[Anonymous]

28 June 2023 at 10:30:09 #830180

So…., well I guess, obviously, I am an English speaker, but I always try to pick up a little of the language I am traveling to. I can speak a little Italian and Spanish, will I be fine traveling in Switzerland/Germany? Any suggestions?

[User]

Reply 1 of 4 • 28 June 2023 at 12:25:08 #955995

Hello vcarlett,

You will be totally fine with your three languages :-). Generally you’ll find that most of the population here in Switzerland can speak English (and pretty fluently, even though they say “a little”). Some may be a little reserved, definitely the younger generation are more open to speaking English.

Also in some of the more rural places here in Switzerland, there is less English but I am sure you will find a way. Otherwise there are always the translation options on your mobile phone 😉

Germany is similar. They are quite proficient in English but may or may not choose to speak it.

http://www.myswissalps.com/aboutswitzerland/culturehistory/languages

Kind regards,

Yolanda

[User]

Reply 2 of 4 • 28 June 2023 at 17:49:54 #955996

Thank you

[EASW]

Reply 3 of 4 • 29 June 2023 at 2:54:17 #955997

If you remember to say “Grüezi” in central/eastern Switzerland and “Bonjour” in western Switzerland, you will do well. Learning the pleasantries means so much! We haven’t found language to be be much of a barrier in our travels to Germany and Switzerland. As Yolanda said, we always found a way to communicate. 😊

[User]

Reply 4 of 4 • 29 June 2023 at 5:06:43 #955998

Thank you EASW 🙂