- 17 Jan 2023
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Decision-making aid: Learning High German or Swiss German in Switzerland
In Switzerland there are many different languages and dialects, and it can be difficult to decide which one you should learn. Should you focus on High German or is it better to learn Swiss German?
High German, also known as Standard German, is the official language of Switzerland and is used in schools and the business world. It is the most widely spoken language and the one most likely to be understood when travelling through Switzerland.
If, on the other hand, you focus on High German, you will be able to communicate with people from all parts of Switzerland and also in other German-speaking countries. It is also the language in which most books, articles and news are written.
Swiss German and its variety of dialects
Swiss German, on the other hand, is the dialect spoken in Switzerland. There are many different dialects within Switzerland, and the differences can be very large depending on the region. Some people in Switzerland also speak a combination of High German and their own dialect. If you learn Swiss German, you will be able to speak with locals in their own language and thereby gain a deeper understanding of Swiss culture.
Standard German for broader communication potential
So there is no right or wrong when it comes to deciding which language you should learn. It depends on your personal goals and requirements. If you will be operating mainly for business or for school in Switzerland, then it can make sense to focus on High German.
For anyone moving to other cantons where Swiss German is not spoken or a different dialect prevails, it naturally makes sense to switch to High German. People who are going to move to Germany or Austria, or who often travel in these countries, cannot do much with Swiss German either.
However, if you plan to live in Switzerland for a longer period and want to immerse yourself more deeply in the culture, it can be advantageous to focus on Swiss German. In any case, it is sensible to learn both High German and Swiss German to have a broader range of communication options in Switzerland.
Swiss German doesn't necessarily have to be difficult
It is important to mention that Swiss German is often considered “difficult to understand” or “difficult to learn” because the dialects are often very different and many words and expressions deviate from those in High German.
It can therefore present a greater challenge to learn Swiss German, especially if you do not live in Switzerland. However, it is important to note that this is not impossible and with patience, commitment and the right resources it can be learned.
In conclusion, deciding which language to learn depends on your own goals and requirements. Whilst High German is important for communicating in school and business life, Swiss German can help gain a deeper understanding of Swiss culture. It is also ideal to learn both languages in order to have a broader range of communication possibilities.
The SLA Basel: The best place to learn High German in Basel
There are many resources and opportunities to learn both Standard German and Swiss German, whether you live in Switzerland or not. If you live in Basel and want to learn Standard German, there are several excellent institutions that can help you. One of the best options is the language school SLA Basel for German as a foreign language.
At SLA Basel offers a wide range of German courses for all proficiency levels and learning needs, taught by qualified teachers. You also have flexibility regarding schedule and class size so that you can arrange the lessons that best suit your needs.
SLA Basel also offers a pleasant and intercultural learning environment where you can improve your German skills quickly and effectively. Our partners include Tutor Academy, Kulturlegi, Eduqua, temptraining and SVEB FSEA.