep well?
What does “Schöne Oobe” mean in Swiss German?: “Schöne Oobe” means “good evening” in Swiss German. Example: Schöne Oobe, chömed Si ine! — Good evening, come in! (formal)
What does “Guet Nacht” mean in Swiss German?: “Guet Nacht” means “good night” in Swiss German. Example: Guet Nacht, schlaf guet! — Good night, sleep well!
What does “Merci vilmal” mean in Swiss German?: “Merci vilmal” means “thank you very much” in Swiss German. Example: Merci vilmal für d Hilf! — Thank you very much for the help!
What does “Gärn gscheh” mean in Swiss German?: “Gärn gscheh” means “you're welcome” in Swiss German. Example: Gärn gscheh, das isch doch keis Problem. — You're welcome, that's no problem at all.
What does “Wie gaats?” mean in Swiss German?: “Wie gaats?” means “how are you?” in Swiss German. Example: Hoi, wie gaats der? — Hi, how are you? (informal)
What does “Guet, merci” mean in Swiss German?: “Guet, merci” means “good, thanks” in Swiss German. Example: Guet, merci, und der? — Good, thanks, and you?

Swiss German → English 211 words ~22 days at 10 words/day 2 downloads A1 A2

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Word	Translation	Example
GrüeziA1formal DER Zürcher Gruss (von „Gott grüez i“)! Formell und neutral: „Grüezi!“ im Laden, im Zug, überall in der Deutschschweiz.	hello (formal)	Grüezi, wie gaats Ine? Hello, how are you? (formal)
Pronounced: GREW-etsi (ü like French 'tu', z as 'ts'). The standard formal greeting in Swiss German. Derived from 'Gott grüez i' (God greet you). In Bernese dialect: 'Grüessech'.
HoiA1informal Informeller Gruss unter Freunden: „Hoi, wie gahts?“ — nur bei Duzfreunden! Synonyms: Sali	hi (informal)	Hoi, wie gaats? Hi, how are you?
Pronounced: HOY. The most common informal greeting in Zürich. Casual and friendly. Can be combined: 'Hoi zäme' (hi everyone).
SaliA1informal Informell, vor allem in Basel und der Nordwestschweiz (vom französischen „salut“): „Sali zäme!“ Synonyms: Hoi	hi (informal)	Sali, bisch au da? Hi, are you here too?
Pronounced: ZAH-lee. Common informal greeting from Latin 'salve'. Widely used in Basel and Zürich. Bisch is the Swiss German 'du bist' (you are).
TschauA1informal Informeller Abschied (vom italienischen „ciao“): „Tschau, bis morn!“ — auch als Begrüssung möglich.	bye (informal)	Tschau, bis morn! Bye, see you tomorrow!
Pronounced: CHOW (like Italian 'ciao'). From Italian 'ciao'. Used for goodbye (rarely for hello in Swiss German). 'Morn' = tomorrow (Standard German: morgen).
Uf WiederluegeA1formal Der formelle Abschied — wörtlich „auf Wiederschauen“ (luege = schauen!): „Uf Wiederluege!“ im Geschäft.	goodbye (formal)	Merci vilmal, uf Wiederluege! Thank you very much, goodbye!
Pronounced: oof VEE-der-LOO-eh-geh. Swiss equivalent of 'Auf Wiedersehen'. 'Luege' = to look/see (Standard German: schauen/sehen). Literally 'until we see each other again'.
AdieuA1 Formeller Abschied aus dem Französischen — typisch schweizerisch! Ausgesprochen „Adiöö“.	goodbye	Adieu mitenand! Goodbye everyone!
Pronounced: ah-DYUH (French origin). From French. Used as a farewell across Swiss German. More common in western Switzerland and Bern. 'Mitenand' = together/everyone.
Guete MorgeA1 „Guete Morge!“ = Guten Morgen — bis etwa 9 Uhr, danach Grüezi.	good morning	Guete Morge, häsch guet gschlafe? Good morning, did you sleep well?
Pronounced: GOO-eh-teh MOR-geh. Swiss German form of 'Guten Morgen'. 'Häsch' = hast du (have you). 'Gschlafe' = geschlafen (slept). Note the past participle prefix g- instead of ge-.
Schöne OobeA1 „Schöne Oobe no!“ = Schönen Abend noch — der Abschiedsgruss am Abend (Oobe = Abend).	good evening	Schöne Oobe, chömed Si ine! Good evening, come in! (formal)
Pronounced: SHUR-neh OH-beh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). 'Oobe' or 'Aabig' = evening (Standard German: Abend). 'Chömed Si' is the formal imperative. In Bernese: 'Schöne Aabe'.
Guet NachtA1 „Guet Nacht und schlaf guet!“ = Gute Nacht — vor dem Schlafengehen.	good night	Guet Nacht, schlaf guet! Good night, sleep well!
Pronounced: goot NAKHT (ch as guttural throat sound). Same structure as Standard German 'Gute Nacht' but shortened. 'Schlaf guet' = schlaf gut.
MerciA1 Danke (aus dem Französischen) — DAS Schweizer Dankeswort: „Merci!“ Verstärkt: Merci vilmal!	thank you	Merci, das isch nett! Thanks, that's nice!
Pronounced: mair-SEE (French origin). From French. Swiss Germans overwhelmingly use 'Merci' instead of 'Danke'. 'Isch' = ist (is). This French borrowing is universal in Swiss German.
Merci vilmalA1 „Vielen Dank“ auf Schweizerdeutsch — Merci (französisch!) + vilmal (vielmals). Die Schweizer Höflichkeit in zwei Wörtern.	thank you very much	Merci vilmal für d Hilf! Thank you very much for the help!
Pronounced: mair-SEE FILL-mahl. 'Vilmal' = vielmals. 'D Hilf' uses the Swiss definite article 'd' for feminine nouns (Standard German: die Hilfe). Note 'Hilf' without final -e.
ExgüsiA1 „Entschuldigung!“ (vom französischen „excusez“): „Exgüsi, dörf i verbii?“ — im Tram unentbehrlich!	excuse me / sorry	Exgüsi, wo isch de Bahnhof? Excuse me, where is the train station?
Pronounced: ex-GEW-see (ü like French 'tu'). From French 'excusez'. Used to get attention or apologize. 'De' = der (the, masculine). Very commonly used in shops and on the street.
BitteA1 Wie im Hochdeutschen: „Bitte“ — oft hört man auch „bitte vilmal“ oder als Antwort „gärn gscheh“.	please	En Kafi, bitte. A coffee, please.
Pronounced: BIT-teh. Same as Standard German. 'En' = ein/einen (a). 'Kafi' = Kaffee (coffee). Swiss German simplifies articles: en (masc.), e (fem.), es (neuter).
Gärn gschehA1 Antwort auf Merci: „Gärn gscheh!“ = gern geschehen — die Standard-Antwort auf jeden Dank.	you're welcome	Gärn gscheh, das isch doch keis Problem. You're welcome, that's no problem at all.
Pronounced: GAIRN g-SHEH (guttural g, 'ä' as in 'air'). Literally 'gladly happened'. Standard German: 'Gern geschehen'. 'Keis' = kein (no). Swiss German shortens 'geschehen' to 'gscheh'.
Wie gaats?A1 „Wie gaats?“ = Wie geht's? Antwort: „Guet, merci — und dir/Ihne?“	how are you?	Hoi, wie gaats der? Hi, how are you? (informal)
Pronounced: vee GAHTS. 'Gaats' = geht es. 'Der' = dir (dative, informal you). Without 'der' it's more neutral. Standard German: 'Wie geht es dir?'
Guet, merciA1 „Wie gahts? — Guet, merci!“ = gut, danke — die Standardantwort.	good, thanks	Guet, merci, und der? Good, thanks, and you?
Pronounced: goot mair-SEE. Standard response to 'Wie gaats?'. 'Und der?' = und dir? (and you?). Swiss Germans typically respond briefly and return the question.
En GueteA1 „En Guete mitenand!“ = Guten Appetit zusammen — vor JEDEM Essen, auch in der Kantine Pflicht!	bon appetit / enjoy your meal	S Ässe isch parat — en Guete! The food is ready — enjoy your meal!
Pronounced: en GOO-eh-teh. Short for 'einen guten Appetit'. Said before meals. Very commonly used at tables in restaurants and at home. 'Parat' = bereit (ready).
ProschtA1 „Proscht!“ oder „Proscht mitenand!“ — beim Anstossen. Wichtig: dabei in die Augen schauen!	cheers!	Proscht, uf eusi Gsundheit! Cheers, to our health!
Pronounced: PROSHT. From Latin 'prosit'. Used when clinking glasses. Important: maintain eye contact while saying Proscht — it's considered rude not to. 'Eusi' = unsere (our).
GrüessechA1formal Die Berner Variante von Grüezi: „Grüessech!“ — in Bern und Umgebung. So erkennt man die Region!	hello (formal, Bernese)	Grüessech mitenand! Hello everyone! (formal)
Pronounced: GREW-eh-sekh (Bernese; final ch guttural). Bernese (Bärndütsch) formal greeting. More old-fashioned than Zürich's 'Grüezi'. The '-ech' ending is a Bernese pronoun form for 'euch' (you, formal).
Sali mitenandA1informal Gruss an mehrere: „Sali mitenand!“ — mitenand = miteinander.	hi everyone	Sali mitenand, schön sind er da! Hi everyone, nice that you're here!
Pronounced: ZAH-lee MIT-en-ahnd. 'Mitenand' = miteinander (together/everyone). 'Er' = ihr (you, plural). Common way to greet a group of friends.
Tschau zämeA1informal Abschied von einer Gruppe: „Tschau zäme, bis morn!“	bye everyone	Tschau zäme, bis am Samschtig! Bye everyone, see you Saturday!
Pronounced: CHOW TSEH-meh (ä as in 'bed'). 'Zäme' = zusammen (together). 'Samschtig' = Samstag (Saturday). Swiss German day names: Mäntig, Ziischtig, Mittwuch, Dunschtig, Friitig, Samschtig, Sunntig.
Schöne TaagA1 „Schöne Taag no!“ = Schönen Tag noch — der freundliche Abschluss an der Kasse.	have a nice day	Merci und schöne Taag no! Thanks and have a nice day!
Pronounced: SHUR-neh TAHG (long 'a'). 'Taag' = Tag (day), with typical Swiss German long vowel. 'No' = noch (still/yet). Often said when leaving a shop.
Es tued mer leidA1 „Es tuet mer leid“ = es tut mir leid — die ehrliche Entschuldigung.	I'm sorry	Es tued mer leid, ich ha das nöd gwüsst. I'm sorry, I didn't know that.
Pronounced: es TOOD mair LYDE. 'Tued' = tut (does). 'Mer' = mir (me, dative). 'Nöd gwüsst' = nicht gewusst (not known). Standard German: 'Es tut mir leid'.
Bis baldA1 Wie im Hochdeutschen: „Bis bald!“ — oder schweizerischer: „Bis spöter!“, „Bis morn!“	see you soon	Tschau, bis bald! Bye, see you soon!
Pronounced: biss BAHLD. Same as Standard German. 'Bis' phrases are common: bis morn (tomorrow), bis spööter (later), bis am Mäntig (Monday).
Guete RutschA1 „En guete Rutsch!“ = guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr — VOR Silvester; danach: es guets Nöis!	happy New Year (said before)	Guete Rutsch is neue Jahr! Happy New Year!
Pronounced: GOO-eh-teh ROOTSH. Said before midnight on New Year's Eve. After midnight: 'Es guets Neus!' (a good new one). A traditional Swiss German/German greeting.
Schöni FeiertägA1 „Schöni Feiertäg!“ = schöne Feiertage — rund um Weihnachten und Neujahr.	happy holidays	Schöni Feiertäg und e guets Neus! Happy holidays and a good New Year!
Pronounced: SHUR-nee FYE-er-teg. 'Schöni' = schöne (adjective ending). 'Feiertäg' = Feiertage (holidays). Used around Christmas and New Year.
luegeA1 „Lueg emal!“ = Schau mal! Kernverb: „Ich luege fern“ = ich schaue fern. Daher: Uf Wiederluege!	to look / to watch	Lueg mol, was isch das? Look, what is that?
Pronounced: LOO-eh-geh. Standard German: schauen/gucken. 'Lueg' is the du-imperative. 'Mol' = mal (once, softening particle). One of the most characteristic Swiss German verbs.
loseA1 „Los emal!“ = Hör mal zu! Nicht mit „verlieren“ verwechseln — lose = zuhören/horchen!	to listen	Los mol, ich muess der öppis säge. Listen, I have to tell you something.
Pronounced: LOH-zeh. Standard German: zuhören/hören. 'Los' is the du-imperative. 'Muess' = muss. 'Öppis' = etwas (something). 'Säge' = sagen (to say).
redeA1 „Mir rede Schwiizerdütsch“ = wir sprechen Schweizerdeutsch. „mitenand rede“ = miteinander reden.	to speak / to talk	Chönsch du Züridütsch rede? Can you speak Zurich German?
Pronounced: REH-deh. Standard German: reden/sprechen. 'Chönsch' = kannst (can you). Swiss German rarely uses 'sprechen'; 'rede' and 'schwätze' are preferred.
chaufeA1 „es Brot chaufe“ = ein Brot kaufen. K wird zu ch — das typische Schweizer Lautmuster: Kind→Chind!	to buy	Ich muess no Brot chaufe. I still need to buy bread.
Pronounced: KHOW-feh (ch as strong guttural, au as 'ow'). Standard German: kaufen. The k→ch shift is a hallmark of Swiss German (Alemannic). In Bernese: 'choufe'. Past participle: 'gchauft'.
schaffeA1 FALSCHER FREUND: schaffe = arbeiten (nicht „schaffen“)! „Ich schaffe bi de Bank“ = ich arbeite bei der Bank.	to work	Wo schaffsch du? Where do you work?
Pronounced: SHAHF-feh. Standard German: arbeiten. 'Schaffe' specifically means physical or professional work. 'Schaffsch' = arbeitest du. Very commonly used in daily life.
poschteA1 „go poschte“ = einkaufen gehen — hat nichts mit der Post zu tun! „Ich gang go poschte.“	to do groceries / to shop	Ich muess no go poschte. I still need to go grocery shopping.
Pronounced: POSH-teh. From French 'poste/paquet'. Specifically for grocery shopping. 'Go poschte' uses the go-construction: go + infinitive (to go do something). Standard German: einkaufen.
laufeA1 FALSCHER FREUND: laufe = zu Fuss GEHEN (nicht rennen!): „Mir laufed i d Stadt“ = wir gehen zu Fuss. Rennen = springe!	to walk	Mir laufed zum Bahnhof. We walk to the train station.
Pronounced: LOW-feh (au as 'ow'). FALSE FRIEND: In Standard German 'laufen' = to run, but in Swiss German 'laufe' = to walk. To run = 'springe' in Swiss German.
springeA1 FALSCHER FREUND: springe = RENNEN (nicht hüpfen!): „Ich bi zum Zug gsprunge“ = ich bin zum Zug gerannt!	to run	De Bueb springt schnäll. The boy runs fast.
Pronounced: SHPRING-eh. FALSE FRIEND: In Standard German 'springen' = to jump, but in Swiss German 'springe' = to run. To jump = 'gumpe' in Swiss German.
ghöreA1 Zwei Bedeutungen: „Ich ghöre nüt“ = ich höre nichts; „Das ghört mir“ = das gehört mir.	to hear / to belong	Das ghört mer. That belongs to me.
Pronounced: G-HUR-eh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Two meanings: 'to hear' and 'to belong to'. Standard German: hören/gehören. 'Mer' = mir (dative). Context determines meaning.
frögeA1 „Dörf i öppis fröge?“ = Darf ich etwas fragen? — a wird zu ö!	to ask	Chan ich di öppis fröge? Can I ask you something?
Pronounced: FRUR-geh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: fragen. 'Chan' = kann (can). 'Di' = dich (you, accusative). 'Öppis' = etwas (something).
hockeA1 „Hock ab!“ = Setz dich! — im Schweizerdeutschen völlig neutral, nicht salopp wie im Hochdeutschen!	to sit	Hock di ane! Sit down!
Pronounced: HOK-keh. Standard German: sitzen/sich setzen. 'Hock di ane' = setz dich hin (sit down). 'Ane' = hin (directional). Used much more than 'sitze' in Swiss German.
stahA1 „Ich stah im Stau“ = ich stehe im Stau — kurz und knackig: stah!	to stand	Ich stah scho sit ere Stund do. I've been standing here for an hour already.
Pronounced: SHTAH. Standard German: stehen. 'Scho' = schon (already). 'Sit' = seit (since/for). 'Ere Stund' = einer Stunde (dative). 'Do' = da/hier (here).
choA1 „Chunnsch au?“ = Kommst du auch? Formen: ich chume, du chunnsch, er chunnt.	to come	Chasch morn cho? Can you come tomorrow?
Pronounced: KHO (ch as strong guttural). Standard German: kommen. 'Chasch' = kannst du (can you). Note k→ch shift. Irregular: ich chume, du chunsch, er/si chunnt, mir chömed.
gahA1 „Ich gang hei“ = ich gehe heim. Formen: ich gang, du gahsch, er gaht. „Gömmer?“ = Gehen wir?	to go	Mir gönd jetzt hei. We're going home now.
Pronounced: GAH. Standard German: gehen. 'Gönd' = gehen (wir-form). 'Hei' = heim/nach Hause (home). Conjugation: ich gah, du gasch, er/si gaht, mir gönd.
wüsseA1 Wissen: „Ich weiss es nöd“ = ich weiss es nicht. „Weisch was?“ = Weisst du was?	to know (a fact)	Ich weiss nöd, was ich söll mache. I don't know what I should do.
Pronounced: VEWS-seh (ü as 'ew'). Standard German: wissen. 'Nöd' = nicht (not). 'Söll' = soll (should). Conjugation: ich weiss, du weisch, er/si weiss.
chönneA1 Können: „Ich cha nöd“ = ich kann nicht. Formen: ich cha, du chasch, er cha. „Chasch mer hälfe?“	can / to be able to	Ich cha kei Züridütsch. I can't speak Zurich German.
Pronounced: KHURN-neh (ch guttural, ö like 'ur'). Standard German: können. Note k→ch. 'Cha' = kann (ich-form). 'Kei' = kein (no/not any). Conjugation: ich cha, du chasch, er/si cha, mir chönd.
müesseA1 Müssen: „Ich muen gah“ = ich muss gehen. Formen: ich mue(n), du muesch, er mues.	must / to have to	Ich muess go schaffe. I have to go to work.
Pronounced: MEWS-seh (ü as 'ew'). Standard German: müssen. 'Muess' = muss. 'Go schaffe' = arbeiten gehen. The go-construction (go + infinitive) is uniquely Swiss German.
wölleA1 Wollen: „Ich will es Bier“ — höflicher: „Ich hätt gärn…“ = ich hätte gern!	to want	Was wotsch trinke? What do you want to drink?
Pronounced: VURL-leh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: wollen. 'Wotsch' = willst du. Conjugation: ich will, du wotsch, er/si will, mir wönd. Note: 'wotsch' is very distinct from Standard German.
sölleA1 Sollen: „Was söll ich mache?“ = Was soll ich machen? Formen: ich söll, du söllsch.	should / ought to	Söll ich cho? Should I come?
Pronounced: ZURL-leh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: sollen. 'Söll' = soll. Conjugation: ich söll, du söllsch, er/si söll, mir söled. Used for suggestions and obligations.
haaA1 Haben: ich ha, du häsch, er hät, mir händ. „Ich ha Hunger!“ = ich habe Hunger.	to have	Ich ha Hunger. I'm hungry.
Pronounced: HAH (long 'a'). Standard German: haben. 'Ha' = habe. Conjugation: ich ha, du häsch, er/si hät, mir händ. Essential as main verb and auxiliary for past tense.
siiA1 Sein: ich bi, du bisch, er isch, mir sind. „Ich bi müed“ = ich bin müde.	to be	Er isch en guete Fründ. He is a good friend.
Pronounced: ZEE (long 'i'). Standard German: sein. 'Isch' = ist. Conjugation: ich bi, du bisch, er/si isch, mir sind. Past: 'ich bi gsi' (I was/have been).
macheA1 „Was machsch?“ = Was machst du? „Das macht nüt!“ = das macht nichts!	to make / to do	Was machsch hüt am Oobe? What are you doing tonight?
Pronounced: MAHKH-eh (ch as light guttural). Same as Standard German 'machen'. 'Machsch' = machst du. 'Hüt' = heute (today). 'Am Oobe' = am Abend (in the evening).
nehA1 „Ich nime de Zug“ = ich nehme den Zug. Formen: ich nime, du nimmsch.	to take	Ich nimm e Stange. I'll take a beer (draft).
Pronounced: NEH. Standard German: nehmen. 'Nimm' = nehme (ich-form). 'E Stange' = a tall glass of draft beer, typical Swiss bar order. Conjugation: ich nimm, du nimmsch.
gehA1 „Gisch mer das?“ = Gibst du mir das? „Es git…“ = es gibt… Formen: ich gibe, du gisch, er git.	to give	Gib mer mol de Salz. Give me the salt, please.
Pronounced: GEH. Standard German: geben. 'Gib' = imperative. 'Mer' = mir (me). 'Mol' = mal (softener). 'De' = den/der (the). Conjugation: ich gib, du gisch.
esseA1 „Was gits z esse?“ = Was gibt es zu essen? Gegessen: ggesse!	to eat	Mir gönd hüt usse esse. We're eating out today.
Pronounced: ES-seh. Same root as Standard German 'essen'. 'Usse' = auswärts/draussen (out). 'Gönd' = gehen (we go). Past: 'Ich ha gässe' (I ate).
trinkeA1 Trinken: „öppis z trinke“ = etwas zu trinken; „es Kafi trinke“ = einen Kaffee trinken.	to drink	Wotsch öppis trinke? Do you want something to drink?
Pronounced: TRINK-eh. Same as Standard German 'trinken'. 'Wotsch' = willst du (do you want). 'Öppis' = etwas (something). Past: 'Ich ha trunke' (I drank).
schlafeA1 Schlafen: „Ich gang go schlafe“ = ich gehe schlafen. „Häsch guet gschlafe?“	to sleep	Ich ha schlecht gschlafe. I slept badly.
Pronounced: SHLAH-feh. Same root as Standard German 'schlafen'. Past participle: 'gschlafe' (not 'geschlafen'). Swiss German shortens ge- to g- in participles.
ufstahA1 Aufstehen: „Ich stah am halbi sibni uf“ = ich stehe um halb sieben auf — trennbar: stah…uf!	to get up	Ich bi hüt früe ufgstande. I got up early today.
Pronounced: OOF-shtah. Standard German: aufstehen. 'Uf' = auf. 'Früe' = früh (early). Past: 'ufgstande' (aufgestanden). Uses 'sii' (sein) as auxiliary: 'ich bi ufgstande'.
verstahA1 Verstehen: „Ich verstah nöd“ = ich verstehe nicht — der wichtigste Lernsatz!	to understand	Ich verstah kei Wort! I don't understand a word!
Pronounced: fair-SHTAH. Standard German: verstehen. 'Kei Wort' = kein Wort (not a word). Very useful phrase for newcomers to Swiss German!
zahleA1 Zahlen: „Zahle bitte!“ = zahlen bitte — in der Beiz. „mit Charte zahle“.	to pay	Chan ich mit Charte zahle? Can I pay by card?
Pronounced: TSAH-leh. Standard German: zahlen/bezahlen. 'Charte' = Karte (card), with k→ch shift. Switzerland is increasingly cashless but still uses cash more than neighbors.
warteA1 Warten: „Wart schnäll!“ = warte kurz! — „schnäll“ heisst hier „kurz“, nicht „schnell“!	to wait	Wart churz, ich chume grad. Wait a moment, I'm coming right away.
Pronounced: VAR-teh. Same root as Standard German 'warten'. 'Churz' = kurz (short/briefly). 'Grad' = gerade (right now/just). Note k→ch shift in 'churz'.
probiereA1 Probieren: „Probier emal!“ = probier mal! — beim Chäs-Stand auf dem Märt.	to try	Wotsch mol probiere? Do you want to try?
Pronounced: pro-BEER-eh. Same as Standard German 'probieren'. Often used for tasting food: 'Wotsch probiere?' at a market stall. 'Mol' = mal (softener, once).
Ich tue leseA1 Die tue-Verlaufsform: „Ich tue lese“ = ich lese gerade — tue + Infinitiv, im Dialekt völlig normal!	I'm reading	Ich tue grad es Buech lese. I'm reading a book right now.
Pronounced: ikh TOO-eh LEH-zeh. The tun-periphrasis is a key Swiss German feature. 'Tue' + infinitive emphasizes ongoing action, like English present continuous. Standard German avoids this construction.
s VeloA1 Das Fahrrad (vom französischen „vélo“) — DAS Schweizer Wort schlechthin: „mit em Velo fahre“!	bicycle	Ich fahre mit em Velo zur Arbet. I ride my bike to work.
Pronounced: s VEH-lo (French origin). From French 'vélo'. Standard German: Fahrrad. 's' = das (neuter article). 'Em' = dem (dative). Switzerland is very bike-friendly, especially cities.
s NatelA1 Das Handy — ursprünglich eine Abkürzung (Nationales Autotelefon)! „Mis Natel isch kaputt.“	mobile phone	Wo isch mis Natel? Where is my mobile phone?
Pronounced: s nah-TEL. Originally a Swisscom brand name (Nationales Autotelefon), now generic for any mobile phone. 'Mis' = mein (my, neuter). Standard German: Handy.
s TrottoirA1 Der Gehsteig (französisch!) — „ufem Trottoir laufe“ = auf dem Bürgersteig gehen.	sidewalk	Gang uf em Trottoir! Walk on the sidewalk!
Pronounced: s trot-TWAHR (French origin). From French 'trottoir'. Standard German: Bürgersteig/Gehweg. Swiss German uses many French loanwords. 'Gang' = geh (go, imperative).
s BillettA1 Das Ticket (französisch „billet“): „es Billett löse“ = eine Fahrkarte kaufen — auch fürs Kino!	ticket	Häsch es Billett gchauft? Did you buy a ticket?
Pronounced: s bil-YEH (French origin). From French 'billet'. Standard German: Fahrkarte/Ticket. 'Gchauft' = gekauft (bought). Used for transport tickets and event tickets.
de ZnüniA1 Die Zwischenmahlzeit um 9 Uhr („z nüni“ = zu neun)! Schweizer Institution: „Znünipause“ im Büro und in der Schule.	morning snack (around 9am)	Ich ässe mis Znüni immer um nüni. I always eat my morning snack at nine.
Pronounced: deh ts-NEW-nee (ü as 'ew'). From 'zu Nüni' (at nine). A cultural institution in Switzerland — a mid-morning break with food. Children bring Znüni to school. 'Nüni' = neun (nine).
de ZvieriA1 Der Nachmittagssnack um 4 Uhr („z vieri“ = zu vier) — das Gegenstück zum Znüni! Für Kinder heilig.	afternoon snack (around 4pm)	Mir hocked zäme zum Zvieri. We sit together for afternoon snack.
Pronounced: deh ts-FEER-ee. From 'zu Vieri' (at four). The afternoon equivalent of Znüni. Often bread, cake, or fruit with coffee. A cherished Swiss tradition.
s ZnachtA1 Das Abendessen („z Nacht“): „Was gits z Znacht?“ — oft schon um 18:30!	dinner / supper	Was gits zum Znacht? What's for dinner?
Pronounced: s ts-NAKHT (ch guttural). From 'zu Nacht' (at night). Standard German: Abendessen. 'Gits' = gibt es (is there / what's there). Traditionally a cold meal in Switzerland.
s ZmorgeA1 Das Frühstück („z Morge“): „Zmorge esse“ = frühstücken — mit Gipfeli und Kafi!	breakfast	Mir nähmed s Zmorge am achti. We have breakfast at eight.
Pronounced: s ts-MOR-geh. From 'zu Morgen' (in the morning). Standard German: Frühstück. The z-meals (Zmorge, Znüni, Zmittag, Zvieri, Znacht) are uniquely Swiss.
s RüebliA1 Die Karotte — berühmt durch die Rüeblitorte aus dem Aargau (dem „Rüebliland“)!	carrot	Rüeblitorte isch typisch Schwiizerisch. Carrot cake is typically Swiss.
Pronounced: s REWB-lee (ü as 'ew'). Standard German: Karotte/Möhre. The -li diminutive suffix is typical Swiss German. Rüeblitorte (carrot cake) is a classic Swiss dessert.
de HärdöpfelA1 Die Kartoffel (wörtlich „Erdapfel“) — Grundlage von Rösti, dem Schweizer Nationalgericht!	potato	Mir bruuched Härdöpfel für d Rösti. We need potatoes for the Rösti.
Pronounced: deh HAIR-dur-pfel (ä as 'air', ö as 'ur'). Literally 'earth apple' (Erdapfel). Standard German: Kartoffel. 'Bruuched' = brauchen (need). Rösti is the iconic Swiss potato dish.
s PouletA1 Das Hähnchen (französisch!) — auf jeder Schweizer Speisekarte: „es Poulet im Chörbli“.	chicken (meat)	Ich nimm s Poulet mit Pommes. I'll have the chicken with fries.
Pronounced: s poo-LEH (French origin). From French 'poulet'. Standard German: Hähnchen/Hühnchen. 'Pommes' = Pommes frites (French fries). Another French loanword in Swiss German.
s GüeziA1 Das Plätzchen — Schreibvariante von Guetzli: die Dialektschreibung ist frei, beides richtig! Synonyms: s Guetzli	cookie / biscuit	Wotsch es Güezi zum Kafi? Do you want a cookie with your coffee?
Pronounced: s GWET-see (ü as 'ew'). Also spelled 'Guetzli' or 'Güetzi'. Standard German: Keks/Plätzchen. Especially associated with Christmas baking (Güezli bache). In Bernese: 'Biscuit'.
de CoiffeurA1 Der Friseur (französisch!) — „zum Coiffeur gah“ = zum Friseur gehen. Die Schweiz liebt ihre Gallizismen!	hairdresser	Ich muess zum Coiffeur gah. I need to go to the hairdresser.
Pronounced: deh kwah-FUR (French origin). From French 'coiffeur'. Standard German: Friseur/Frisör. Used by both genders. Shows the strong French influence on Swiss German vocabulary.
d BeizA1 Das einfache, gemütliche Restaurant/die Kneipe: „i d Beiz gah“ — die Schweizer Institution für Feierabend und Stammtisch!	pub / bar / restaurant	Gömer hüt in d Beiz? Shall we go to the pub today?
Pronounced: d BYTES. Standard German: Kneipe/Gaststätte. 'Gömer' = gehen wir (shall we go). A Beiz is typically a casual, cozy neighborhood restaurant or bar.
de EstrichA1 Der Dachboden! FALSCHER FREUND für Deutsche: kein Fussboden-Belag — hier lagern die Umzugskisten!	attic	D Chischte sind uf em Estrich. The boxes are in the attic.
Pronounced: s ESH-trikh (ch guttural). FALSE FRIEND: In Standard German 'Estrich' = floor/screed, but in Swiss German it means attic (Dachboden). 'D Chischte' = die Kisten (the boxes).
de ChaschteA1 Der Schrank: „de Chleiderchaschte“ = der Kleiderschrank. Kasten → Chaschte!	cupboard / wardrobe	S Gschirr isch im Chaschte. The dishes are in the cupboard.
Pronounced: deh KHASH-teh (ch as strong guttural). Standard German: Kasten/Schrank. Note k→ch shift. 'Gschirr' = Geschirr (dishes). 'Im' = in dem (in the). Can mean any large storage furniture.
s ChindA1 Das Kind — K wird ch: „es häärzigs Chind“ = ein süsses Kind. Mehrzahl: d Chind!	child	S Chind schlaaft scho. The child is already sleeping.
Pronounced: s KHIND (ch as strong guttural, like clearing throat). Standard German: Kind. k→ch shift. Plural: 'Chind' or 'Chinder'. 'Scho' = schon (already). 'Schlaaft' = schläft (sleeps).
d LüütA1 Die Leute: „vill Lüüt“ = viele Leute; „d Lüüt säged…“ = die Leute sagen…	people	Da sind vill Lüüt. There are many people.
Pronounced: d LEWT (long ü as 'ew'). Standard German: Leute. 'Lüüt' with long ü is characteristic Zürich pronunciation. 'Vill' = viele (many). Always plural, like English 'people'.
de BuebA1 Der Junge/Bub: „en chliine Bueb“ = ein kleiner Junge. Mehrzahl: d Buebe.	boy	De Bueb gaht id Schuel. The boy goes to school.
Pronounced: deh BOOB. Standard German: Junge/Bub. 'De' = der (masculine article). 'Id' = in die (into the). 'Schuel' = Schule (school). Plural: 'Buebe'.
s MeitliA1 Das Mädchen: „es liebs Meitli“ = ein liebes Mädchen. Mehrzahl: d Meitli.	girl	S Meitli isch mega härzlich. The girl is very kind/warm.
Pronounced: s MYTE-lee (ei as 'eye'). Standard German: Mädchen. Diminutive with -li. Neuter (like all -li diminutives). In Bernese: 'Meitschi'. 'Härzlich' = herzlich (warm/kind).
de SackA1 Die Tasche/Tüte: „en Plastiksack“ = eine Plastiktüte; „s Sackgäld“ = das Taschengeld!	bag	Bruuchsch en Sack? Do you need a bag?
Pronounced: deh ZAHK. Standard German: Tüte/Beutel. In Swiss shops you'll be asked 'Bruuchsch en Sack?' (paper or plastic bag). NOT vulgar in Swiss German (unlike some German dialects).
d ServietteA1 Die Serviette — wie im Hochdeutschen, aber französisch ausgesprochen!	napkin	Chasch mer e Serviette geh? Can you give me a napkin?
Pronounced: d zair-vee-ET-teh. From French 'serviette'. Standard German: Serviette (same word, but Zürich pronunciation differs). 'E' = eine (feminine article).
s FränkliA1informal Der Franken, liebevoll verkleinert (-li = neutrum!): „es paar Fränkli“ = ein paar Franken. CHF!	Swiss franc (diminutive)	Das choschtet zwänzg Fränkli. That costs twenty francs.
Pronounced: deh FRENK-lee. 'Fränkli' is the diminutive of 'Franke'. 'Choschtet' = kostet (costs), with k→ch shift. 'Zwänzg' = zwanzig (twenty). Currency: CHF (Schweizer Franken).
d WohnigA1 Die Wohnung — Wohnung→Wohnig: „e 3.5-Zimmer-Wohnig“ — die Schweiz zählt halbe Zimmer!	apartment / flat	Mir sueched e neui Wohnig. We're looking for a new apartment.
Pronounced: d VOH-nig. Standard German: Wohnung. Swiss German drops the -ung ending to -ig. 'Sueched' = suchen (look for/search). 'Neui' = neue (new, feminine).
d ChuchiA1 Die Küche — Küche→Chuchi! Baustein des berühmten „Chuchichäschtli“-Zungenbrechers.	kitchen	Ich bi id Chuchi. I'm in the kitchen.
Pronounced: d KHOO-khee (both ch sounds guttural, like clearing throat). Standard German: Küche. Double ch sound — 'Chuchi' is one of the most fun Swiss German words to pronounce. The ch is uvular, like clearing your throat.
de LadeA1 Der Laden: „de Lade isch zue“ = der Laden ist zu — sonntags fast immer!	shop / store	De Lade macht um sächsi zue. The shop closes at six.
Pronounced: deh LAH-deh. Standard German: Laden/Geschäft. 'Macht zue' = macht zu (closes). 'Sächsi' = sechs (six). Swiss shops generally close earlier than in Germany.
d MigrosA1 DER Schweizer Supermarkt (orange M) — Kulturinstitution! Verkauft keinen Alkohol. Der ewige Rivale: Coop.	Migros (major supermarket)	Ich gah no schnäll id Migros. I'm quickly popping into Migros.
Pronounced: d MEE-gros. One of Switzerland's two major supermarket chains (with Coop). Migros famously does NOT sell alcohol or tobacco. Founded by Gottlieb Duttweiler in 1925.
d ApothekA1 Die Apotheke: „i d Apothek gah“ — für Medikamente; Drogerie für den Rest.	pharmacy	Wo isch d nöchscht Apothek? Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Pronounced: d ah-po-TEHK. Standard German: Apotheke. Swiss German drops the final -e. 'Nöchscht' = nächste (nearest). Swiss pharmacies can give basic medical advice.
de ZugA1 Der Zug — Schweizer Stolz: dichtestes Bahnnetz der Welt, und (fast) immer pünktlich!	train	De Zug isch pünktlich cho. The train arrived on time.
Pronounced: deh TSOOG. Same as Standard German. 'Pünktlich' = on time. 'Cho' = gekommen (come/arrived). Swiss trains (SBB) are famously punctual.
s TramA1 Die Strassenbahn — in der Schweiz sächlich: DAS Tram! „mit em Tram fahre“ — in Zürich, Basel, Bern.	tram / streetcar	Mir nähmed s Tram zum Bellevue. We take the tram to Bellevue.
Pronounced: s TRAHM. Zürich has an extensive tram network. 'Nähmed' = nehmen (we take). Bellevue is a central tram hub in Zürich. Neuter in Swiss German.
d HaltestellA1 Die Haltestelle: „a de Haltestell warte“ = an der Haltestelle warten.	stop (bus/tram)	D Haltestell isch grad det ume. The stop is right around there.
Pronounced: d HAHL-teh-shtell. Standard German: Haltestelle. 'Grad' = gerade (right/just). 'Det ume' = dort drüben (over there). Zürich stops are well-marked with schedules.
de BahnhofA1 Der Bahnhof — wie hochdeutsch! „am Bahnhof“ = beim Treffpunkt Nummer 1 jeder Schweizer Stadt.	train station	Mir träffed eus am Bahnhof. We'll meet at the train station.
Pronounced: deh BAHN-hohf. Same as Standard German. 'Träffed' = treffen (meet). 'Eus' = uns (us/ourselves). Zürich HB (Hauptbahnhof) is Switzerland's largest station.
gäbigA1 Praktisch/bequem — ein herrlich schweizerisches Wort: „Das isch gäbig!“ = das ist praktisch!	convenient / handy / easy	Das isch mega gäbig! That's super convenient!
Pronounced: GEH-big (ä as in 'bed'). Uniquely Swiss German word with no direct Standard German equivalent. Means practical, convenient, easy to use. One of the most useful Swiss adjectives.
feinA1 Lecker! DAS Schweizer Wort fürs Essen: „Das isch fein!“ = das schmeckt gut — nicht „lecker“ sagen, das klingt deutsch!	tasty / delicious	Das Ässe isch fein gsi. The food was delicious.
Pronounced: FYNE (ei as 'eye'). In Swiss German 'fein' primarily means tasty/delicious (Standard German: lecker). 'Gsi' = gewesen (been). Used constantly for food: 'Das isch fein!' (That's yummy!).
gruusigA1 Eklig/scheusslich: „Das Wätter isch gruusig“ = das Wetter ist scheusslich; „gruusigs Ässe“ = ekliges Essen!	disgusting / terrible	Das Wätter isch gruusig. The weather is terrible.
Pronounced: GROO-zig. Also spelled 'grüsig'. Standard German: grausig/schrecklich. Can mean physically disgusting or generally terrible. 'Wätter' = Wetter (weather).
gschpässigA1 Seltsam/komisch: „en gschpässige Typ“ = ein komischer Typ — schönes Zürcher Wort!	strange / funny / odd	Das isch e gschpässigi Gschicht. That's a strange story.
Pronounced: g-SHPES-sig. Standard German: komisch/spaßig. Can mean funny-strange or funny-humorous depending on context. 'Gschicht' = Geschichte (story). '-igi' is feminine adjective ending.
glustigA1 Appetit machend / gluschtig: „Das gseht glustig us!“ = das sieht verlockend aus! Vom „Glust“ = die Lust/der Appetit.	craving / curious / tempted	Ich bi glustig uf e Glace. I'm craving an ice cream.
Pronounced: GLOOSS-tig. Uniquely Swiss German. 'Glustig uf' = having a craving for. 'Glace' = Eis/Eiscreme (ice cream, from French 'glace'). No Standard German equivalent.
strubA1 Wild/heftig/streng: „e strube Wuche“ = eine strenge Woche; „Das isch strub!“ = das ist heftig!	wild / hectic / intense	S isch en strube Taag gsi. It was a hectic day.
Pronounced: SHTROOP. Uniquely Swiss German. Can describe weather (stormy), a situation (hectic), or hair (wild/messy). 'En strube' = masculine adjective with article.
megaA1informal DER Schweizer Verstärker: „mega schön“, „mega fein“, „mega müed“ — mega alles!	very / super / really	Das isch mega cool! That's really cool!
Pronounced: MEH-gah. Used as an intensifier, like English 'super' or 'really'. Very common in informal Swiss German, especially among younger speakers. Standard German: sehr/total.
huereA1informal Derber Verstärker: „huere guet“ = wahnsinnig gut — vulgär, unter Freunden aber allgegenwärtig; vorsichtig einsetzen!	very / damn (intensifier)	Das isch huere guet! That's damn good!
Pronounced: HOO-eh-reh. Strong intensifier, mildly vulgar (originally related to 'Hure' = prostitute). Very commonly used, less shocking than it sounds. 'Huere guet' = verdammt gut.
cheibeA1informal Verstärker (milder als huere): „cheibe guet“ = verdammt gut; „en cheibe Lärm“ = ein Riesenlärm!	damn / really (intensifier)	Das isch cheibe schwer. That's really difficult.
Pronounced: KHYE-beh (ch guttural, ei as 'eye'). Intensifier, slightly vulgar (from 'Cheib' = carcass/rogue). Similar strength to 'huere'. Can be used positively or negatively. 'Schwer' = schwer (difficult).
gmüetlichA1 Gemütlich: „en gmüetliche Oobe“ = ein gemütlicher Abend — in der Beiz mit Fondue!	cozy / comfortable / pleasant	Dini Wohnig isch mega gmüetlich. Your apartment is really cozy.
Pronounced: g-MEWT-likh (ü as 'ew', ch guttural). Standard German: gemütlich. A core cultural concept in Swiss/German life. 'Dini' = deine (your, feminine). Describes warm, comfortable atmospheres.
lässigA1informal Cool/toll: „Das isch lässig!“ = das ist super! — der Schweizer Allzweck-Daumen-hoch.	cool / nice / awesome	Das isch lässig, merci! That's cool, thanks!
Pronounced: LES-sig. In Swiss German 'lässig' is very positive (cool/great). In Standard German it means 'casual/laid-back'. Common compliment and expression of approval.
blöödA1 Blöd/ärgerlich: „Das isch blööd gloffe“ = das ist dumm gelaufen — mit langem öö!	stupid / annoying	So blööd, ich ha de Bus verpasst. So annoying, I missed the bus.
Pronounced: BLURD (long ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: blöd/dumm. 'Verpasst' = verpasst (missed). Long ö vowel is typical Zürich pronunciation. Used for situations and people.
gängA1 Immer (besonders Bern!): „Är isch gäng z spaat“ = er ist immer zu spät. Zürich sagt: „immer“ oder „all“.	always / all the time	Er chunnt gäng z spaat. He always comes too late.
Pronounced: GENG (ä as in 'bed'). Primarily Bernese German. Zürich equivalent: 'immer'. 'Z spaat' = zu spät (too late). Shows dialectal variation within Swiss German.
äbe / ebeA1 „Äbe!“ = eben, genau / tja — das Schweizer Multifunktionswort für Zustimmung und Resignation.	exactly / you see / well	Äbe, das han ich au gseit. Exactly, that's what I said too.
Pronounced: EH-beh (ä as in 'bed'). Versatile discourse particle. Can mean 'exactly', 'you see', 'well', or 'that's just how it is'. Standard German: eben. Very frequently used in conversation.
eigetlichA1 Eigentlich: „Eigetlich scho“ = eigentlich schon — die halbherzige Schweizer Zustimmung!	actually / really	Was wotsch eigetlich? What do you actually want?
Pronounced: EYE-get-likh (ch guttural). Standard German: eigentlich. Same usage but Swiss pronunciation drops the 'n'. Used to add nuance or redirect a conversation.
gradA1 Gerade: „Ich chume grad“ = ich komme gleich; „grad jetzt“ = genau jetzt.	right now / just	Ich chume grad. I'm coming right now.
Pronounced: GRAHD. Standard German: gerade. Very commonly used. 'Grad' can mean 'right now', 'just (did)', or 'straight/directly'. Much more common than 'gerade' in speech.
nomolA1 Nochmal: „Säg s nomol!“ = sag es nochmal — der Lernbegleiter Nummer 1!	again / once more	Chasch das nomol säge? Can you say that again?
Pronounced: NO-mol. Standard German: nochmal/noch einmal. 'Säge' = sagen (to say). Very useful phrase when you don't understand Swiss German!
eifachA1 Einfach: „ganz eifach“ = ganz einfach; „Mach s eifach!“ = mach es einfach!	simply / just / easy	Das isch eifach so. That's just how it is.
Pronounced: EYE-fakh (ch guttural). Standard German: einfach. Can be adjective (easy/simple) or adverb (simply/just). 'Das isch eifach so' is a very Swiss way of accepting things.
öppeA1 Ungefähr: „öppe zäh Minute“ = etwa zehn Minuten — nicht mit öppis (etwas) verwechseln!	approximately / about / roughly	S sind öppe zwänzg Lüüt cho. About twenty people came.
Pronounced: UR-peh (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: etwa/ungefähr. 'Öppe' is distinctly Swiss. Related: 'öpper' (somebody), 'öppis' (something), 'öppedie' (sometimes).
Ich ha kei LuschtA1 „Ich ha kei Luscht“ = ich habe keine Lust — ehrlich und direkt!	I don't feel like it	Ich ha kei Luscht go poschte. I don't feel like going grocery shopping.
Pronounced: ikh hah kye LOOSHT. 'Kei' = kein/keine (no). 'Luscht' = Lust (desire/motivation). The go-construction: 'go poschte' = einkaufen gehen. Very commonly used to decline invitations.
Das isch mega guetA1informal „Das isch mega guet!“ = das ist richtig gut — mega ist der Alltagsverstärker.	that's really good	Das Ässe isch mega guet, merci! The food is really good, thanks!
Pronounced: dahs ish MEH-gah goot. 'Mega' intensifies any adjective. 'Guet' = gut (good). Can describe food, situations, ideas. Very common positive expression.
Was hesch gseit?A1 „Was hesch gseit?“ = was hast du gesagt? — Berner Schreibung (hesch); Zürich: häsch!	what did you say?	Was hesch gseit? Ich ha nöd verstande. What did you say? I didn't understand.
Pronounced: vahs hesh g-ZYTE. 'Hesch' = hast du (have you). 'Gseit' = gesagt (said). Swiss German uses ONLY the perfect tense for past events — never simple past (Präteritum).
Häsch es Füfliber?A1 „de Füfliber“ = das Fünffrankenstück — die grosse Silbermünze, praktisch für Einkaufswagen!	do you have a 5-franc coin?	Häsch es Füfliber? Ich bruuch eis für de Wageliblitzsäuli. Do you have a 5-franc coin? I need one for the shopping cart lock.
Pronounced: hesh es FEWF-lee-ber (ü as 'ew'). 'Füfliber' = 5-Franken-Stück (5-franc coin). From 'fünf Libras'. Also: Zwöiliber (2 francs), Einliber (1 franc). 'Bruuch' = brauche (need).
Ich cha nödA1 „Ich cha nöd“ = ich kann nicht — kurz und klar.	I can't	Sorry, ich cha morn nöd cho. Sorry, I can't come tomorrow.
Pronounced: ikh KHAH nurd (ch guttural, ö like 'ur'). 'Cha' = kann (can). 'Nöd' = nicht (not). 'Nöd' is Zürich dialect; in Bern: 'nid'. Very basic and essential negation pattern.
Das geit nödA1 Berndeutsch: „geit“ = geht. Zürich: „Das gaht nöd“ — das freundliche Schweizer Nein.	that doesn't work / that's not possible	Sorry, das geit hüt nöd. Sorry, that won't work today.
Pronounced: dahs GYTE nurd (ei as 'eye', ö as 'ur'). 'Geit' = geht (goes/works). 'Nöd' = nicht. Used to politely decline or explain something isn't possible. Opposite: 'Das geit' (that works/OK).
Isch guetA1 „Isch guet!“ = in Ordnung, passt — die knappe Schweizer Zustimmung.	it's fine / OK / alright	Isch guet, kei Problem. It's fine, no problem.
Pronounced: ish GOOT. Short for 'Es isch guet'. Universal Swiss German expression of agreement or acceptance. 'Kei Problem' = kein Problem (no problem).
S isch esoA1 „S isch eso“ = so ist es halt — nüchterne Feststellung, sehr schweizerisch.	that's how it is / it is what it is	Ja, s isch eso, da chasch nüüt mache. Yes, that's how it is, you can't do anything about it.
Pronounced: s ish EH-zo. Quintessentially Swiss expression of acceptance. 'Da chasch nüüt mache' = da kannst du nichts machen (you can't change it). Reflects Swiss pragmatism.
Häsch rechtA1 „Häsch recht!“ = du hast recht — Zustimmung unter Freunden.	you're right	Ja, du häsch recht, mir sötted gah. Yes, you're right, we should go.
Pronounced: hesh REKHT. 'Häsch' = hast (du). 'Recht' = right/correct. 'Sötted' = sollten (should, wir-form). Used to agree with someone's point.
Gopfridstutz!A1informal Der klassische Schweizer Fluch — eine Verballhornung von „Gott“ + Stutz, harmlos genug für den Alltag!	good grief! / for crying out loud!	Gopfridstutz, das han ich nöd erwartet! Good grief, I didn't expect that!
Pronounced: GOP-frid-shtoots. A euphemistic exclamation, derived from 'Gott fri(e)d schütz' (God's peace protect). Used to express surprise or frustration. Not considered truly offensive.
Heilandsack!A1informal Milder Schweizer Kraftausdruck („Heiland + Sack“): Überraschung oder Ärger — charmant harmlos!	oh my! / holy cow!	Heilandsack, isch das tüür! Holy cow, that's expensive!
Pronounced: HYE-lahnd-zahk. Exclamation of surprise, from 'Heiland' (savior) + 'Sack'. Mildly blasphemous but widely used. 'Tüür' = teuer (expensive).
Es bitzeliA1 Ein bisschen: „es bitzeli müed“ = ein wenig müde — herziges Schweizer Diminutiv! Synonyms: es chli	a little bit	Ich cha es bitzeli Züridütsch. I can speak a little bit of Zurich German.
Pronounced: es BIT-tseh-lee. 'Bitzeli' is a double diminutive: Bitz (bit) + -eli. Standard German: ein bisschen. Also: 'es Bitzli'. Very commonly used.
Kei AhningA1informal „Kei Ahnig!“ = keine Ahnung — die ehrliche Antwort.	no idea	Kei Ahning, frog öpper anders. No idea, ask someone else.
Pronounced: kye AH-ning. 'Kei' = keine. 'Ahning' = Ahnung (idea/clue). 'Frog' = frag (ask, imperative). 'Öpper anders' = jemand anderes (someone else).
Macht nüütA1 „Macht nüüt!“ = macht nichts, kein Problem — entspannt bleiben.	doesn't matter / no worries	Exgüsi! — Macht nüüt. Sorry! — No worries.
Pronounced: mahkht NEWT (long ü as 'ew'). 'Nüüt' = nichts (nothing). Standard German: Macht nichts. Used to reassure someone after a small mistake or apology.
Ich has GfühlA1 „Ich ha s Gfühl, es git Räge“ = ich glaube, es gibt Regen — die Schweizer Meinungseinleitung!	I have the feeling / I think	Ich has Gfühl, es rägnet bald. I have the feeling it's going to rain soon.
Pronounced: ikh hahs g-FEWL (ü as 'ew'). 'Has' = habe das (contracted). 'Gfühl' = Gefühl (feeling). Used like English 'I think' or 'I reckon'. 'Rägnet' = regnet (rains). 'Bald' = soon.
Es gaht soA1 „Wie gahts? — Es gaht so.“ = es geht so, mittel — ehrliche Antwort!	so-so / it's OK	Wie gaats? — Es gaht so. How are you? — So-so.
Pronounced: es GAHT zo. Noncommittal response to 'Wie gaats?'. Implies things are neither great nor terrible. Standard German: Es geht so.
Gäll?A1 Die Bestätigungsfrage am Satzende: „Schön, gäll?“ = schön, nicht wahr? Bern: gäu!	right? / isn't it?	Das isch schön, gäll? That's nice, right?
Pronounced: GELL (ä as in 'bed'). Swiss German tag question, equivalent to English 'right?' or German 'nicht wahr?'. Extremely common. Added to statements seeking confirmation. Also 'gell' in some dialects.
Oder?A1 Der Zürcher Satzabschluss schlechthin: „Das isch guet, oder?“ — ständig zu hören!	right? / or?	Mir gönd morn, oder? We're going tomorrow, right?
Pronounced: OH-der. Tag question, like 'gäll?' but slightly more questioning. Can also literally mean 'or'. Used at the end of statements. Standard German also uses this.
HaltA1 „Es isch halt eso“ = es ist nun mal so — die resignierte Schweizer Weisheit.	just / simply (filler)	S isch halt Züri. That's just Zurich (for you).
Pronounced: HAHLT. Discourse particle indicating something is inevitable or accepted. Standard German also uses 'halt'. Often combined: 'Das isch halt eifach so' (That's just how it is).
chaltA1 Kalt — K→ch: „Es isch chalt hüt“ = es ist kalt heute.	cold	Hüt isch es huere chalt. It's really cold today.
Pronounced: KHAHLT (ch as strong guttural, like clearing throat). Standard German: kalt. The k→ch shift (Zweite Lautverschiebung) is the most distinctive Swiss German sound change. All initial k- becomes ch-: Kind→Chind, Käse→Chäs.
Chind / ChinderA1 Kind/Kinder mit dem ch-Laut — DIE Ausspracheübung: tief im Hals, wie in „Bach“!	child / children (pronunciation example)	D Chinder spieled im Garte. The children are playing in the garden.
Pronounced: KHIND / KHIN-der (ch as strong guttural). Demonstrates k→ch shift: Kind→Chind, Kinder→Chinder. 'Spieled' = spielen (they play). 'Im Garte' = im Garten (in the garden). The ch sound is the hallmark of Swiss German.
de ChäsA1 Der Käse — Nationalstolz! Gruyère, Emmentaler, Appenzeller: „en feine Chäs“.	cheese	De Chäs isch us de Schwiiz. The cheese is from Switzerland.
Pronounced: deh KHES (ch guttural, ä as in 'bed'). Standard German: Käse. k→ch shift + loss of final -e. 'Us de Schwiiz' = aus der Schweiz (from Switzerland). Switzerland produces over 450 varieties of cheese.
d ChatzA1 Die Katze — K→ch: „d Chatz vom Nachbar“ = die Katze des Nachbarn. Liebevoller: s Büsi! Synonyms: s Büsi	cat	D Chatz schlaaft uf em Sofa. The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
Pronounced: d KHAHTS (ch as strong guttural). Standard German: Katze. k→ch shift. 'Uf em' = auf dem (on the). Diminutive: 'Chätzli'. Also: 'Büsi' (cat, informal/baby talk, very Swiss).
s HüüsliA1 Das Häuschen — Diminutiv auf -li, immer neutrum! Die Schweiz verkleinert alles Liebe.	little house	Das isch es herzig Hüüsli. That's a cute little house.
Pronounced: s HEWS-lee (long ü as 'ew'). Demonstrates the diminutive -li suffix: Haus→Hüüs→Hüüsli. Long vowels (üü) are common in Zürich dialect. 'Herzig' = süß/niedlich (cute). -li always makes nouns neuter.
s BüsiA1informal Das Kätzchen/die Katze (liebevoll) — das Schweizer Kosewort für die Chatz! Synonyms: d Chatz	kitty / cat (informal)	S Büsi will usse gah. The kitty wants to go outside.
Pronounced: s BEW-zee (ü as 'ew'). Affectionate Swiss word for cat. No Standard German equivalent. 'Usse' = raus/nach draußen (outside). Children and adults both use it. Very typically Swiss.
s VögeliA1 Das Vögelchen: „es häärzigs Vögeli“ = ein süsses Vögelchen.	little bird	S Vögeli singt am Morge. The little bird sings in the morning.
Pronounced: s FUR-geh-lee (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Diminutive: Vogel→Vögeli. The -eli variant of -li is used after certain sounds. All diminutives are neuter ('s'). 'Singt' = singt (sings).
de AabigA1 Der Abend (Zürich): „am Aabig“ = am Abend; „Guete Aabig!“ = guten Abend.	evening	Am Aabig gömer is Kino. In the evening we're going to the cinema.
Pronounced: deh AH-big (long 'a'). Standard German: Abend. Long vowel 'aa' is typical Zürich. Also 'Oobe' in some Zürich contexts. 'Gömer' = gehen wir (we go). 'Is' = ins (into the).
Ich ha gseitA1 „Ich ha gseit“ = ich habe gesagt — das Schweizerdeutsche kennt KEIN Präteritum, alles läuft über das Perfekt!	I said / I have said	Ich ha gseit, ich chume spööter. I said I'd come later.
Pronounced: ikh hah g-ZYTE. Swiss German has NO simple past tense (Präteritum). ALL past events use perfect tense: 'Ich ha gseit' (not 'Ich sagte'). This is the most important grammar rule for Swiss German.
Ich bi gsiA1 „Ich bi gsi“ = ich bin gewesen/ich war — gsi ist DAS Erkennungswort des Schweizerdeutschen (kein Präteritum!).	I was / I have been	Ich bi geschter in Züri gsi. I was in Zurich yesterday.
Pronounced: ikh bee g-ZEE. 'Gsi' = gewesen (been). Uses 'sii' (sein) as auxiliary: 'bi gsi'. 'Geschter' = gestern (yesterday). Even 'war' (was) is replaced by 'bi gsi' in Swiss German.
Si tuet chocheA1 Verlaufsform mit tue: „Si tuet choche“ = sie kocht gerade — tue + Infinitiv.	she is cooking (continuous)	Si tuet grad s Znacht choche. She is cooking dinner right now.
Pronounced: zee TOOT KHOKH-eh (both ch sounds guttural). Another example of tun-periphrasis with different subject: 'Si tuet' = sie tut (she does). 'Choche' = kochen (to cook), with k→ch shift. Shows the construction works with all subjects.
s BüechliA1 Das Büchlein — Buch→Büechli, mit Umlaut und -li.	little book / booklet	Ich ha es Büechli über Züri gläse. I read a little book about Zurich.
Pronounced: s BEWKH-lee (ü as 'ew', ch guttural). Diminutive: Buch→Büech→Büechli. Umlaut + -li is the standard pattern. 'Gläse' = gelesen (read, past participle). All -li words are neuter.
s BlüemliA1 Das Blümchen — Blume→Blüemli: „es schöns Blüemli“.	little flower	Ich ha Blüemli für di. I have flowers for you.
Pronounced: s BLEWM-lee (ü as 'ew'). Diminutive: Blume→Blueme→Blüemli. Swiss German uses diminutives much more than Standard German. 'Für di' = für dich (for you).
s StüeliA1 Das Stühlchen — Stuel→Stüeli: Diminutiv mit Umlaut, immer neutrum!	little chair	Hock di uf s Stüeli. Sit on the little chair.
Pronounced: s SHTEW-eh-lee (ü as 'ew'). Diminutive: Stuhl→Stuehl→Stüeli. The -eli form is used after -l. Diminutives express smallness, affection, or informality. Very productive in Swiss German.
öpperA1 Jemand: „Isch öpper deheim?“ = ist jemand zu Hause?	somebody / someone	Hät öpper öppis gseit? Did somebody say something?
Pronounced: UR-per (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: jemand. Part of the öpp-family: öpper (someone), öppis (something), öppe (approximately), öppedie (sometimes). Unique to Swiss German.
öppisA1 Etwas: „Wotsch öppis trinke?“ = willst du etwas trinken? Superhäufig!	something	Wotsch öppis esse? Do you want to eat something?
Pronounced: UR-pis (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Standard German: etwas. Very commonly used. 'Öppis Guets' = etwas Gutes (something good). Part of the distinctly Swiss öpp-series.
niemerA1 Niemand: „Es isch niemer da“ = es ist niemand da.	nobody / no one	Es isch niemer dehai. Nobody is home.
Pronounced: NEE-mer. Standard German: niemand. 'Dehai' = daheim/zu Hause (at home). Related: 'nüüt' (nothing), 'niemer' (nobody), 'nie' (never).
nüütA1 Nichts: „Ich gsee nüüt“ = ich sehe nichts; „für nüüt“ = umsonst!	nothing	Ich weiss nüüt. I know nothing.
Pronounced: NEWT (long ü as 'ew'). Standard German: nichts. Long 'üü' is Zürich pronunciation. 'Weiss' = weiß (know). Very common: 'Nüüt los' = nothing going on.
sicherA1 Sicher: „Ja sicher!“ = klar doch! „Bisch sicher?“ = bist du sicher?	sure / certainly / of course	Sicher, das mach ich gärn. Sure, I'll gladly do that.
Pronounced: ZIKH-er (ch guttural). Used as a confident affirmation. 'Gärn' = gerne (gladly). Often used alone as a response: 'Chasch cho?' — 'Sicher!' (Can you come? — Of course!).
genauA1 „Genau!“ = exakt — funktioniert wie im Hochdeutschen, dauernd im Einsatz.	exactly / precisely	Genau, so han ich das au gmeint. Exactly, that's what I meant too.
Pronounced: geh-NOW (au as 'ow'). Same as Standard German. Used very frequently as a conversation filler and agreement marker. 'Gmeint' = gemeint (meant). 'Au' = auch (also).
jetzt / jetzA1 Jetzt: „jetz grad“ = genau jetzt — das t am Ende fällt im Dialekt oft weg.	now	Mir müessed jetz gah. We have to go now.
Pronounced: YETST. Standard German: jetzt. Often shortened to 'jetz' in Swiss German. 'Müessed' = müssen (we must). Very commonly used temporal adverb.
dennA1 Partikel: „Was isch denn?“ = was ist denn los? — füllt Fragen wie im Hochdeutschen.	then / because (particle)	Was isch denn passiert? What happened then?
Pronounced: DEN. Used as a question particle adding curiosity or emphasis. 'Was isch denn los?' = What's going on? Standard German uses it similarly. 'Passiert' = happened.
auA1 Auch: „Ich au!“ = ich auch! „au nöd“ = auch nicht.	also / too	Ich wott au cho! I want to come too!
Pronounced: OW (like 'ow' in 'cow'). Standard German: auch. 'Wott' = will (want). Very frequently used. Pronunciation: like English 'ow'. Position in sentence is flexible.
nödA1 Nicht (Zürich): „Das gaht nöd“ — Bern: nid, Basel: nit. Ein Wort, drei Dialekte!	not	Ich weiss nöd. I don't know.
Pronounced: NURD (ö like 'ur' in 'fur'). Zürich German for 'nicht' (not). In Bernese: 'nid'. In Basel: 'nit'. This word immediately identifies which dialect someone speaks.
de / d / sA1 Die bestimmten Artikel: de Maa (der), d Frau (die), s Chind (das) — kurz und effizient!	the (articles)	De Maa, d Frau und s Chind. The man, the woman, and the child.
Pronounced: deh / d / s. Swiss German definite articles: de (masc.), d (fem.), s (neuter). Standard German: der, die, das. Swiss articles are shorter and often merge with following words.
en / e / esA1 Die unbestimmten Artikel: en Maa (ein), e Frau (eine), es Chind (ein) — nach Genus!	a / an (articles)	En Maa, e Frau und es Chind. A man, a woman, and a child.
Pronounced: en / eh / es. Swiss German indefinite articles: en (masc.), e (fem.), es (neuter). Standard German: ein, eine, ein. Simpler than Standard German — fewer case distinctions.
mirA1 WIR heisst mir! „Mir gönd hei“ = wir gehen heim — Verwechslungsgefahr mit hochdeutsch „mir“ (Dativ)!	we	Mir gönd jetz. We're leaving now.
Pronounced: MEER. Standard German: wir. Swiss German 'mir' = we (subject). NOT dative 'mir' (to me). Context distinguishes: 'Mir gönd' (we go) vs 'Gib mer' (give me).
er / si / esA1 Er/sie/es: „Er isch da, si chunnt gli, es rägnet“ — wie hochdeutsch, nur kürzer!	he / she / it	Er isch da, si isch nöd da. He is here, she is not here.
Pronounced: air / zee / es. Same as Standard German but pronunciation differs. 'Si' can mean 'she' or 'they' depending on verb form: 'si isch' (she is), 'si sind' (they are).
goA1 Die go-Partikel: „Ich gang GO poschte“ = ich gehe einkaufen — nach Bewegungsverben Pflicht, einzigartig im Schweizerdeutschen!	to go (do something) — verbal particle	Ich gah go poschte. I'm going grocery shopping.
Pronounced: GO. The go-construction is uniquely Swiss German: movement verb + 'go' + infinitive. 'Go poschte' = einkaufen gehen. Also: 'go luege' (go look), 'go schlafe' (go sleep).
ChuchichäschtliA1 Das Küchenschränkchen — DER Schweizer Zungenbrecher-Test: dreimal ch hintereinander! Wer's kann, ist integriert!	kitchen cupboard	S Gwürz isch im Chuchichäschtli. The spice is in the kitchen cupboard.
Pronounced: KHOO-khee-KHESH-tlee (three guttural ch sounds!). The famous Swiss German tongue-twister word. Chuchi (kitchen) + Chäschtli (little cupboard). Three ch sounds! Used to test if someone can pronounce Swiss German.
aneA1 Hin: „Gang ane!“ = geh hin! „done ane“ = dort hin — Richtungspartikel.	there / to there (direction)	Chum ane! Come here!
Pronounced: AH-neh. Directional adverb meaning 'to here/there'. Standard German: hin/her. 'Chum ane' = komm her (come here). Swiss German distinguishes direction more than Standard German in some cases.
detA1 Dort: „Det äne isch de Bahnhof“ = dort drüben ist der Bahnhof.	there / over there	Det äne isch de Bahnhof. Over there is the train station.
Pronounced: DET. Standard German: dort/da drüben. 'Det äne' = dort drüben (over there). 'Det' alone = dort (there). Position words are important in Swiss German.
doA1 Hier/da: „Ich bi do!“ = ich bin hier — Basel und Bern sagen do, Zürich eher da/hie.	here	Ich bi do. I'm here.
Pronounced: DOH. Standard German: hier/da. 'Do' = here. Very basic and frequently used. 'Do ane' = hierhin (to here). 'Do ume' = hier herum (around here).
dehaiA1 Zu Hause — Schreibvariante von dehei: „Ich bi dehai“ = ich bin daheim.	at home	Ich bi dehai. I'm at home.
Pronounced: deh-HYE (like 'hi'). Standard German: daheim/zu Hause. Contracted from 'da heim'. Very commonly used: 'Ich gah hei' (I'm going home). 'Hei' = heim (homeward).
usseA1 Draussen: „Es isch chalt usse“ = es ist kalt draussen — Ort, nicht Richtung (use)!	outside / out	Chum, mir gönd usse. Come, let's go outside.
Pronounced: OOS-seh. Standard German: draußen/raus. 'Usse' = outside (location). 'Use' = hinaus (direction outward). Swiss German distinguishes location vs direction adverbs.
inneA1 Drinnen: „Mir bliibed inne“ = wir bleiben drinnen — bei Räge sowieso!	inside / in	Chömed Sie ine! Come in! (formal)
Pronounced: IN-neh. Standard German: drinnen/herein. 'Ine' = herein (direction inward). 'Inne' = drinnen (location inside). Formal: 'Chömed Si' = Kommen Sie (imperative).
obeA1 Oben: „Ich bi obe“ = ich bin oben; „det obe“ = da oben — auf dem Berg!	up / above / upstairs	Ich bi obe im Büro. I'm upstairs in the office.
Pronounced: OH-beh. Standard German: oben. 'Obe' = location above. 'Ufe' = direction upward (hinauf). 'Büro' = Büro (office), same word.
uneA1 Unten: „Warte une!“ = warte unten! Gegenstück zu obe.	down / below / downstairs	De Chäller isch une. The cellar is downstairs.
Pronounced: OO-neh. Standard German: unten. 'Une' = location below. 'Abe' = direction downward (hinunter). 'Chäller' = Keller (cellar), with k→ch shift.
Ich verstah nur BahnhofA1 „Ich verstah nur Bahnhof“ = ich verstehe gar nichts — die Redewendung für den Dialekt-Anfänger!	I don't understand a thing (idiom)	Wenn d Lüüt schnäll reded, verstah ich nur Bahnhof. When people talk fast, I don't understand a thing.
Pronounced: ikh fair-SHTAH noor BAHN-hohf. Same idiom as in Standard German (literally 'I only understand train station'). 'Reded' = reden (they talk). 'Schnäll' = schnell (fast). Useful phrase for learners!
dere / demA1 Dativ-Demonstrativ: „vo dere Frau“ = von dieser Frau; „mit dem Maa“ = mit diesem Mann.	this (dative demonstrative)	Mit dere Frau han ich gredt. I spoke with that woman.
Pronounced: DEH-reh / DEM. Swiss German still uses dative case: 'dere' (fem. dative), 'dem' (masc./neut. dative). 'Gredt' = geredet (spoken). Genitive is almost completely replaced by dative + 'vo'.
voA1 Von — ersetzt den Genitiv komplett: „s Huus vo minere Schwöschter“ = das Haus meiner Schwester!	of / from (replaces genitive)	D Wohnig vo mim Kolleg. My colleague's apartment.
Pronounced: FO. Standard German genitive ('des Kollegen') is replaced by 'vo' + dative: 'vo mim Kolleg' (von meinem Kollegen). 'Mim' = meinem. Swiss German essentially has no genitive case.
am / im / zumA1 Verschmelzungen: am Bahnhof, im Huus, zum Doktor — wie hochdeutsch, nur häufiger!	at the / in the / to the (contractions)	Ich bi am Morge im Büro und zum Zmittag dehai. I'm at the office in the morning and home for lunch.
Pronounced: ahm / im / tsoom. Preposition contractions work like Standard German: am = an dem, im = in dem, zum = zu dem. 'Zmittag' = Mittagessen (lunch). These are used constantly.
wägeA1 Wegen: „wäge em Wätter“ = wegen des Wetters; „wäge dem“ = deswegen.	because of	Wäge dem Wätter bliib ich dehai. Because of the weather I'm staying home.
Pronounced: VEH-geh (ä as in 'bed'). Standard German: wegen + genitive. Swiss German: 'wäge' + dative ('dem'). 'Bliib' = bleibe (stay). The dative after 'wäge' is standard in Swiss German (never genitive).
Ich ha ghaA1 „Ich ha gha“ = ich habe gehabt/ich hatte — gha = gehabt, wieder ohne Präteritum!	I had / I have had	Ich ha Glück gha. I was lucky / I had luck.
Pronounced: ikh hah G-HAH. Double perfect: 'ha gha' = habe gehabt (have had). Swiss German sometimes uses double perfect for emphasis or past-of-past. 'Glück' = luck.
Ich bi choA1 „Ich bi cho“ = ich bin gekommen — cho dient als Infinitiv UND Partizip!	I came / I have come	Ich bi geschter z spaat cho. I came too late yesterday.
Pronounced: ikh bee KHO (ch guttural). Motion verbs use 'sii' (sein) as auxiliary: 'bi cho' = bin gekommen. 'Geschter' = gestern (yesterday). 'Z spaat' = zu spät (too late). Perfect tense only — no 'ich kam'.
Ich bi gangeA1 „Ich bi gange“ = ich bin gegangen — gange = gegangen.	I went / I have gone	Ich bi id Stadt gange. I went to the city.
Pronounced: ikh bee GAHNG-eh. 'Gange' = gegangen (gone). Uses 'sii' (sein): 'bi gange'. 'Id Stadt' = in die Stadt (to the city). No simple past: never 'ich ging', always 'ich bi gange'.
flickeA1 Reparieren/flicken: „s Velo flicke“ = das Fahrrad reparieren — der Schweizer flickt lieber, als er wegwirft!	to fix / to repair	Chasch du das flicke? Can you fix that?
Pronounced: FLIK-keh. Standard German: reparieren/flicken. In Swiss German 'flicke' is the everyday word for any repair. Past: 'Ich ha das gflickt' (I fixed that).
bringeA1 „Bringsch mer no es Bier?“ = Bringst du mir noch ein Bier? — in der Beiz!	to bring / to take	Ich bringe der morn s Buech. I'll bring you the book tomorrow.
Pronounced: BRING-eh. Standard German: bringen. 'Der' = dir (dative). Past: 'Ich ha bracht' (I brought). Same root as Standard German but conjugation differs slightly.
ziehA1 Ziehen: „a de Türe zieh“ = an der Tür ziehen; „Mir sind umzoge“ = wir sind umgezogen.	to pull / to move	Zieh an de Tüür! Pull the door!
Pronounced: TSEE. Standard German: ziehen. 'An de Tüür' = an der Tür (on the door). Also: 'aazieh' (to put on clothes), 'uszieh' (to take off clothes), 'zügle' (to move house).
brüeleA1 Weinen ODER brüllen: „S Chind brüelet“ = das Kind weint/schreit — Kontext entscheidet!	to cry / to yell	S Chind brüelet. The child is crying.
Pronounced: BREW-eh-leh (ü as 'ew'). Standard German: weinen/schreien. 'Brüele' can mean both crying and yelling in Swiss German. Context matters: a child 'brüelet' = cries; an angry person 'brüelet' = yells.
lacheA1 Lachen: „Mir händ vill glachet“ = wir haben viel gelacht.	to laugh	Mir händ mega glachet. We laughed so much.
Pronounced: LAHKH-eh (ch light guttural). Same root as Standard German 'lachen'. Past: 'glachet' (gelacht). 'Mega' = sehr (very). 'Händ' = haben (wir-form).
s GäldA1 Das Geld: „Ich ha kei Gäld“ = ich habe kein Geld — auch in der reichen Schweiz möglich!	money	Ich ha nöd gnueg Gäld debi. I don't have enough money on me.
Pronounced: s GELD (ä as in 'bed'). Standard German: Geld. 'Debi' = dabei (on me/with me). 'Gnueg' = genug (enough). Swiss currency is the Schweizer Franke (CHF), not the Euro.
d ZitA1 Die Zeit: „Ich ha kei Zit“ = ich habe keine Zeit; „Zit isch Gäld“!	time	Ich ha kei Zit. I don't have time.
Pronounced: d TSEET. Standard German: Zeit. 'Kei' = keine (no). Very commonly used: 'Ich ha Zit' (I have time), 'Es isch Zit' (It's time), 'Mit de Zit' (over time).
d StrassA1 Die Strasse — IMMER mit ss, nie ß (das ß existiert in der Schweiz nicht)!	street / road	Wo isch d Bahnhofstrass? Where is Bahnhofstrasse?
Pronounced: d SHTRAHSS. Standard German: Straße. 'Strass' without final -e. Bahnhofstrasse is Zürich's famous shopping street. 'Wo isch' = wo ist (where is).
de PlatzA1 Der Platz: „de Paradeplatz“ in Zürich = der teuerste Ort im Schweizer Monopoly!	square / place / space	Mir träffed eus am Paradeplatz. We meet at Paradeplatz.
Pronounced: deh PLAHTS. Same as Standard German. 'Paradeplatz' = Zürich's famous banking square. 'Am' = an dem (at the). Also means 'space/room': 'Es hät kei Platz' (there's no space).
s WasserA1 Das Wasser: „es Glas Wasser“ — „es Hahnewasser“ = Leitungswasser, in der Schweiz top!	water	Ich hätt gärn es Glas Wasser. I'd like a glass of water.
Pronounced: s VAHS-ser. Same as Standard German. 'Hätt gärn' = hätte gerne (would like). Swiss tap water is excellent and safe to drink. Restaurants serve bottled water (paid) unless you ask for 'Hahnewasser'.
s HahnewasserA1 Das Leitungswasser — Schweizer Hahnenwasser ist Top-Qualität und in der Beiz (meist) gratis!	tap water	Chasch mer Hahnewasser bringe? Can you bring me tap water?
Pronounced: s HAH-neh-VAHS-ser. 'Hahne' = Hahn (tap/faucet). Swiss tap water is world-class quality. In restaurants, you can ask for 'Hahnewasser' — it's free but some places prefer to sell bottled water.
d SchuelA1 Die Schule: „i d Schuel gah“ = in die Schule gehen.	school	D Chind gönd id Schuel. The children go to school.
Pronounced: d SHOOL. Standard German: Schule. 'Gönd' = gehen (they go). 'Id' = in die (into). Swiss school system varies by canton. Compulsory education starts at age 4 (Kindergarten).
s SpitalA1 Das Krankenhaus — in der Schweiz heisst es Spital! „is Spital gah“ = ins Krankenhaus.	hospital	Mir müessed is Spital. We need to go to the hospital.
Pronounced: s shpee-TAHL. Standard German: Krankenhaus/Spital. 'Is' = ins (into the). In Swiss German 'Spital' is the standard word. Major hospitals: Universitätsspital Zürich, Inselspital Bern.
de Arzt / d ÄrztinA1 Der Arzt/die Ärztin: „zum Arzt gah“ = zum Arzt gehen — oder „zum Dokter“!	doctor (male/female)	Ich muess zum Arzt gah. I need to go to the doctor.
Pronounced: deh ARTST / d AIRTS-tin. Same as Standard German. 'Zum Arzt' = zum Arzt (to the doctor). Swiss healthcare requires mandatory insurance (Krankenkasse). Doctors are typically addressed as 'Herr/Frau Doktor'.
de SchlüsselA1 Der Schlüssel: „de Schlüssel vergässe“ = den Schlüssel vergessen.	key	Wo sind mini Schlüssel? Where are my keys?
Pronounced: deh SHLEWS-sel (ü as 'ew'). Same as Standard German. 'Mini' = meine (my, plural). Common worry: 'Ich ha de Schlüssel vergässe' (I forgot the key). Losing apartment keys in Switzerland means expensive lock replacement.
schwirigA1 Schwierig: „E schwirigi Frag“ = eine schwierige Frage.	difficult / hard	Züridütsch isch schwirig zum lerne. Zurich German is difficult to learn.
Pronounced: SHVEE-rig. Standard German: schwierig. 'Zum lerne' = zum Lernen (to learn). Swiss German has no standardized written form, making it harder to study than Standard German.
liebA1 Lieb: „Das isch lieb vo dir!“ = das ist lieb von dir; „Liebi Grüess“ = liebe Grüsse!	dear / sweet / kind	Du bisch mega lieb. You're really sweet.
Pronounced: LEEB. Same as Standard German. Used affectionately. 'Lieb haa' = to love/like. 'Ich ha di lieb' (I love you, between family/close friends — less intense than 'Ich liebe dich').
schnällA1 Schnell — ABER: „Chunnsch schnäll?“ = kommst du KURZ? Schnäll heisst oft „kurz/eben“!	fast / quick	Mach schnäll! Hurry up!
Pronounced: SHNELL (ä as in 'bed'). Standard German: schnell. 'Mach schnäll' = mach schnell (hurry up). 'Ä' replaces 'e' in many Swiss German words. Common imperative expression.
langsamA1 Langsam: „Chönd Sie langsamer rede?“ = können Sie langsamer sprechen? — hilft beim Dialekt!	slow / slowly	Chönsch bitte langsamer rede? Can you speak more slowly please?
Pronounced: LAHNG-zahm. Same as Standard German. 'Langsamer' = langsamer (comparative, slower). Essential phrase for Swiss German learners. Swiss speakers often talk fast in dialect.
ganzA1 Ganz: „de ganz Tag“ = den ganzen Tag; „ganz guet“ = ziemlich gut.	whole / entirely / very	Das isch ganz okay. That's quite okay.
Pronounced: GAHNTS. Same as Standard German. 'Ganz' softens adjectives: 'ganz guet' (quite good), 'ganz schön' (quite nice). Also: 's ganze' = the whole thing.
vil / villA1 Viel: „vil z tüe“ = viel zu tun; „vil Glück!“ = viel Glück!	much / many / a lot	Es hät vill Lüüt gha. There were a lot of people.
Pronounced: FILL. Standard German: viel. 'Vill' with double l is Zürich spelling. 'Es hät gha' = es hat gehabt/gegeben (there were). 'Meh' = mehr (more).
wenigA1 Wenig: „z wenig Zit“ = zu wenig Zeit — das Schweizer Grundgefühl!	few / little / not much	Ich ha wenig Zit. I have little time.
Pronounced: VEH-nig. Same as Standard German. 'Wenig Zit' = wenig Zeit (little time). Opposite: 'vill' (much/many). 'Es wenigs bitzeli' = a tiny little bit.
Wie seit mer ...?A1 „Wie seit mer das uf Schwiizerdütsch?“ = wie sagt man das? — DIE Lernfrage!	how do you say ...?	Wie seit mer 'thank you' uf Züridütsch? How do you say 'thank you' in Zurich German?
Pronounced: vee ZYTE mair. 'Seit mer' = sagt man (one says). 'Uf' = auf (in, when talking about languages). Essential phrase for language learners. Answer: 'Mer seit Merci'.
Ich lerne ZüridütschA1 „Ich lerne Züridütsch!“ — sag das, und jeder Schweizer strahlt und hilft dir!	I'm learning Zurich German	Ich lerne Züridütsch, chönsch langsamer rede? I'm learning Zurich German, can you speak more slowly?
Pronounced: ikh LAIR-neh TSEW-ree-DEWCH (ü as 'ew', ch guttural). A very useful sentence to tell Swiss people. Most will appreciate the effort and switch to slower speech or Standard German to help you. 'Langsamer' = more slowly.
Ich chume us ...A1 „Ich chume us Poland/Änglant“ = ich komme aus… — die Vorstellung beim Kennenlernen.	I come from ...	Ich chume us England. I come from England.
Pronounced: ikh KHOO-meh oos (ch guttural). 'Chume' = komme (come). 'Us' = aus (from). k→ch shift. Essential for introductions. 'Us de Schwiiz' = from Switzerland, 'us de USA' = from the US.
Wo isch ...?A1 „Wo isch de Bahnhof?“ = wo ist der Bahnhof? — die wichtigste Touristenfrage!	where is ...?	Wo isch de nöchscht Bancomat? Where is the nearest ATM?
Pronounced: vo ISH. 'Wo isch' = wo ist. 'Bancomat' = ATM (from Italian/French, Swiss term). Standard German: Geldautomat. 'Nöchscht' = nächst (nearest).

This deck has 211 words in total — copy it to your library to study them all.

Grammar Guide (10)

No Präteritum

Swiss German only uses the perfect tense — never the simple past

Ich ha geschter es Buech gläse. Ich ha gseit gha, dass ich chome.

Swiss German has no simple past (Präteritum). You always use the perfect tense: ich ha gmacht (I did/made), ich bi gange (I went).
The perfect is formed with 'haa' (to have) or 'sii' (to be) + past participle: Ich ha gschribe (I wrote). Er isch cho (He came).
For past-in-the-past, Swiss German uses the double perfect: Ich ha gseit gha (I had said). Er isch cho gsi (He had come).
Even 'was' and 'had' are expressed with perfect: ich bi gsi (I was), ich ha gha (I had).
This means you never need to learn Präteritum verb forms — just master the past participle (usually g- + stem).

tun-Periphrase

Using 'tue' + infinitive to express habitual or ongoing actions

Ich tue jede Morge Ziitig läse.

'Tue' + infinitive expresses habitual or ongoing actions: Ich tue läse (I'm reading / I read regularly).
Conjugation of 'tue': i tue, du tuesch, er/si tuet, mir tüend, ir tüend, si tüend.
Unlike in Standard German (where 'tun' + infinitive is considered poor style), this is perfectly standard in Swiss German.
Examples: Si tuet immer z'spaat cho (She always comes too late). Mir tüend am Sunntig wandere (We hike on Sundays).
The subjunctive 'tät' is used for polite requests: Ich tät gärn es Bier bstelle (I would like to order a beer).

go-Construction

The particle 'go' appears before an infinitive after verbs of motion

Ich gah go poschte. Chunnsch go schwümme?

After motion verbs (gah, cho, laufe), the particle 'go' precedes the infinitive: Ich gah go poschte (I'm going to shop).
'Go' indicates purpose of movement (like English 'to go do something'): Mir gönd go ässe (We're going to eat).
Also used with 'cho' (to come): Chunnsch go luege? (Are you coming to look?). Er chunnt go hälfe (He's coming to help).
Sometimes 'go' appears doubled: Ich gah go go luege — varies by region and is optional.
This construction has no equivalent in Standard German and is one of the most distinctive features of Swiss German.

No Genitive Case

The genitive case does not exist — replaced by dative + 'vo/vom' (of/from)

S Auto vom Vater. D Farb vo de Blueme.

Swiss German has no genitive case. Possession uses dative + 'vo/vom': s Huus vom Nachbar (the neighbor's house).
'Vo' + dative replaces all genitive functions: wäge dem Wätter (because of the weather), aastatt vom Kafi (instead of the coffee).
Dative articles: em (masculine/neuter), ere (feminine), de (plural). Example: s Buch vo de Lehreri (the teacher's book).
Alternative possessive: Dem Vater sis Auto (the father's car) — dative + possessive pronoun, very common in speech.
The genitive only survives in fixed expressions and place names — you never need to learn genitive forms.

Diminutive -li

The suffix -li is far more productive than Standard German -chen/-lein — applied to almost anything

Es Brötli, es Hündli, es Kafi-Tässli, es Bänkli.

The diminutive -li replaces Standard German -chen/-lein: Hund→Hündli, Brot→Brötli, Tisch→Tischli.
The stem vowel often umlauts: a→ä (Glas→Gläsli), u→ü (Hund→Hündli), o→ö (Wort→Wörtli).
-li is much more productive than in Standard German: Rüebli (carrot, no longer diminutive), Müesli (muesli), Guetzli (cookie/biscuit).
All diminutives are neuter: s Meitli (the girl), s Büebli (the little boy), s Chätzli (the kitten).
Regional variations: Bernese uses -i instead of -li: Hundi, Bröti. Basel uses -li like Zürich.

Relative Pronoun 'wo'

'Wo' is the universal relative pronoun — it replaces der/die/das/welcher entirely

De Maa, wo da wohnt. D Frau, wo ich gsee ha.

'Wo' is the only relative pronoun in Swiss German: De Maa, wo chunnt (The man who comes).
It never changes for gender or case: D Frau, wo do wohnt (The woman who lives here). S Chind, wo spilt (The child that plays).
For accusative/dative objects, add a resumptive pronoun: De Maa, wo ich en gsee ha (The man whom I saw). D Frau, wo ich ere ghulfe ha (The woman whom I helped).
With prepositions: S Huus, wo mir drin wohned (The house we live in). De Stuel, wo er druf hockt (The chair he sits on).
'Wo' is never replaced by 'der/die/das' or 'welcher' — even in formal Swiss German speech.

Articles & Cases

Articles are de/d/s instead of der/die/das — accusative mostly matches nominative

De Maa gseht d Frau. Ich gib em Maa s Buech.

Definite articles: de (masculine), d (feminine), s (neuter), d (plural). Examples: de Hund, d Chatz, s Huus, d Lüüt.
Indefinite articles: en (masculine), e (feminine), es (neuter). Examples: en Maa, e Frau, es Chind.
Accusative is mostly the same as nominative: Ich gseh de Maa (not 'den Mann'). Only pronouns change: ich→mi, er→en/ihn.
Dative: em (masculine/neuter), ere (feminine), de (plural). Examples: Ich gib em Maa s Gäld. Ich hilfe de Chind.
Dative often merges with prepositions: im (in em), am (a em), vom (vo em), zum (zu em).

k→ch Sound Shift

All initial k- systematically becomes ch-: kaufen→chaufe, Kind→Chind, kalt→chalt

S Chind isch chrank und hät nöd chönne cho.

All words starting with k- have ch- in Swiss German: kaufen→chaufe, Kind→Chind, kalt→chalt, Kirche→Chile, Kopf→Chopf.
The ch is a uvular fricative [χ], much stronger than German 'ach'-ch: können→chönne, kommen→cho, Kuchen→Chuechä.
k inside words also shifts: Decke→Teggi, trinken→trinke (stays due to -nk). Final -k often stays: Stück→Stuck.
Loanwords usually keep k: Kino, Kilometer, Kaffee→Kafi (partially adapted).
This shift is one of the most recognizable features of Swiss German and immediately distinguishes it from Standard German.

Verb Conjugation

Verb endings differ from Standard German — plural uses -ed, never -en

Ich mache, du machsch, er macht, mir mached, ir mached, si mached.

Present tense endings: ich -e, du -sch, er/si/es -t, mir -ed, ir -ed, si -ed. Example: ich gang, du gasch, er gaht, mir gönd.
The 2nd person singular always ends in -sch: du machsch, du chunnsch, du hesch. Never -st as in Standard German.
All plural forms (we/you/they) have the same ending -ed: mir mached, ir mached, si mached. No -en as in Standard German.
Strong verbs often have different stem vowels: geben→gäh (i gib, du gisch, er git, mir gäbed).
The formal 'Sie' uses 3rd person plural: Chömed Si ine! (Please come in!). Mached Si sich kei Sorge! (Don't worry!).

Vowel & Diphthong Shifts

Systematic sound patterns: au→uu, ei→ii, eu→üü distinguish Swiss German from Standard German

S Huus isch nöi. D Lüüt händ kei Zit.

au→uu: Haus→Huus, Maus→Muus, laufen→laufe (Zürich keeps au), kaufen→chaufe. In Bernese: au→ou (Hous).
ei→ii/i: Zeit→Zit, weit→wit, Arbeit→Arbet, heißen→heisse (ei sometimes stays). Long i: Ziit, wiit.
eu/äu→üü: Leute→Lüüt, neu→nöi/nüü, heute→hüt, Häuser→Hüüser.
Standard German ie→ie/iä: lieb→lieb, Brief→Brief (stays). But: liegen→lige, fliegen→flüge.
These shifts are not random — they follow historical sound laws of Alemannic German and apply consistently across vocabulary.

Swiss German — Essentials (for English Speakers) Official

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