How to Converse Politely in Switzerland
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How to Converse Politely in Switzerland
Hello Fellow Travelers,
When I travel to other countries I try to learn a few phrases in the native language, one of them asking if they can speak English (since that's all I can speak!). We're traveling in Switzerland and I know most people can speak some English, but I still like to inquire first in their language. In Switzerland, what language should I learn the phrase: "Hello, do you speak English?"
Thank you!
When I travel to other countries I try to learn a few phrases in the native language, one of them asking if they can speak English (since that's all I can speak!). We're traveling in Switzerland and I know most people can speak some English, but I still like to inquire first in their language. In Switzerland, what language should I learn the phrase: "Hello, do you speak English?"
Thank you!
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Well, the Schweitzerdeutsch spoken in Graubunden and some forms of Romantsch are so hard to figure that in several cases I was not even able to figure if the lady at the supermarket cash desk had greeted me in German or Romantsch. Actually, the only reply to the original poster is: just ask if they speak English...
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Judy:
There are 5 officially recognized dialects of Rumantsch (two of them are split in mutually recognizable sub-dialects) with a combined base of about 40'000 native speakers. Actually you won't run the risk of meeting a person who does not speak another language.
Schweizerdeutsch is no homogenous language. It consists of scores of dialects that are generally mutually understood. Dialects from relatively isolated parts of the country, however, need close attention of the listener unfamiliar with them.
Hello translates into Grüezi, Grüessech, or Guete Daag depending on the region.
Paper bag for example translates into: Gugge, Gügge, Sack, Seckel, Goorne, Ursi, Lood, Löödli, Briefsackji, Schgmutz, Scharmutz, Briefsack, Chuchere, Loodsack, Pageet, Gschtrnutz or Pack (and no, there are no typos). So make your choice ;-)
Just learn the standard German phrase "Guten Tag, sprechen Sie Deutsch?". You will be fine.
Enjoy your trip.
Phil.
There are 5 officially recognized dialects of Rumantsch (two of them are split in mutually recognizable sub-dialects) with a combined base of about 40'000 native speakers. Actually you won't run the risk of meeting a person who does not speak another language.
Schweizerdeutsch is no homogenous language. It consists of scores of dialects that are generally mutually understood. Dialects from relatively isolated parts of the country, however, need close attention of the listener unfamiliar with them.
Hello translates into Grüezi, Grüessech, or Guete Daag depending on the region.
Paper bag for example translates into: Gugge, Gügge, Sack, Seckel, Goorne, Ursi, Lood, Löödli, Briefsackji, Schgmutz, Scharmutz, Briefsack, Chuchere, Loodsack, Pageet, Gschtrnutz or Pack (and no, there are no typos). So make your choice ;-)
Just learn the standard German phrase "Guten Tag, sprechen Sie Deutsch?". You will be fine.
Enjoy your trip.
Phil.
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WELL! I never thought there would be so many interesting answers. I'll stick with the basic German I used while driving the Romantic Road and then go with Duckey1's answer: Don't Sweat It, Just Be Polite!
Thanks all.
Thanks all.
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