Languages in Switzerland?

Question

I trying to figure out where to go in March, and I was thinking about going to Switzerland. I speak some German, and I can get by in Germany just fine with it. But I know Switzerland has a very different dialect. Will Swiss Germans be able to understand me, and will I be able to understand them? I heard they can all speak High German. Is this true? Also, if I went to Geneva, would people there be able to speak German, because I can't speak French.

Answer 1

In Geneva if you can speak German you are fine. A majority of citizens speak Germans. And if you can speak English well then you shouldn't be worrying. Over 95% of the citizens understand english.

Answer 2

The official languages in Switzerland are German, French, Italian, Romansh. The German dialect is different, but if you know German, you will understand.

Answer 3

Switzerland is divided into 4 regions language. German, Italian, French and "romance". The German is the language as a percentage most spoken. Do not worry for the German dialect, every Swiss can speak High German with a little effort. Sometimes they are a bit lazy and prefer to speak their dialect. I agree with what is written above: many Swiss can speak English, so you will not have problems.

Answer 4

In my experience, all Swiss-Germans (at least under the age of 50 or so) can speak High German, though many don't like to and some would rather speak English. You should have no trouble having a conversation with them, but you probably won't get every far trying to eavesdrop on them. However, some foreigners do not speak much High German or any English.

I don't go to Geneva much, but I suspect it's similar: the Swiss-French can speak German (but would rather not) and/or English, but some foreigners may only speak their own language and French. (At least the French is standard, but that won't help you, will it?) And there are a fair number of native German speakers in Geneva. (And native English speakers, for that matter.)

Answer 5

You won't have a problem with german but you won't understand when the Swiss speak between themselves (swiss german). In Geneva not everybody speaks german but with english you'll get by.

Answer 6

you dont need to speak any German ,the people in switzerland speak everywhere english,

but ,If you like to talk German is also ok, the swiss thay speak

very hard ugly German,nobody likit, and the people who live in swisse 10 years,speak high German. in Geneva,nobady speak German,thay speak French.

Answer 7

Switzerland's official languages are German, French, Italian, Romansh.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland