Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to Switzerland

Dialect struggles nobody talks about Swiss German is a spoken language first and foremost, shaped by dialect and regional differences. From the absence of autocorrect to the liberal sprinkling of diminutives, communicating in Swiss German comes with some hard struggles that need talking about, gäll? Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:27 - Listener feedback 04:30 - Topic of the day: The unspoken Swiss German troubles 14:19 - Swiss bytes: The DOGG on a ‘Füdlerutscher’ 16:12 - Learning Swiss German: Grüppelä 19:34 - Listener poll ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Switzerland's handcrafted delights for children In this episode we talk about some traditional Swiss toys that are not only fun to play with, but have also withstood the scrutiny of different generations of children and even make great souvenirs. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:22 - Listener messages 08:24 - Traditional Swiss toys: Toy bob Bum sledge Cow Cable car 15:36 - Swiss bytes: Find people with the same name in Switzerland 19:01 - Learning Swiss German: Chrüsimüsi 21:24 - Listener poll ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

The unspoken rule of giving a tour of your home when guests come over When guests visit where you live in Switzerland, the host almost always offers them a look around. In this episode, we talk about this unspoken rule in Switzerland and why it led to some confusion in our home. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:22 - Listener messages 08:24 - What to do if you have visitors over for the first time Guest slippers 15:36 - Swiss bytes: Snacketti Aromat Zweifel Chips 19:01 - Learning Swiss German: äs het solangs het der schnäller isch der gschwinder 21:24 - Listener poll Our episode where we talk about Aromat: Six things you’ll find in a Swiss kitchen (and what’s missing!) ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Switzerland's weekend mountain ritual Why do the Swiss regularly abandon foggy cities for the mountains? That’s the question we get into in this episode. Beyond this beloved autumn and winter weekend pastime, we take a look at your messages, our latest poll results, Swiss bytes, and we even pack in a fresh “Learning Swiss German” segment. We’d love to hear from you! Send your feedback, questions, or voice messages to hello@swissandchips.com . Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:34 - Listener messages How to find a job in Switzerland as an expat Find us on Instagram ( Swiss and Chips , Jo , Simon ) or Bluesky Jo and Simon 07:54 - Why do Swiss locals go to the mountains when the weather is gray Apfelfunk (a Swiss and German podcast about Apple) 13:15 - Listener poll: For how long would you travel to see the sun? 15:32 - Swiss bytes: Swiss Podcast Network Swiss Podcasts in English from Swissinfo 17:20 - Learning Swiss German: “Rumpelsurig” ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

What acceptance looks like amongst the Swiss Moving to Switzerland as an expat is definitely challenging and it can feel hard to be accepted. But what does being accepted really mean anyway? In this very personal episode, Jo talks about what fitting in means to her and we discuss integration from a very Swiss perspective, including their ongoing interest in expats. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:32 - Listener Feedback The Ministry for the Future 09:01 - Do you feel accepted as an expat in Switzerland? 19:13 - Swiss bytes: Expat Series Part 1 (the recruiting) Part 2 (two portraits) Part 3 (finding a place to stay) Part 4 (the integration) 20:40 - Learning Swiss German: Glüschtelä 24:43 - Listener poll: Which is your favourite season of the year ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

In this episode of Swiss and Chips - Your British Guide to Switzerland, it's all about our listeners’ voices. We asked what annoys you about Switzerland or what you would change, and you replied! From the pain of exchange rates to supermarket stress (again), Mexican food and laundry room drama (again). Also, don’t forget to vote in our listener poll. Feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Drop us a line to hello@swissandchips.com ! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - Listener Feedback Muottas Muragl funicular 05:32 - The one thing to change in Switzerland 11:35 - Swiss bytes: Do you feel accepted as a non-EU immigrant? 13:46 - Learning Swiss German: Gutsch 18:07 - Listener poll: Do you feel accepted as an immigrant in Switzerland? ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

There is no listener poll this week, but a listener survey: What's the one thing you would change about Switzerland if you could? Send us an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com . Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Listener Feedback Niesenbahn, the longest stairs in the world Marzili-Bahn, the shortest one in Switzerland 08:32 - 1st August badge 2025 1.-August-Abzeichen 2025 Swiss bytes: Send us your suggestion to hello@swissandchips.com 15:49 - Learning Swiss German: Tönder (or Thunder ) 19:38 - Listener survey: Send us the one thing you would change about Switzerland as an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com . ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

There is no listener poll this week, but a listener survey: What's the one thing you would change about Switzerland if you could? Send us an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com . Notes on this episode 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Listener Feedback 09:40 - Coming to a restaurant, be ready to order 16:20 - Swiss bytes: As an expat, if you could change only one thing about Switzerland ( Reddit ) 21:37 - Learning Swiss German: Gaffi Crème (or Thé Crème) 25:27 - Listener survey: Send us the one thing you would change about Switzerland as an audio or text message to +41 76 282 67 66 or to hello@swissandchips.com ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Let the sunshine (and fresh air) in! In this episode we talk about the Swiss ritual that plays out daily in homes, offices, and schools across the country: Lüften . It’s the practice of throwing windows open wide and letting fresh air circulate through rooms and buildings. But why is Lüften so important to the Swiss mindset? As always, we’ll give you some insights, but mostly personal experiences of living with the fresh air in Switzerland. 00:00 - Intro 01:50 - Listener Feedback 07:08 - To lüft or not to lüft "Korrektes Lüften" BAG Differences between summer and winter Swiss lüfting "rules" 15:26 - Swiss bytes Federal Statistical Office 17:36 - Learning Swiss German: Dürzug 20:22 - Listener poll ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Not everything is as glossy as it seems Many thanks to all the listeners who reach out to us! Today’s episode is for you. If you have questions or thoughts you want to share with us and the other listeners, let us know ! In this episode, we talk specifically about Jonathan’s feedback and his experiences of visiting Switzerland. It inspired us to talk about some other surprises and controversial aspects of ordinary life in Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Introduction to this episode 00:58 - Listener feedback 02:12 - Swiss Controversies 14:55 - Swiss Bytes: Ali on Switzerland 17:25 - Learning Swiss German: “Bodäsuri” 20:00 - Listener poll ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

A journey to Fahy and the history of Tête de Moine cheese. In today’s episode of Swiss and Chips , we’re taking you on a journey across the Swiss-French border on foot! Join us as we explore the charming town of Fahy, visit the House of the Tête de Moine cheese, and dive into the history behind this delicious Swiss cheese. We’ll also share our experience of crossing the border and why many people shop across it. Tune in for an adventure filled with cheese, culture, and travel insights! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 00:41 - Listener Feedback 05:35 - Walking to France Tête de Moine Fahy Chees grating (video) 13:49 - Learning Swiss German: Vögeliwohl 14:55 - Listener poll ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Tips, passes, and resort advice for newbies on the pistes In today’s episode of Swiss and Chips, we’re talking about how to enjoy a ski day when you’re ready to move beyond your first slope but you’re not ready to hit a “red” yet. We discuss some basics, like choosing the right ski pass or picking a resort, and skiing etiquette. But mainly Jo shares her personal experience. 00:00 - Introduction to this episode 01:26 - Listener feedback 03:08 - Swiss Bytes: Alertswiss 05:04 - Skiing in Switzerland: going beyond the bunny slopes Different passes and costs Renting vs. buying ski equipment Beginner-friendly resorts? Family-friendly? Big or small regions? Ski etiquette 19:49 - Learning Swiss German: “Spitzcheeri” Kick turn Didier Cuche’s ski flip 22:23 - Listener poll ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

It’s been a while, but we’re back - and we’re diving straight into a topic that’s Swiss and surprisingly sensitive: the (unspoken) rules of the shared washing room. We’ll share some personal stories of washing room drama and tell you what you need to know when searching for a new flat. 00:00 - Intro 02:42 - Swiss Bytes Most popular Swiss songs in the 1980's Cow song: Link to the cow video 06:27 - The curse of the washing room in apartment buildings 18:47 - Learning Swiss German: Töggelä 20:46 - Listener poll ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

“Especially in times of the pluralisation of lifestyles, there is a need to know how things should be done correctly. Because manners provide security in how to shape interactions positively. They simplify interactions and prevent misunderstandings.” This is a quote from the ‘Swiss Knigge’, a book about good manners and behaviour in Switzerland. Though often associated with formal manners, Knigge in Switzerland has evolved to cover modern-day needs, while retaining its core values of explaining respect and politeness. In this episode, we give you an overview of the book’s chapters, talk about how it can be useful for expats in Switzerland and go through a few of the guide’s most interesting bits. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland 00:00 - Intro 02:00 - Listener Feedback 03:08 - Swiss Bytes: Swiss SBB clock turns 80 05:23 - The Swiss Knigge as a book and ebook 29:58 - Listener give-away: Send us your message! 32:20 - Learning Swiss German: äs herbschtelet 33:03 - Listener poll ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Let's dive into another episode about Swiss German through the lens of the traditional Swiss radio game ‘ABC SRF 3’. We' haven’t laughed so much in an episode yet; we’ll let you decide if that’s a good thing. And we introduce two new segments. First, we address user questions and feedback, featuring Cathy, who proudly participates in Swiss traditions. Second, get ready for the brand new "Swiss Bites" (with a must-hear sound effect) and our listener poll. 00:00 - Intro 01:53 - Listener Feedback 04:06 - Swiss Bytes How to say things in different situations by region That is what they sound like 06:22 - Learning Swiss German Swiss German episodes on Swiss and Chips Official page of ABCSRF3 with links to the game “ Scherenschnitt ” or traditional paper cutting 19:34 - Listener poll: Vote here! ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Swiss National Day is coming up! Let’s talk about what happens on the big day and what it means to the Swiss. We’ll help you figure out how to mark the occasion even if you haven’t been in Switzerland for long. We also have some new features in our podcast for you: “Swiss bytes”, listener feedback and our survey. 00:00 - Intro 01:58 - Listener Feedback 03:14 - Swiss Bytes US Marine reacts to Why the Swiss love their Guns (more than Americans) Another interesting Video about Why Switzerland has 370 000 bunkers Da chönt ja jedä cho 07:09 - Learning Swiss German Da chönt ja jedä cho 10:32 - 1st August: What to buy and what to do 16:05 - Listener Survey Fun with Flags ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

How do you cope with the chaos, confusion, and frequent frustration of queuing in Switzerland? In this episode, we explore Swiss queuing culture and share our experiences and advice on how to survive and possibly thrive in the chaotic queuing land of the Alps. We have some horror stories to share that you might be able to identify with. Whether you’re a newcomer, a visitor, or a long-time resident, we hope this episode will help you to navigate Swiss queueing protocol, or at the very least, give you a laugh. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Suzi LeVine complaining about queuing in Adelboden. A discussion on Reddit about Swiss queuing culture and even if it exists at all. Learning Swiss German Hundsverlochete ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Switzerland, a country known for its linguistic diversity, is home to the unique dialect of Swiss German. It has many variations around the country, with words, sounds and phrases changing by city or valley. Here, we dive into a very specific topic of Swiss German - the use of nicknames. In this episode of ‘Decoding Swiss German Nicknames’, we aim to unravel the meanings, origins, and usage of nicknames. Let’s decode together! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland User feedback Swiss dialects / Swiss nicknames Learning Swiss German The Instagram video. Grübschi: Apple or pear core Mürggel: The end bit of a loaf of bread Rittigampfi: A swing Fööf: Five Küdder: Rubbish or bin Gluggsi: Hiccup Gagel: Poo ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

Discovering animal sounds in Swiss German: A fun exploration at the Dählhölzli Petting Zoo Come with us on a stroll through the famous Dählhölzli petting zoo in Bern where we talk about the different animal noises in English and Swiss German . A special welcome and thanks to all our super early subscribers: Samir, Julian, Nuclei, Alicia, Nicholas, Joee and many more - we really appreciate the early support! And Krissy! She was the first to comment in the subscriber chat about what advice she’d give anyone planning to move to Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Why ducks say "quack-quack" in English but "ga-ga" in Japanese. By Quick and dirty tipps Bee, bird, cockerel, owl, horse, frog, sheep, cuckoo, dog John’s explanation of what a Bünzli is Learning Swiss German Liiri, Liiri-Bänz, Gritti-Bänz ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe

The experience of going to see a film in Switzerland has some quirks. The first question you’re probably going to ask yourself when trying to catch a new release is what language it’s going to be shown in and secondly, how much the pleasure is going to set you back. In this episode, we talk about which kind of cinema typically shows films in which languages, how dubbing or subtitles come into play, the financial consequences of a cinema trip in Switzerland and where to find out what’s on. We also explain why we moved the Swiss and Chips community to Substack, a place where we want to hear from you and get to know you better. All our content and community chat on Substack is free. On Substack, you can directly subscribe to the episodes and additional content via email , be part of the subscriber chat , give direct feedback on the episode articles and have your say in polls. This is what happens if you get in touch with us We read all comments, emails and chat replies carefully, as we really want to hear from you. Often these conversations make our day and are why we’re doing what we’re doing. Other community members can join the discussion, give advice or get help. All of this will directly influence the show and upcoming topics. At this point, many thanks to our first new subscribers on Substack 🥳 and a special welcome to Amritam, Jane and Krissy 👋 Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Why we moved from Facebook to Substack An app to look up films playing at the cinema: Cineman Learning Swiss German Swiss words we explain in this episode: “Schärmä”, not to be confused with “Schirm” (umbrella) or being “ andercover ”. And as a bonus, a more cinema-related word: “Küder”. ... Don’t forget to send us your feedback, questions or topic suggestions: Write us an email to hello@swissandchips.com , a text message or a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66. Subscribe to the free newsletter ... Subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , YouTube Music Other ways to subscribe