Is Switzerland much different than Germany?

Question

If so in what ways.

Answer 1

Switzerland has four languages

Germany one

Switzerland is neutral in politics

Germany is western in its ways

Answer 2

well, it's pretty much divided into 3 sections: German, French, and Itlaian, but even in the italian part, it is more similar to germany than most of italy (except the north.) In the german part t's pretty much like a more mountinous, homey germany.

Answer 3

Apart from them being 2 different countries, speaking different languages, and the people, not too different.

Answer 4

Globalisation is reducing the differences all the time ( though there will always be an element of backlash ).  Most Swiss speak German (and most young people speak v good English).  I once went to Biel, the only bi-lingual town in Switzerland?, but everyone spoke German (or English).

Answer 5

I lived in Germany for a year, and found that southern Germany (Bavaria) was very similar to Switzerland, in terms of terrain.  As for differences, I felt that the Swiss people were somewhat more reserved than Germans, who tended to be a bit more friendly.

Answer 6

Switzerland is very different from Germany. Don't go tell a Swiss person who speaks German that they are Germans.

Same thing with the French speaking parts. Don't tell them they're french because they don't really like french people as a general rule.

These are two different cultures too.

And they have their own way of speaking German (which we call swiss-german), although they also can speak regular german.

Answer 7

Some of it is a lot different.  Geneva and surrounding area are quite french (language, food, customs), and Zurich and surrounding areas are similar to Germany.  The south of Switzerland is heaven -- Italian food, language, and fabulous scenery, complete with Alps and deep water lakes.  The area around Lugano, Como, and Ciasso is stunning, and if you speak even a little Italian, the people are charmed and charming.

Answer 8

Switzerland is divided into cantons which are Italian, French and German. Depending on the canton, one of these languages is the official one. It is a far more rich country then Germany. Also, it's, as you probably know, a neutral country - didn't even participate in WW2!