What to say
What this solves
Visitors default to "Bonjour" in all of Switzerland. But "Grüezi" matters in Zürich — using Bonjour makes you sound like you've never met a Swiss person. In Bern, "Salü" is informal but signals you know the city. In Ticino, "Buongiorno" (formal) vs "Ciao" (informal) matters. This tool gives the right word for the right situation — and explains the local variance.
How to read the results
- Formal = safer, with strangers.
- Informal = peers, younger people.
- Dialect = in German-speaking Switzerland only; shows real understanding.
- Pronunciation = rough guide, not phonetic.
What this tool ignores
- Romansh has 5 dialect variants — we use the most common (Vallader).
- Many Swiss speak High German (Hochdeutsch) — using Hochdeutsch in Switzerland is acceptable but lacks warmth.
Common questions
Will Swiss people speak English back?
Yes — almost universally in cities. In rural villages, older residents may only speak the local dialect. Try a phrase in the local language first, then switch to English.
Is "Grüezi" regional?
Yes — Grüezi is the Zurich greeting (often written Grüessech). Bern uses "Grüessech" or "Salü". Vaud uses "Bonjour". Each region has its own version.
When do you switch from Sie to Du?
Wait for the Swiss person to use "Du" first. In some workplaces it's standard, in others never. When in doubt, Sie.