Essential Swiss-German Phrases for a Merry Christmas Celebration
Swiss-German Holiday Cheer: A Unique Tone for Christmas
Christmas celebrations in Switzerland's French and Italian-speaking regions largely mirror those in their neighboring countries, with familiar expressions like Joyeux Noël et Bonne Nouvelle Année and Buon Natale e Buon Anno. But, if you venture into Switzerland's Swiss-German regions, you'll discover a whole new world of holiday spirit.
Is It German? Nah, Not Quite
While understanding standard German helps, most locals might not readily admit it. Swiss people generally grasp German better than the reverse, making Swiss-German appear as a separate language to many German arrivals. But is it?
Swiss-German vs German: A Language Divide
Let's compare Christmas expressions to get a feel for the differences:
Merry Christmas in standard German: Frohe Weihnachten
Merry Christmas in Swiss-German: Schöni Wiehnacht
Happy Holidays in German: Schöne Feiertage, in Swiss-German, Schöni Festtage
Christmas tree: Weihnachtsbaum in Germany, versus the Swiss-German version: Wiehnachtsbuum
Christmas presents are Geschenke in standard German and Geschenkli in Swiss-German
Santa Claus: Weihnachtsmann in Germany, but in Swiss-German regions, he morphs into Samichlaus
Musical Delights: Traditional Christmas Carols
One thing that isn't lost in translation is Christmas carols. While the German version is Weihnachtslied, the Swiss-German variant is Wiehnachtsliedeli. And if you'd like to hear what a traditional Swiss-German carol sounds like, you can listen to it here.
A Tongue Twister for the New Year
Wishing someone a Happy New Year in Germany is straightforward: Frohes Neues Jahr. In Swiss-German, however, it becomes a bit of a tongue twister: E guets Nöis! or Gleckliches Nejohr!.
Is It Better to Learn Hochdeutsch or Swiss German?
If you're planning to learn German and are curious whether Hochdeutsch or Swiss German is the better choice, check out our article on the subject. Whatever you choose, a merry Schöni Wiehnacht and E guets Nöis! to you all!
In Swiss-German regions, Christmas presents are referred to as Geschenkli, not Geschenke. Additionally, while traditional Christmas carols are referred to as Weihnachtslied in standard German, in Swiss-German, they are called Wiehnachtsliedeli.
