In Swiss German, "sorry" is commonly expressed as "Tuet mer leid" (I am sorry) or "Exgüüsi" (Excuse me/Sorry), often simply using the English word "sorry" as well. For sincere apologies, "Äs tuet mer Leid" is used, while "Exgüüsi" or "Pardon" is ideal for bumping into someone or asking to pass.
You'll often hear Prost (Cheers in German) in the German-speaking regions, but it can also be the Swiss-German Proscht or Pröschtli or Zum Wohl (to health) or Gesundheit (health). READ ALSO: How to drink wine like the Swiss. In other parts of Switzerland you may also hear Prost, but it can vary.
While the French say “Bon appetite” before a meal, the Swiss-Germans wish their dinner companions “En Guete!” This phrase is the colloquial way of wishing someone a good meal.
Starting with the basics, the way to say I love you in Swiss German is “Ich liebe dich.” However, the pronunciation does change depending on which canton you are in, from Ich lieb dich in Zurich to I liäbe di in Basel and Ee liebe di in Bern.
Just beware: flirting is more subtle in Switzerland, and being too straightforward about your intentions can scare some people off. Better to just have conversations for the sake of a conversation and not expect too much.
To reply to "Danke schön" (Thank you very much) in German, common responses meaning "You're welcome" include Bitte schön, Bitte sehr, or the more casual Gern geschehen (My pleasure/Gladly done). You can also just use Bitte (Please/You're welcome) or phrases like Kein Problem (No problem) or Nichts zu danken (Nothing to thank for) for a casual tone.
There's a very specific context where "bitte!?" can be used as "excuse me?!". In this context its short for " wie bitte? ". It can be used in a less intense manner but then it's more akin to "pardon?".
No, they are not opposed to meeting foreigners. “You have probably heard the widespread myth that the Swiss are closed off, don't like to talk to foreigners and only socialize in their long standing circle of friends,” Kelly Brändli is quoted on the expat blog myswissstory.com: “Don't believe this myth.
The "333 rule" in dating is a framework for evaluating a new connection at key milestones: after 3 dates, 3 weeks, and 3 months, to assess attraction, compatibility, and long-term potential before getting too emotionally invested, helping to avoid "situationships" and guiding decisions on whether to pursue a serious relationship or part ways amicably. Another version suggests dating three people at once, giving them three months, and allowing three mistakes before moving on, emphasizing self-worth and avoiding disposable dating.
–Swiss Romandie (French speaking Swiss) people greet each other with 3 kisses: left cheek, right, left. –The French version includes just two kisses – left, right. –Just barely touch the person's cheek or the air next to their cheek.
Switzerland's favorable tax system has enabled it to attract companies and high-net-worth individuals over a long period, massively increasing wealth in the country and creating one of the world's biggest financial centers.
