Youll learn that French spoken in the Jura region is quite different from that spoken in Geneva. In Switzerland, multilingualism is the daily norm. Hes walking all sideways! Click on the link for more information and to participate in the survey. Lets just say it doesnt make any more sense than the standard French expression faire le poirier (lit. Cuissettes cover cuisses (thighs), which makes sense. No matter where you are in the German-speaking world, who you are talking to and what time of day it is learn the most suitable German greeting for your needs. When you are hanging out with some friends and are starting to get hungry, use this phrase to let them know - it's time to pick a place to eat. Maybe the influence of the methodical German-speaking Swiss had something to do with this? As a general rule, the more formal the occasion is, the greater the likelihood that the communication will be carried out in Standard German, especially if non-Swiss German speakers are within earshot. (Thank you for such a nice welcome, well be back! Youll do me a favor and mop the floor!). Le cheni in Switzerland is a mess or disorder. Considering how small it is, Switzerland boasts a large variety of languages. However, the number 80 varies; in some parts of Switzerland, French speakers say, You know how in the old days some people used to say , instead of dinner? For anyone who has learned and relearned the French number system, I present your saving grace: Swiss French numbers! 4. If youre looking for more context about Switzerland and Swiss French, pick up this book. French slang in text messages tends to be universal, not regional. Its sticky!). There is one noticeable difference - Swiss-French speakers tend to talk slower than their counterparts in France, giving a more relaxed tonality. Each of Switzerlands main languages German, French and Italian are shared with a larger and more influential neighbour. swish n. This common, catch-all expression is used in the sense of, What happens to people who spend all day cleaning the house from top to bottom with a, You might be able to easily guess the meaning of this typically Swiss expression. But still, practice your math, okay? 16 Slangs in French You Need to Know. Oui, un vrai bobet ! +41 78 949 03 53. But its not just in the written word that you find Hochdeutsch in Switzerland. - Expressions images suisses (TV5 MONDE) +1 917-675-6191, Coucou Los Angeles Mail in French is rather confusing because it actually is slang for un email, not postal mail. But you can also find multilingualism in the smallest areas of daily life, such as when I entered a supermarket outside of Zurich only to be greeted by signs warning me in German, French and Italian that all shoplifters will be prosecuted. Swiss German kids are rebelling against this orthodoxy, however, and attempts at transcribing Swiss German dialects into written forms are becoming increasingly popular in informal situations, such as Whatsapp and Facebook. Unless they sneeze right in front of you, that is. FluentU brings French to life with real-world videos. Now I have a blister on my foot!). Le cheval ragit instantanment lorsqu'il entendit le sifflement du fouet. Example: Encore un qui a forc sur labricotine* ! Sencoubler This is a fun Swiss verb that means to trip. Because French has spread across five continents, it has evolved in many surprising and exciting ways. 4. This film is another from Tanner. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. You might be able to easily guess the meaning of this typically Swiss expression. Switzerland is a curious country with four national languages, one of them being Swiss-German ( Schwiizerdtsch ), which is considerably different from High German (or Hochdeutsch ). Daron: slang for dad. The Romands decided to simplify these words from their original French versions: soixante-dix, quatre-vingt, and quatre-vingt-dix, which literally translate to sixty-ten, four twenties and four twenties-ten. QQ as in " quelqu'un " or "somebody". Swiss German or Schwyzerdtsch as its called by locals, is a collection of Alemannic dialects no longer spoken in Germany or Austria. Yes, I would like to be contacted about special events, newsletters and program information. Trop cool, non ? The Swiss French numbering system is different to that of original French, with Swiss French using the words septante (seventy), huitante (eighty) and nonante (ninety). In the political dimension, the phrase is often used to argue that, in order to implement a beneficial measure be it more reliable public transport or energy rebates a less desired consequence, such as raising taxes, will be part of the deal. As anyone who has tried to learn French will tell you, the numbering system is particularly difficult especially when you get in the double figures. How Many People Speak French in Switzerland Today? In fact, when you look at it, pote looks quite a bit like pout., Example: Je lui ai gentiment demand de ranger son cheni, et maintenant il fait la pote ! Privacy Before 2002, the French currency was francs. And heres the really confusing part: the French call lunch le djeuner and breakfast le petit djeuner, whereas the Swiss call lunch le dner and breakfast le djeuner! In other countries, dialects are often looked down upon and even discouraged, but in Switzerland these dialects are cherished and promoted, with their use being found across all levels of society. Want to see French speakers try (and often fail hilariously) to imitate Swiss accents? When you go for a walk on the other side of the border, you get an ampoule or a cloque, all of which hurt as much as any other blister. /. After a long walk around Lake Geneva, its not uncommon to get home with a. binouse/binouze - beer. Swiss German or Schwyzerdtsch as it's called by locals, is a collection of Alemannic dialects no longer spoken in Germany or Austria. But if you want to take your French learning to the next level, consider learning French slang phrases. But now you can breathe a sigh of relief: its much easier to master Swiss-French numbers! This free PDF contains more than 30 typical Swiss-French words and expressions, along with their French counterparts and English translations. Abeleere! Why Cant I Learn French? Or, they may not mean what you think they might: Prservatifs: No, these are not artificial food additives (conservateurs), but condoms. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you The phrase literally translates as to take something in the purchase. Sprung ide Schssle ** - There's a crack in your bowl. Other famous Swiss people include Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Blaise Cendrars, Henri Ds, Patrick Juvet, Vincent Prez, Zep, Ferdinand de Saussure, Albert Cohen, and William Tell. If you like a French mec or meuf, you can express your feelings with Jte kiffe (slang phrase for I like you). Example: Merci pour la qualit de votre accueil, nous reviendrons ! Unsurprisingly, with only 37,000 speakers, this language is often overlooked by international travelers to Switzerland. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Other words and expressions mentioned in the reader survey were: carnotzet (a small bar), bonap (Bon apptit enjoy your meal), si jamais, (if ever), vlo (bicycle), ouais (slangy oui yes), and tout de bon (all the best). Schmir (Policeman / Cop) 8. (a va pas la tte? Swiss French is really not terribly different from French (Standard). If youre a fan of architecture, youre probably familiar with one of Frances most famous architects: Le Corbusier. How To Get In (And Out) Of A Parisian Brothel. Here are some other essential Swiss-French terms to know: a joue This is the Swiss equivalent of the French phrases a marche, cest bon and a va. Basically it means that alls going well. Example: Je ne sais pas faire la pice droite, je tombe toujours. You also might hear a slightly altered version: tre charg pour Soleure. la@coucoufrenchclasses.com Now hes drunk!), *apricot brandy from the canton of Valais. And, finally, theres a special term for words that only, . Preparing for a French trip? An abbreviated way to say accroch (hooked or caught), especially when youre talking about clothes that get caught on something. But the language is a recognized official language in the south-eastern canton of Grisons, where is it used as a medium of governance and education, while also enjoying a healthy existence as a community language. Originally from Minnesota, Heddi is based in the Suisse Romande. a faisait longtemps ! There is a stronger distinction between long and short vowels in Switzerland: Long vowels are allowed in closed syllables, even at the end of a word: Speakers also won't differentiate masculine from feminine adjectives phonetically, including in final closed syllables, although the spelling only partially bears out this occurrence, e.g. One of the most famous Swiss-French words is natel, which means cellphone. can take anywhere. And in western Switzerland, particularly the Geneva region, youll find French speakers, who might also speak one of Switzerlands specific dialects, like Franc Comtois. In south-eastern Switzerland (famous for its lakes), youll find Italian speakers. Crazy person/you're crazy: De ht en egge ab *** - He'smissing a corner. Frnkli (A Swiss franc) 10. But dont expect to be invited to play cards. events & special offers, 2023 Coucou French Classes. Are you itchy or what?). Avale mes couilles. Swiss German is a group of varied German dialects, spoken from behind the Rostigraben in Switzerland. canon - beautiful. Langrtistrasse 1A, 8635 Drnten In 1975, a Swiss company introduced a series of mobile car phones called , efonnetz, abbreviated Natel. Although this expression is not really used anymore and now a little clich, many others words are unique to Swiss-French. Much like its world-famous pocket knives, Switzerland feels like a country made up of varying parts, where four different languages are granted the cultural, political and social room to flourish with minimal interference from the state or from the other language communities. Although local dialects exist here, such as Ticinese and other Lombard-influenced dialects, the Italian spoken in Switzerland is very similar to Standard Italian, with the only major differences coming via loanwords from German and French. Va te faire voir 16. NY I also learned Swiss-French has its own words for some common household linens: panosse (floor cloth), lavette (face cloth), linge de cuisine (dish towel) and linge de bain (bath towel). The French Internet language has mdr (mort de rire) and ptdr (pt de rire), respectively. More than anything it is an accent with a bit of vocab. Did you know that around two million people in Switzerland are French speakers? In Belgium and Switzerland, French speakers say, . Like les belges et les qubcois, les suisses pronounce certain vowels very differently than les franais. In Swiss French, as opposed to the French of France, words for seventy, eighty and ninety are similar in construction to the ones used for thirty up to sixty. ), Tch bonne: Have a good day /evening (bonne journe /soire), Lolette: a pacifier for babies (ttine in France). But regardless of the area of Switzerland you find yourself in, you wont have to look too hard to find examples of the countrys multilingual identity. While sant sounds like cheers in standard French, this is not exactly something you wish to an abricotine drinker before taking a sip. Balle. Example: Jai trop march, jai une gonfle au pied maintenant ! Here is a few reasons why: French pronunciation can be challenging, and even more so with street language or colloquialisms. From French text slang to French slang for cool, youll be sure to impress. Five Swiss German phrases to make you sound like a local, Reader tips: How to reduce your climate impact as an international resident, Foreigners in Sweden share their stories of family reunions after pandemic separation. Huitante is only heard in Vaud, Valais and Fribourg. As for the language regions. Sure, its useful to know the basics like the French alphabet or how to say hello in French. | In 2020, around 2 million people in the country spoke French as their primary language, as 22% of the population, and French was the most frequently used language in the economy, as 28% of the labour market.[1]. Example: Quest-ce que tas fait ta jaquette ? This contrasts with the differences between Standard German and Swiss German, which are largely mutually unintelligible. Just like the Saxons twisted Norman words they found hard and which later became English words (like" charpentier = carpenter, or boeuf = beef, or 'plombier' = 'plumber', etc). (Its a mess here! The site featuresshort video clips as well as news articles, and you shouldnt be surprised to see that the Swiss are quite attentive to world news. All Your Questions About French, Answered! Discover our twenty favorite Helvetisms, because learning these Swiss French phrases will let you melt (like gruyre) into the landscape of Switzerland! Check out 2022s latest French series, and the new ones coming in 2023! As any student whos studying French knows, mastering the unique (and utterly annoying) French number system can be a challenge. @coucoufrenchclasses Or even more than one. Zucchinis were already mentioned. Nd all Tassli im Schrank ** - Not all cups in your cupboard. The water suddenly came out the faucet with a swish. It is Swiss French, but in plain English, it means "Would you like a bag?". (What a day, I cant do any more! And check out this TV5Monde page which includes cute illustrations of common Swiss phrases like donner un coup de panosse (mop the floor). "Rclame" is an older disused word for advertising in French. Moreover, as there is no universal written form of the various Swiss German dialects, all laws, books, newspapers and other forms of written communication are written in Standard German. It gets even more confusing when you throw in the various dialects, such as Franc Comtois, a French dialect spoken in Switzerland's Jura and Bern cantons; and Swiss German, which is learned at . are pronounced the same way in France. This is one of the most common German language idioms, which pops up just as frequently in colloquial chats as in political debates and news broadcasts across the German-speaking world. Switzerland: the chocolate, the cheese, the cows, the mountains and the multilingualism. So, if you're crossing the Rstigraben and want to merge with the locals, learn these phrases. Grezi This is by far the best thing about Swiss French, and also rather symbolic of how Swiss French differs from standard French its simpler. Add in regional differences, such as Qubcois or Swiss-French, and it's even trickier. Unfortunately, her videos are only available with French subtitles. The crew on the boats shipping the wine sometimes took some for themselves. Keep on the lookout for Anglicisms as well. The author elaborates on Switzerlands role in major conflicts, the European economy and social/cultural progress. - Le Parlomtre romand (RTS). For example, some German terms in regions bordering German-speaking communities are completely unused in the area around Geneva, a city by France's border with Switzerland. In the western part of the country, its French that prevails. For the most part, the French version incorporates commonly-used French, of course with specifics about how the book publishing process works. New York, Actually, what differentiates the Swiss accent is its emphasis on penultimate syllables. So take it from me, if you speak standard German then you will have a hard time understanding Swiss German! This Swiss French phrase will make your head spin. 9. French slang French pronunciation can be challenging, and even more so with "street" language or colloquialisms. Filmed in Geneva, this movie follows the lives of several characters that are affected by the social and political tumult and protests of May 1968 in France, when occupation of universities and factories brought the French economy to a halt and society to the brink of civil war. French Swear Word. Standard German is also preferred as a spoken means of communication in more formal occasions when the need for universal comprehension is greater, such as in parliamentary discussions, news broadcasts, public transportation announcements and educational settings. For our French Around the World Series, were highlighting different variations of French so that you can enrich your vocabulary and impress francophones with your in-depth knowledge of their culture! In 1975, a Swiss company introduced a series of mobile car phones called Nationales Auto-TELefonnetz, abbreviated Natel. Although this expression is not really used anymore and now a little clich, many others words are unique to Swiss-French. In fact, the Swiss have turned their multilingual identity into one of their greatest natural resources. (Drink up!) In fact, the differences that do exist are often quite pleasant for foreigners to come across. We will be cold if we don't turn the heater on. With 273 phrases and words under your belt, you are au taquet to fit in among French speakers! Download our free guide to French slang! This page was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 12:32. Not consenting or withdrawing consent may adversely affect certain features and functions. Except for some specific words and expressions, people in France understand their counterparts in Romandie much easier than is the case between Germans and Swiss-Germans. Geneva, Vaud, Jura and Neuchtel speak only French, while Valais and Fribourg speak predominantly French but also German. But, many people use balle to refer to money, like buck. Terms & Conditions "J'ai un petit creux," doesn't mean you are so hungry you could eat a horse. Because French has spread across five continents, it has evolved in many surprising exciting! To master Swiss-French numbers to merge with the locals, learn these phrases literally translates as to something! A Parisian Brothel process works cheni in Switzerland is a collection of Alemannic no. Money, like buck et les qubcois, les suisses pronounce certain vowels very differently les... Crossing the Rstigraben and want to merge with the differences between standard German then you will have a on... Spoken from behind the Rostigraben in Switzerland is a group of varied German dialects spoken... Speak standard German then you will have a hard time understanding Swiss German, French and Italian shared... '' is an older disused word for advertising in French slang for cool, youll Italian. To trip a large variety of languages out the faucet with a bit of vocab incorporates commonly-used French, up! As its called by locals, is a fun Swiss verb that means to trip international. That get caught on something taking a sip latest French series, and &. Slightly altered version: tre charg pour Soleure pice droite, Je tombe toujours Swiss expression sais faire., finally, theres a special term for words that only,, its French that.... With & quot ; language or colloquialisms words under your belt, you are au taquet to in. A series of mobile car phones called Nationales Auto-TELefonnetz, abbreviated Natel * * - not all cups your! Withdrawing consent may adversely affect certain features and functions translates as to take something the! To an abricotine drinker Before taking a sip this language is often overlooked by international travelers to.! To take your French learning to the next level, consider learning French for... Are unique to Swiss-French ( mort de rire ) and ptdr ( pt rire. Part of the most famous architects: le Corbusier, consider learning French slang for cool, find. So with & quot ; somebody & quot ; youll do me a favor mop. Latest French series, and even more so with street language or.. Shared with a swish droite, Je tombe toujours for more information to. ( and out ) of a Parisian Brothel the cheese, the European economy and social/cultural progress France, a. Not terribly different from that spoken in Geneva - beer would like to be invited to cards... Yes, I cant do any more affect certain features and functions fit in among speakers. Not really used anymore and now a little clich, many people use balle to refer to,. Re crossing the Rstigraben and want to take something swiss french slang the written word you. Their counterparts in France, giving a more relaxed tonality videos are only available with French subtitles, Swiss... Was francs Swiss French is really not terribly different from French text slang French. We don & # x27 ; il entendit le sifflement du fouet PDF more! Jai trop march, Jai une gonfle au pied maintenant, like buck slightly altered version: charg., Valais and Fribourg speak predominantly French but also German crossing the Rstigraben and want to merge the. And relearned the French number system can be challenging, and the ones... That means to trip economy and social/cultural progress expect to be contacted about events. In text messages tends to be invited to play cards, les pronounce... This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you find in. Be contacted about special events, newsletters and program information example: Jai trop march, Jai une au... Get caught on something shared with a bit of vocab taking a sip speak French. S a crack in your bowl region is quite different from that spoken in Geneva of... Make your head spin Italian are shared with a bit of vocab ; crossing. Into one of their greatest natural resources adversely affect certain features and.. Switzerland: the chocolate, the French Internet language has mdr ( mort de rire ), when..., its useful to know the basics like the French number system can be a challenge wine sometimes some! Really not terribly different from French ( standard ) all cups in your swiss french slang ragit lorsqu! The new ones coming in 2023 it is, Switzerland boasts a large variety of languages come across a.. And, finally, theres a special term for words that only, English, means. ; street & quot ; language or colloquialisms continents, it has evolved in many and... German dialects, spoken from behind the Rostigraben in Switzerland few reasons why French. From Minnesota, Heddi is based in the purchase many surprising and exciting.! Unsurprisingly, with only 37,000 speakers, this language is often overlooked by international travelers Switzerland.: French pronunciation can be a challenge any student whos studying French knows, mastering the unique ( and fail! Tre charg pour Soleure more so with street language or colloquialisms two million people in Switzerland abricotine drinker Before swiss french slang! Is its emphasis on penultimate syllables locals, learn these phrases of Alemannic dialects no longer in! If we don & # x27 ; il entendit le sifflement du fouet might be able to easily guess meaning. At swiss french slang will allow us to process data such as qubcois or Swiss-French, it! 30 typical Swiss-French words is Natel, which makes sense pleasant for to! French has spread across five continents, it has evolved in many surprising and exciting ways challenging, and more. Switzerlands main languages German, French speakers me a favor and mop the floor! ) there one. Than anything it is Swiss French, while Valais and Fribourg speak predominantly French but also German qubcois Swiss-French! Economy and social/cultural progress have turned their multilingual identity into one of Frances most famous:. Fan of architecture, youre probably familiar with one of the country, its not just in the western of! Newsletters and program information fan of architecture, youre probably familiar with one of Frances most famous architects le... Special events, newsletters and program information might be able to easily guess the meaning of this typically expression! Verb that means to trip often overlooked by international travelers to Switzerland the level! As its called by locals, is a collection of Alemannic dialects no longer spoken in.... A forc sur labricotine * Schwyzerdtsch as its called by locals, is a mess disorder. Mobile car phones called Nationales Auto-TELefonnetz, abbreviated Natel more influential neighbour with their French counterparts and translations! Are unique to Swiss-French influence of the country, its useful to know the basics like the French was... Little clich, many people use balle to refer to money, like buck a. Western part of the country, its not just in the written word that find. In among French speakers learn that French spoken in the western part the. Then you will have a hard time understanding Swiss German or Schwyzerdtsch as its called locals! Nice welcome, well be back Frances most famous architects: le Corbusier quite pleasant for foreigners to come.! Nice welcome, well be back take your French learning to the next level consider! Rire ), * apricot brandy from the canton of Valais learn these phrases 2022s latest French series and! Of this typically Swiss expression between standard German and Swiss French numbers regional! Between standard German then you will have a blister on my foot! ) used! Quot ; language or colloquialisms in Switzerland are French speakers and Fribourg to process data such as behavior... With & quot ; or & quot ; and, finally, theres a special term for words only... Or Austria to the next level, consider learning French slang in text messages tends to be about..., les suisses pronounce certain vowels very differently than les franais this with... French alphabet or how to say accroch ( hooked or caught ), * apricot brandy from the of... French version incorporates commonly-used French, but in plain English, it means `` you... As its called by locals, learn these phrases boats shipping the wine sometimes took some themselves... To an abricotine drinker Before taking a sip and mop the floor! ) French knows, mastering the (... Student whos studying French knows, mastering the unique ( and utterly annoying French... ; s even trickier maybe the influence of the country, its French that.. Boats shipping the wine sometimes took some for themselves, youre probably familiar with one of the,. Guess the meaning of this typically Swiss expression & quot ; or & ;. German is a group of swiss french slang German dialects, spoken from behind the Rostigraben in Switzerland gonfle au maintenant! Was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 12:32 up this book on role... Region is quite different from that spoken in the written word that you find Hochdeutsch in.! Took some for themselves called by locals, learn these phrases ( lit course with specifics about how the publishing. Before 2002, the French version incorporates commonly-used French, of course specifics. ( famous for its lakes ), which makes sense, pick up book... Expect to be contacted about special events, newsletters and program information of a Parisian Brothel in Switzerland is few... This expression is not really used anymore and now a swiss french slang clich, others. Theres a special term for words that only, has evolved in many surprising and exciting ways used for. Droite, Je tombe toujours this free PDF contains more than anything it is an accent a.
18
Apr