De Gascht
The guest

S Usland
The “outland” =  foreign country

Cho bsueche
To come to visit
D Erwartig
The expectation
Es Programm uufschtelle
To set up a program
D Belaschtig
The burden
Öpper entlaschte
To relieve
Erzieh, erzoge
To raise, bring up, brought up
Öppis biiträge
To contribute
D Wärtschätzig
Appreciation
Übernachte
To stay overnight
Belaschtend
Burdensome
Gaschtfründlich
hospitable
Verwöhne
To spoil
Sich lo bediene
To let yourself be attended to /waited upon
Fuul
lazy

Di letschte Johr he-mer rächt vil Gäscht gha.
Last years we had quite a lot of guests.

Und wil vil vo üsne Fründe im Usland wohned, chömed si grad für mehreri Täg zu üs i d Schwiiz.
And because a lot of our friends live in other countries, they come to Switzerland for a few days in a row.

Das isch mängisch rächt schtressig mit dene zwöi chliine Chind.
Sometimes this is rather stressing with our two small children.

Es git Lüüt, wo d Arbet nid gsehnd und d Erwartig hend, dass mir üs di ganz Ziit um si kümmered und ine es Programm uufschtelled.
There are people who don’t see the work and expect, that we look after them and make a program for them all the time.

Si gsehnd überhaupt nid, was mer alles z tue het mit so chliine Chind und hälfed nid mit
They don’t see at all, what we have to do with so small children and don’t help us.
Anschtatt üs wenigschtens chli z entlaschte, sind si no e grösseri Belaschtig für üs.
Instead of relieving/ unburdening us, they are even more of a burden for us.
Ich finde, dass üsi Generation i dere Hiisicht schlächt erzoge worde isch.
I find that our generation was badly raised in this regard.

Si chömed nid emol uf d Idee!
They don’t even have the idea!

Es wird erwartet, dass vo de Gaschtgäber alles finanziert und organisiert wird.
It is expected, that everything is financed and organized by the host.

Vor allem wenn si längeri Ziit bliibed, chönnted si mindeschtens au finanziell öppis zum Zämeläbe biiträge.
Especially when they stay for a longer period of time, they could at least contribute financially something to the living cost.

Und es wird nid mol e Wärtschätzig oder Dankbarkeit zeigt.
And appreciation or thankfulness is not even showed.

Si empfinded das als sälbschtverschtändlich.
They perceive this as obvious.

Wenn d Bsuecher ganz jung sind, vilicht Schtudänte, cha-mer das jo no verschtoh.
When the visitors are very young, maybe students, one can understand this.

Die sind no jung, wenig erfahre und hend kei Gäld.  
They are young, little experienced and have no money.

Aber vo Lüüt i üsem Alter, würd i doch meh erwarte.
But from people our age, I would expect more.

So he-mer jetz also aagfange, üsne Gäscht z säge, dass si nid bi üs chönd übernachte, wil mir zwenig Platz hend und si is Hotel münd goh.
So we started to tell our guests, that they can’t stay overnight at our place, because we don’t have enough space and that they have to go to the hotel.

Das isch vil weniger belaschtend für üs.
This is less burdensome for us.

Defür gseh-mer si aber au vil weniger.
On the other hand, we don’t see them as much.

Wenn d Gäscht im Hotel münd übernachte, denn het mer e gwüssi Dischtanz und cha sich träffe, wenn mer Ziit het.
When the guests have to stay at the hotel, then there is a certain distance and one can meet them when one has time.

Aber es isch schwirig für üs, nei z säge und üs z beschränke, wil eigentlich wäre mir sehr gärn gaschtfründlich.
But it is difficult for us to say no and to restrict ourselves because we really would like to be hospitable.

Ich finde s schad, dass mer de Lüüt mues säge, was mer vo ine erwartet.
I think it’s a pity, that one has to tell the people, what one expects from them.

Üsi Generation isch z fescht verwöhnt worde und es het vil fuuli Paschas, wo sich gärn lönd lo bediene.
Our generation was too spoilt and there are lazy buggers, which like to be attended.

Wie isch das bi dir, wenn du Gäscht hesch?
How is it when you have guests?

De Closchaar

chnocheschtier
broke

es paar Schtei
A few francs (stones)

giizig
stingy

jufle
To rush

verdiene
to earn

schufte
to work very hard

s Läbe gnüsse
to enjoy life

umejette
to fly around

über Liiche goh
to walk over dead bodies

obe-n-abe gheie
to fall down

Das isch mir gliich.
I don’t care.

e Nichtsnutz
A good-for-nothing

d Schand
disgrace

De Pulli
the sweater

S Obdachloseheim
Homeless shelter

Ich ha Durscht.
I am thirsty.

De Güselchübel
garbage

schicke
To send

Ich bruuche nid vil.
I don’t need a lot.

Es Bänkli
A small bench

​
Ich bi chnocheschtier.
I’m broke.

Hesch mir es paar Schtei?
Do you have some money for me?

Bis doch nid so giizig.
Don’t be stingy.

Wiso bisch immer am Jufle und hesch kei Ziit?
Why are you always in a rush and why don’t you have time?

Du verdiensch s Gäld und ich hilf dir s uuszgäh.
You earn the money and I help you to spend it.

Du schuftisch und ich gnüsse s Läbe.
You work hard and I enjoy life.

Ich ha au einisch zu dene ghört:
Once I belonged to those people too:

ich bi umejetted i de Wält, ha gschuftet für vil Gäld.
I flew around in the world and worked my butt off for a lot of money.

Ich bi über Liiche gange, zum meh Erfolg z ha,
I went over dead bodies to have more success,

…  und vo wiit obe-n-abe gheit.
… and I fell down from high above.

Debii ha-n-i gmerkt: So mach-i miich, mini Familie und mini Umwält kaputt.
That’s when I realized: Like that I destroy myself, my family and my environment.

Aber jetz isch mer all das gliich.
But now I don’t care about all this.

Du dänksch miis Läbe het kei Wärt?
You think my life is worthless?

Ich bi e Nichtsnutz und e Schand?
I am good-for-nothing and a disgrace?

Ich bi hüt de Bescht im No-Waste Läbe.
Today I am the best in No-waste-living.

Ich recycle alles, wo-n-i cha.
I recycle everything, what I have.

Wenn i öppis nid bruuch chauf-i s gar nid ersch.
When I don’t need something, I don’t buy it in the first place.

Wenn s chalt isch, ziehn-n-i e Pulli meh aa.
When it’s cold, I just put on one more sweater.

Und im Obdachloseheim hilf i jedem so guet i cha.
And in the homeless shelter I help everyone as good as I can.

Ich ha immer es guets Wort uf de Lippe. 
I always have a good word on my lips.

Und jede Obig schick-i es Danke gäge Himmel.
And every evening I send my thanks towards the sky.

Ich ha durscht, wott öppis zum Trinke chaufe.
I am thirsty, I want to buy something to drink.

De Rescht find-i i diim Güselchübel.
The rest I will find in the garbage:

Es Brot mit samt enere Wurscht.
A bread with a sausage.

Ich bruuche nid vil zum glücklich sii:
I don’t need much to be happy:

Es Bänkli a de Sunne
A bench in the sun

Und vilicht e zwöite, wo so dänkt wie-n-i.
And maybe a second person who thinks like me.

Letschti bi-n-i mit üsere 10jöhrige Tochter is Reschtorant gange.
Recently I went to a restaurant with our 10-year-old daughter.

Das isch üses Gschpröch im Reschtorant:
Here is our conversation in the restaurant:

“Ich möcht s Tagesmönü  und üsi Tochter möchti gärn s Chindermenü.”
I want a  normal meal and our kid wants the kids' menu.
​
De Chällner muschteret üsi Tochter und seit: “Isch si Nüüni?”
Waiter looks at kid  "Is she 9?"

Ich: “Nei, si isch scho Zähni gsi.”
Me: "No, she was already 10."
​

Chällner: “Es tuet mir leid, s Chindermenü isch nur für Chind bis Nüüni.”
Waiter: "Sorry, Kid meal is only for kids up to 9 years old"

 “Ohh, OK. Hend si e-n-alternativs Menü?”
"Ommm, OK. Do you have an alternate meal?"

Chällner: “Nei.”
Waiter: "No."

“Mini Tochter wünscht aber nume s Chinder Chicken Nuggets Menü mit Pommfrit.”
"But my daughter would only like the KIDS Chick Nugget meal with fries.”

Chällner: “S Chindermenü isch nur für Chind bis Nüüni, ohni Uusnahm.”
Waiter: "Kids menu is only for up to 9 years old. No exceptions.

Sie mues öppis anders us em normale Menü wähle.”
She'll have to order something else from the  normal menu."

Ich “Aber si het kei Luscht uf di andere Sache.”
"But you don't have anything that she wants from your normal menu."
​
Chällner: “Es tuet mir würklich Leid, aber do cha-n-i nüüt mache.”
Waiter: "Sorry but I can't do anything."

Wie würdisch du i dere Situation reagiere?
How would you react in this situation?

•  “Ok, denn bitte d Schpaghetti Bolognese für mini Tochter.”
•     “Ok, so the spaghetti Bolognese for my daughter, please.”

•  “Das isch jo de Bescht! Cha-n-i bitte mit em Schef rede?”
•  “That’s unbelievable! Can I speak the boss, please?”

• “Goht s eigentlich no? Wenn ihne d Wünsch vo irne Chunde so gliich sind, denn gö-mer halt a-n-e-n-andere Ort go ässe.”
•  “What’s going on? When you don’t care about the wishes of your clients, we’ll go to another place to eat.”

Useful phrases:

Chasch das säge? s Chuchichäschtli.
Can you say it? “s Chuchichäschtli”.

s Gschirr
Dishes

Versorge
To put away

Chasch das säge? s Chuchichäschtli.
Can you say it? “s Chuchichäschtli”.

Es Chuchichäschtli isch es Chäschtli i de Chuchi, wo mer zum Biischpil Gschirr drin cha versorge.
A kitchen cupboard is a cupboard in the kitchen, where one can put away dishes for example.

Chuchichäschtli isch es Schwiizertütsches Wort, wo schwirig isch zum uusschpräche.
Chuchichäschtli is a Swiss German word, which is hard to pronounce.

Im Chuchichäschtli sind grad drü CH.
In the word Chuchichäschtli there are right three CHs.

Für vil Usländer isch es schwirig, Chuchichäschtli richtig uuszschpräche, wil s so vil Ch im Wort het.
For a lot of foreigners, it is hard to pronounce Chuchichäschlti properli, because it has so many CHs in the word.

D Ch vom Chuchichäschtli chratzed im Hals.
The CHs from Chuchichäschtli scratch in the throat.

Ich bruuche s chliine Chörbli, wo im schreckliche Chuchichäschtli verschteckt isch.
I need the small basket, which is hidden in the awful kitchen cupboard.

Chind Gottes, de Chäs chunt doch nid is Chuchichäschtli, dä chasch i Chüelschrank tue!
Dear child, the cheese doesn’t belong in the kitchen cupboard, you can put that in the fridge!

​Mine Schwoger het alli Chuchichäschtli nöi gmolet und jetz gesehnd si wider uus wie nöi!
My brother in law painted all kitchen cupboards new and now they look like new again.

Chum, mach schnäll, mir chömed süsch z schpot i Chuchisalon.
Come on, hurry, otherwise we will be too late in the kitchen salon.

Du weisch jo: Mir wönd nöii Chuchichäschtli go uussueche!
You know: We want to go and choose new kitchen cupboards!

Ich bi im Oktober elei uf Sardinie gange.
In October I went to Sardinia on my own.

Ich ha lang gwärweist, zwüsche Sardinie und Zypere, aber denn ha-n-i mi für Sardine entschide.
I hesitated long between Sardinia and Cyprus, but then I decided for Sardinia.

Schlussändlich ha-n-i mi für Sardinie entschide, wil s billiger isch gsi.
Finally, I decided for Sardinia, because it was cheaper.

Ich ha vom Mäntig bis am Donnschtig frei gha.
I was off from Monday till Thursday.

Wil s am Mäntig kei diräkte Flug het gha, bi-n-i über Madrid gfloge.
Because there was no direct flight on Monday, I flew through Madrid.

Ich bi füüf Täg lang det gsi.
I was there for five days.

Ich bi go d Schtadt besichtige und a s Meer go bade.
I went sightseeing in the town and swimming in the sea.

Ich ha s italiänische Ässe gnosse.
I have enjoyed Italian food.

D Insle isch sehr interessant gsi.
The island was very interesting.

Es het vil gschichtlichi Orte, Paläscht, Chile, es Kunschtmuseum, es Aquarium, de alti grossi Märt mit vilne früsche Sache usw.

There are a lot of historic sights, palaces, churches, an art museum, an aquarium in the old marketplace with a lot of fresh things and so on.

Ich ha au einigi Lüüt det könneglehrt.
I also got to know some people there.

Ich bi i-mene Airbnb gsi und d Vermieter hend i de Gaschtronomii gschaffet.
I was in an Airbnb and the landlords were working in the gastronomy.

Si hend mir vil Ort empfohle, wo-n-i cha go bsueche.
They recommended me a lot of places which I can go to visit.

D Lüüt det sind sehr eifach im Umgang und interessiert a de Lüüt, wo si chömed cho bsueche.
The people there are very simple in the contact and interested in the people who come to see them.

Si sind sehr härzlich und gaschtfründlich gsi.
They were very affectionate and hospitable.

Di meischte hend i-mene gebrochene Änglisch mit mir gredt.
Most spoke in broken English with me.

Aber mir hend üs guet verschtande.
But we understood each other well.

Mir gfallt di italiänischi Kultur sehr.
I very much like the Italian culture.

Am Morge gönd si zersch is Kafi, bevor si gönd go schaffe.
In the morning they go to the coffee shop first, before they go to work.

Si sind immer am Lache und Rede und Singe und Ässe.
They are always laughing and speaking and singing and eating.

Si gönd vil zäme Uus is Reschtorant und pfleged sich sehr.
They often go together to the restaurant, and they care well for themselves.

Si tünd sich debi sehr schön aazieh.
They do dress beautifully when they go out.

Sogar alti Lüüt gönd zäme i Uusgang und hend de Plausch mitenand.
Even old people go out together and have fun together.

Es isch sehr e gueti Atmosphäre gsi.
It was a very good atmosphere.

Ich bi scho Ändi vo de Säson gange und alli hend mi gfrogt, was ich do mache.
I went at the end of the touristic season, and everybody asked me, what I am doing here.

Zu dere Ziit het s au chli Überschwemmige gha.
At this time there were some floodings too.

Z Majorca isch es denn vil schlimmer gsi, aber z Sardinie zum Glück weniger.
In Majorca, it was much worse then, but in Sardina luckily a little less.

Während enere Nacht het s es Uusgeh verbot gha und mir sind mehreri Schtund zäme im Reschtorant blibe, bevor si wider Entwarnig hend gäh.
During the night there was a ban to go out, and we had to stay together some hours in the restaurant, before they permitted us to leave.

Mir hend aber sehr e gueti Ziit gha zäme und ich ha vil Lüüt könneglehrt.
But we had a perfect time together, and I got to know a lot of people.

Schlussändlich ha-n-i denn z Fuess zu minere Wohnig zrugg chönne, wil si uf em Hügel obe isch gsi.
Finally, I could go home to my apartment on foot, because it was on the hill.

Here is a short story in Swiss German. What would you do in a situation like that? 

Schtell dir vor!
Imagine!

Geschter het mi mine Sohn im Badzimmer iibschlosse!
Yesterday my son locked me into the bathroom!

Er het de Schlüssel vo usse is Schloss gschteckt, wo-n-i am Dusche gsi bi.
He stuck the key from outside into the lock, when I was having a shower.

Denn het er ne dräit und wo-n-i ha wölle use goh, isch d Türe bschlosse gsi.
Then he turned it and when I wanted to go out, the door was closed.

Ich glaub er isch sehr verschrocke debi.
I believe he was very scared.

Dur d Tür ha-n-ich-em denn erklärt, dass er de Schlüssel wider mues i di anderi Richtig dräie.
Through the door, I then explained to him, that he must turn the key in the other direction again.

Aber er het d Närve dezue nümm gha.
But he didn’t have the nerves to do it anymore.

Es isch eifach nümm gange!
It just didn’t work!

Ich ha mir scho vorgschtellt, dass ich de ganz Tag do im Badzimmer iibschlosse bi.
I already imagined that I will be locked up the whole day here in the bathroom.


Denn ersch chunt mine Maa vo de Arbet hei.
Only when my husband comes home from work.

Aber wär würd denn zu miim Sohn luege?
But who would watch my son then?

Er isch jo ersch vieri!
He is only four!

Wär würd denn Zmittag choche?
Who would cook dinner then?

Ich ha mi gfühlt wie-i-n-ere schlächte Kommödie.
I felt like in a bad comedy.

Ich hätt am liebschte di ganz Tür iigschlage.
I could have smashed the whole door.

​

Doch denn ha-n-i mer überleit, dass es besser wär, us em Fenschter z chlättere.
But then I thought, that it might be better, to climb out of the window.

Ich ha also mine Bademantel aazoge und bi us em Badzimmerfenschter usegchlätteret.
So I put on my bathrobe and climbed out of the window of the bathroom.

Ich ha ghofft, dass mi üse Nochber nid gseht.
I was hoping that our neighbor doesn't see me.

Zum Glück isch üses Badzimmer im Parterre … und das het mer kei grösseri Schwirigkeite gmacht.
Luckily our bathroom is on the ground floor … and that didn’t cause me greater difficulties.

Dusse het s grad gschtürmt und de Wind isch mer um d Ohre pfiffe.
Outside it was stormy and the wind whistled around my ears.

Ich ha mine Bademantel änger um mich ume zoge  …. und bi schnäll barfuess um s Huus ume gschprunge.
I wrapped my bathrobe closer around me …. and ran fast with bare feet around the house.

D Iigangstüre isch glücklicherwiis nid bschlosse gsi.
Luckily the front door wasn’t locked.

So ha-n-i mi schnäll i di warmi Schtube chönne rette und mine verwirrti Sohn i d Arme näh.
So I could save myself quickly into the warm living room and take my confused son in my arms.

Ich glaube s nöchschte Mal bschlüss-i s Badzimmer lieber vo inne, wenn i dusche.
I think next time I better close the bathroom door from the inside when I have a shower.

Here is a short, love story in Swiss German. 

nöi
new

de Schtuel
chair

s Bild
picture 

d Lampe
lamp

de Sässel
armchair

d Wanduhr
clock

s Büechergschtell
shelf

s Möbel
furniture 

öppis loswärde
get rid of something

Mir münd das loswärde.
We must get rid of it. 

Conversation 1 

Schätzeli!
Honey!

Jo, Härzchäferli, was wotsch?
Yes, Darling, what do you want?

Ich möcht gärn üses Zimmer nöi iirichte.
I would like to change our room.

Scho wider?
Again? 

Jo. mir bruuched e nöii Lampe.
Yes, we need a new lamp. 

Würklich?
Really?

​Jo, und mir bruuched es nöis Büechergschtell.
Yes, and we need a new shelf.

Do you ski? Do you remember when you stood on your skis for the first time?
I hope it wasn't as dramatic as in this story.

Möchtisch go Schii fahre?
Do you want to go skiing?

Jo, Schii fahre gseht cool uus, aber ...
Yes, skiing looks so cool, but ...

Ok, denn pack dini Sache, mir gönd go Schii miete.
Ok, pack your things, we go to rent skis.

Grossartig! Ich fröie mi scho druf, aber ...
Great! I am looking forward to it, but ...

OBE UF EM BÄRG BI DE SCHWARZE PISCHTE:
​On the top of the mountain,  black slope:

Bisch parat, Schätzeli?
Are you ready, love?

Jo, aber isch Schii fahre schwirig?
Yes, but is skiing difficult?

Nei, mach s eifach so wie-n-ich. Das isch es Chinderschpil.
No, just do as I do. It's easy.

Liebling, wart. Mini Schii fahred mer devo!
Honey, wait. My skis drive off under my feet!

Schätzeli, ich fahre scho wiiter. Du fahrsch so langsam, dass i no verfrüüre. 
Honey, I already go on driving. You're so slow, I'll freeze.

Hilfe! Wart!
Help! Wait!

Du,  ich ha drü Schtund bruucht, bis i wider dunde gsi bi!
You! I needed three hours until I was back down again!

Eis Glück, ha-n-i mi nid meh verletzt!
Luckily I haven't hurt myself more.

Ich ha nur chli Büüle.
​I only have some bruises.

Ich bi so verruckt uf dich!
I am so mad at you!

Aber Schätzeli ... Ich ha dänkt, du möchtisch go Schii fahre.
But honey... I thought you wanted to go skiing.

Das isch nümm wichtig. 
That's not important any more.

Du bisch verantwortigslos und du hesch mi lo sitze! 
You are irresponsible and you left me in the lurch! 

Ich mache Schluss mit dir!
​That's the end of our relationship!

Today we will talk about architecture in Switzerland. How can we preserve our unique culture and heritage? 

D Landschaft vo de Schwiiz isch wunderschön.
Swiss landscape is very beautiful. 

Ich liebe d Natur i de Schwiiz.
I love Swiss nature. 

Ich liebe d Bärge.
I love the mountains. 

Jede hätti gärn siis Eifamiliehuus uf em Land.
Every one would like to have his house in the countryside.

Üsi Bevölkerig wachst schtändig.
Our  population is constantly growing. 

Mir bruuched meh Wohnige.
We need more flats. 

Es git e grossi Nochfrog noch Wohnruum.
There is a huge demands for living space. 

​Mir bruuched aber au meh Erholigsruum.
But we need more recreation areas too. 

Vil Ort verlüüred ire ländlichi Charakter.
Many places lose it's rural character. 

Vil Lüüt hend die Entwicklig nid gärn.
Many people don't like this trend. 

Di traditionellei schwiizer Architektur isch einzigartig.
Traditional Swiss architecture is unique. 

Ich finde si sich sehr schön.
I think it is very beautiful. 

D Schwiizer sind gueti Designer.
Swiss people are very good at designing. 

Doch einigi Lüüt dänked, dass mir d Landschaft z fescht verbaued.
However, some people think we spoil the landscape by building too much.

​

Was dänksch du?
What do you think?

Was dänksch über d schwiizer Landschaft?
What do you think of  Swiss landscape?

Glaubsch du, dass i de Schwiiz z vil bauet wird?
Do you think we build too much in Switzerland?

Bisch du für d Zersideligsiniziative?
​Are you for the initiative against urban sprawl?

Wie würdisch du s Problem mit de grosse Nochfrog noch erforderlichem Wohnruum löse?
How would you solve the problem with the high demand for affordable flats? 

Glaubsch du, dass mir öppis chönd verändere?
Do you think we can change something? 

Sölled mer nur no verdichtet baue?
Shall we only build more dense?

Das Wuchenänd het s vil gschneit.

Es isch s ideale Wätter gsi für so-n-e WHM Kurs.

Mir hend Glück gha, dass es z Zermatt nid gschtürmt het.

Mir sind 15 Lüüt gsi, wo a dem Wuchenänd hend teilgnoh.

Die Wim Hof Methode isch ganz öppis bsunders.

Wo mir im iischalte Fluss sind go bade, hend einigi Lüüt üs aagschproche.

Si hend gfrogt, wiso mir das mached.

Mir hend ine erklärt, dass es sehr gsund isch.

Si hend rächt verschtändnisvoll druf reagiert.

Mir hend über de ganz Tag immer wider die Atemüebige gmacht.

Das isch e wichtige Teil vo de Wim Hof Methode.

Ich cha de Atem öppe e Minute lang aahalte.

Mer tuet immer sehr tüüf iischnuufe und schnuufed wider uus für öppe 40Mal.

Nochhär haltet mer de Aatem aa so lang wie  s goht.

Einisch noch em Uuschnuufe und denn wenn mer wiider iigschnufet het.

S Ganze widerholt mer öppe 4 Mal.

Bim dritte oder vierte Mal bi-n-i meischtens iigschlofe.

Die Atemüebige sind so entschpannend.

Drum ha-n-i s nochhär im Sitze probiert.

Mir hend au es Grät gha, wo de Suurschtoffghalt vom Körper misst.

Mine Suurschtoffghalt isch vil besser worde.

Üse Leiter het gseit, dass er zwöi Mal pro Tag zwöi Rundene Atemüebige macht.

Das längt scho.

Ich dänke, das chönnt-i eigentlich au mache.

Es wär sicher vo Vorteil, wenn i die Gwohnheit würd i mine Alltag iibaue.

Das wär e guete Nöijohrsvorsatz.

Am Sunntig si-mer denn e Schtund lang i churze Hose und T-Shört go laufe.

D Passante hend üs alli komisch aagschtarrt.

Alli sind so warm iipackt gsi mit Winterjagge, Schal, Händsche und Chappe.

Das isch de Höhepunkt vo üsem Kurs gsi und ich ha mi nochhär total guet gfühlt.

Und du?

Hesch Luscht übercho, das au einisch uuszprobiere?

Oder bisch e Gfröörli?

Today we will learn how to say "bicycle" in Swiss German. There are some examples as well. 

Ich tue sehr gärn Velo fahre.
I like to cycle.

Chum mir gönd go Velo fahre!
Come let's go cycling!

Was? Hüt? Bi dem Wätter goh-n-i nid go Velo fahre!
What? Today? With this weather, I don't go cycling!

Aber mir münd no d Summerferie plane.
But we still have to plan the summer holidays.

Wie wär's wenn mer wüded zäme Veloferie  mache?
What about going on cycling holidays together?

Das isch e gueti Idee. 
This is a good idea.

Denn mü-mer aber im Früehlig zum träniere es paar längeri Velotuure mache.
But then we have to go on some longer bike tours to train in springtime.

It is early December, and it is time for St Nicolas. He arrives in Switzerland on 6th December. If you behaved yourself, You can get from St Nicolas different presents like tangerines and gingerbread. St Nicolas is not alone; he's got a helper named Schmutzli. In today's lesson, we will talk about what my students think of him. 

Mini Fründin us de USA dänkt, dass de Schmutzli sehr e kontroversi Figur isch. Einigi Lüüt hend ne gärn, anderi säged, dass er eifach de Hälfer vom Samichlaus isch. Vil Chind hend Angscht oder mindeschtens Reschpäckt vor -em, wil mer ne seit, dass wenn si bös sind, de Schmutzli si i siim Sack i Wald mitnimmt.

Was dänksch du über de Schmutzli?

Git s e vergliichbari Figur i dinere Kultur?

My friend from the US thinks that Schmutzli is a controversial figure. Some people like like him, some people say that he is just a helper of St. Nicolaus. A lot of children are scared of him or at least have respect from him, because people say that if they are naughty, Schmutzli will take them with him in a bag to the forest.

What do you think about Schmutzli?

​Do you have a similar figure in your culture?

In today's lesson we will learn the days of the week. Also, some examples will be included. Listen to the recording and repeat.

​Here is topic based conversation lesson for my students. In this activity, you are free to discuss different options. Just like in a natural conversation the topic and ideas can change from one subject to another. Let the conversation flow. The aim of this lesson is to have a natural conversation in Swiss German. 

Du bisch uf emene Schiff.
You are on a ship.

Es het e Schturm.
There is a storm.

Diis Schiff isch am Sinke.
Your ship is about to sink.

Es isch e Katastrophe!
It's a disaster.

Im Rettigsboot hend nur 6 Lüüt platz.
In the lifeboat there is room for only 6 people.

Wär cha mit dir is Rettigsboot?
Who can come with you to the lifeboat?

​Si cha sehr guet singe.
She can sing very well.

Si singt wunderschön.
She sings beautifully.

Si singt liideschaftlich.
She sings with passion.

Si singt nur für ihn.
She sings only for him.

Er cha ab Blatt schpile.
He can play from the sheet.

Er cha himmlisch improvisiere.
He can improvise heavenly.

Er spilt meischterhaft Klavier.
He plays the piano masterfully.

Er schpilt mit Liib und Seel.
He plays with his heart  and soul.

Er schpilt nur für ihn.
He plays only for him.

Ich lose zue.
I listen.

Iri Musig goht i miis Härz.
Their music goes in my heart.

Ich bi begeischteret.
I am enthusiastic.

Ich tanze.
I dance.

Alli tanzed mit.
All dance along.

Chasch du singe?
Can you sing?

Chasch Gitarre schpile?
Can you play the guitar?

Chasch trumele?
Can you play the drums?

Chasch Giige schpile?
Can you play the violine?

Today we will practice a job interview in Swiss German. Imagine you are applying for a job as a security guard. I am going to choose the best one. In our conversation we will be practicing the following vocabulary: low-key, impressive, trustworthy, inteligent, experienced and suitable. 

Ich goh i-n-es sehr es gföhrlichs Land.
I am going to a very dangerous country. 

Ich ha Angscht.
I'm afraid.

Ich bruuche e Liibwächter zum mi beschütze.
I need a bodyguard to protect me. 

Ich ha drü Kandidate.
I have three candidates. 

De Erscht isch sehr unuffällig.
The first is very low-key.

De Zwöit isch sehr imposant.
The second is very impressive.

De Dritt isch vertrouenswürdig.
The third is trustworthy.

Wele vo ine isch de Bescht?
Which one of them is the best?

Wele vo ine söll i uuswähle? 
Which one of them should I choose?

De unuffälligi und intelligänti?
The low-key and intelligent one?

De imposanti und apathischi?
The impressive and apathetic one?

De vertrouenswürdigi und erfahreni?
The trustworthy and experienced one?

Wär isch am beschte geignet?
Who is the most suitable?

Imagine you are interested in guy from Switzerland, you would like to know what he does or if he is married... 

Wär isch das?
Who is this?

Das isch de Peter.
This is Peter.

Wo läbt er?
Where does he live?

Er läbt z Bärn.
He lives in Bern.

Was macht er?
What does he do?

Er isch Tänzer.
He is a dancer.

Er isch sehr erfolgriich.
He is very successful.

Er isch heiss!
He is hot!

Isch er verhürotet?
Is he married?

Nei, er isch ledig.
No, he is not married.

Aber er het e Fründin.
But he has a girl friend.

Er isch mine Fründ!
He is my boy friend! 

Er isch mine Fründ!
He is my boy friend!

Ich bi hüt gschäftlich z Götheburg, z Schwede.

Hüt am Morge ha-n-i im Hotel es Kafi trunke und bi Züüge vo-n-ere richtige Action-Film-Szene worde.
​

E Dieb het nämlich d Turischte uf em Platz beschtole! 
Er het Läbtop, Uure, Händis Portmonee und Handtäschli lo mitlaufe.

Zum Glück isch er nid sehr diskret gsi. Mer het ne uf früscher Tat ertappt. Einigi Lüüt hend de Dieb sofort verfolgt. 
​

Si hend ne schnäll gfasst gha. Ich ha halb schokiert und halb amüsiert die Szene beobachtet. Denn isch d Polizei cho und het de Täter mitgnoh. Jetz isch er sehr wahrschiinlich scho im Gfängnis.

Today we will learn to ask questions in Swiss German. 

ES VERHÖR
An interrogation

Wo bisch am Samschtigmorge gsi?
Where were you on Saturday morning?

Ich bi im Fitness gsi.
I was at the gym.

Wo sind ir am Mäntignomittag gsi?
Where were you on Monday afternoon?

Mir sind dehei im Bett gläge. Mir sind beidi chrank gsi.
We were laying in bed at home. We were both ill. 

Wo sind Si am Tsiischtigobig gsi?
Where were you on Tuesday evening? 

Mir sind im Büro am Schaffe gsi. 
We were working at the office. 

Mir hend sehr e schtränge Tag gha.
We had a very busy day.

Wo sind Si am Mittwuch gsi?
Where were you on Wednesday?

Ich bi im Zug vo Fribourg uf Bärn gsi.
I was on the train from Fribourg to Bern.

Ich bi nid cho, wil mine Zug Verschpötig gha het.
I didn't come, because my train was late.

Wo sind ir am letschte Donnschtig gsi?
Where were you last Thursday?

Mir hend bim Seppi gjassed. 
We played Swiss bridge at Jo's house.

Das isch es schwiizer Charteschpil.
This is a Swiss card game.

Wo sind ir geschter gsi?
Where were you yesterday?

Mir sind geschter de ganz Tag im Iichaufszentrum gsi.
We were at the mall all day yesterday.

​
Schwiizertütsch im Hotel
At the hotel


Ich möcht gärn es Zimmer mit Sicht uf s Meer.
I would like a room with a sea view.

Mit Sicht uf s Meer?
With a sea view?

Jo, mit Sicht uf s Meer.
Yes, with a sea view.

Si, mir sind do i de Schwiiz.
Sir, we are in Switzerland.

Bi üs git s keis Meer.
There is no sea here. 

Das isch de Nöieburgersee!
This is lake Nochatel.

Ich möcht gärn s Zmorge am zähni.
I would like to have breakfast at 10 am. 

Guet. Das isch notiert!
Good. Noted!

Ich möcht ersch am drü uustschegge.
I would like to check out only at 3 pm. 

Sicher! Das isch keis Problem.
Sure! No problem.

Ich möcht gärn zahle.
I would like to pay. 

Wunderbar.
Wonderful. 

Ich möcht gärn no zwöi Täg do bliibe.
I would like to stay here for 2 more nights.

Schön. 
Nice. 

Ich möcht gärn mit em Mänädscher vo dem Hotel rede.
I would like to talk to the manager of this hotel. 

E Momänt, bitte. Ich hol-ne grad.
A moment, please. I'll get him right away,

Ich möcht gärn miis Ziimer wächsle.
I would like to change my room.

Okej. Wi si wünsched.
OK. As you wish.

Today we will talk about my students. Why do they learn Swiss German? Most of them have lived in Switzerland for a long time and they simply want to integrate better. Listen to the recording. 

Is it worth learning Swiss German or standard German would be enough?

Wohär chömed mini Schtudänte?
Where do my students come from?

Mini Schtudänte sind Mönsche vo de ganze Wält, aber di Meischte vo ine läbed und schaffed i de Schwiiz.
My students are people from all over the world, but most of them live and work in Switzerland.

Es het aber au Partner vo Uslandschwiizer, oder Lüüt, wo vo Schwiizer abschtammed, drunder.
But there are as well partners from Swiss people living abroad, or people with a Swiss family background.

Ich ha Schtudänte us Nordamerika (de USA und Kanada), Südamerika (Brasilie), Asie (Indie, Sri Lanka, Türkei, Indonesie, Singapur und Nöi Seeland), Auschtralie und natürlich au us Öiropa (us Schpanie, Gross Britanie, Irland, Frankriich, Dütschland, Dänemark Italie, Slowenie, Ungarn, Pole, Russland und de Weschtschwiiz) gha.

I had students from North America (the USA and Canada) .South America (Brasil), Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand) and Australia and of course from Europe (Spain, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Danmark, Italy, Slowenia, Hungary, Poland, Russia and western Switzerland).

Werum leered si Schwiizertütsch?
Why do they learn Swiss German?

Hauptsächlich leered si Schwiizertütsch, wil si sich besser möchted integriere, sig s mit de Kollege vo de Arbet oder de Nochbere und Fründe.
Mainly because they want to integrate with the Swiss, with their colleagues from work or the neighbors and friends. 

Vilicht sind si au grad dra e schwiizer Pass z beaaträge, oder si hend e schwiizer Partner/i oder schtammed vo Schwiizer ab.
Maybe they are about to get Swiss Citicenship, they have a Swiss Partner or Swiss family background.

Mer cha ohni Problem i de Schwiiz Hochdütsch rede, aber Schwiizertütsch isch d Härzens-Schproch und es wird sehr gschätzt, wenn sich öpper d Müeh macht, Schwiizertütsch z leere.
You will get around talking to the people in Standard German, but Swiss German is the language of the heart and it’s highly appreciated when someone makes the effort to learn it.

Es isch au wichtig mindeschtens Schwiizertütsch z verschtoh, wenn mer mit enere Gruppe vo Schwiizer möcht interagiere.
It is also important to understand Swiss German when you want to interact in a group of Swiss people.

Wie underrichted mir Schwiizertütsch?
How do we teach Swiss German?

D Konversation und s Hörverschtändnis sind di beide wichtigschte Ziil, wil Schwiizertütsch hauptsächlich e mündlichi Schproch isch und nur sehr sälte gschribe wird.
Conversation and Listening comprehension are the two main focuses since it is mainly a spoken language.

Mir reded über Themene, wo für d Schtudänte i irem Läbe relevant sind.
We cover topics which are relevant to the learners life.

Während dem mache-mer Notize und schaffed am Wortschatz oder mached Uufnahme für de wiiteri Leerprozäss.
In doing so we take notes, work on vocabulary and create recordings for the further learning process.

Mues i zersch Hochdütsch leere?
Do I have to learn German first?

Mir empfähled allne, dass si mindeschtens es Grund-Verschtändnis vo Hochdütsch hend. Hochdütsch wird i de Schwiiz gschribe und i offizielle Mitteilige wie zum Biischpil de Vercheersmäldige, de Nochrichte oder i de Politik bruucht. 

We recommend having at least a basic understanding of German first. German is the written language and the one which is used in official communications like traffic-reports, news, politics and so on.

Hochdütsch eröffnet eim au de Zuegang zu vil meh Lüüt, wo das reded. 
By knowing Standard German you get access to a lot more people who speak it. 

Mer cha denn au mit Dütsche und Öschtriicher und anderne Lüüt, wo Hochdütsch gleert hend, rede. 
You can also talk to Germans and Austrians and other people who learned that language.

Und mer cha d Presse und Büecher uf Dütsch läse, drunder au Büecher vo schwiizer Schriftschteller.
And you can read the press and books in German, which means as well books from Swiss writers.

Wenn underrichte-mer Schwiizertütsch?
When do we have Swiss German lessons? 

Ei Lektion duured 45 Minute. Wenn Si möchted e Lektion bueche, denn kontaktiered Si mich und mir versueched e Termin z finde, wo üs beidne passt.
One lesson lasts 45 min. In order to book a lesson just get in touch with me and we try to figure out a time which suits us both. 

Am Wuchenänd oder au am Tsiischtig und Friitig Nomittag ha-n-i Familieziit
I don’t work the weekends nor Tuesday and Friday afternoons.