FAQ: What language is taught in Switzerland?

Switzerlandis a developed and rich country that has always interested people in its neutrality, high standard of living and quality education. However, its features do not end there.

There are officially 4 languages in the country:

• German
• Italian
• French
• Romansh (Romansh Swiss).

In addition, many residents of the country speak English. Education in the country is conducted in each of the available languages, but in different proportions.

1. German Language is the most common for communication in Switzerland. It is spoken by more than 64% of the total population. Education in colleges, schools, universities and language courses is conducted in literary German, but the German language in Germany and Switzerland differ from each other, as a result, the inhabitants of these countries can not always understand each other. In Switzerland and its cantons there is a specific dialect of German, which makes the language different from its usual version. Pronunciation of words and grammar may vary from canton to canton. The differences are quite significant, so sometimes the Swiss communicate with each other in English.
2. French is spoken in the southwestern part of Switzerland – approximately 20% of the population. French in Switzerland is almost the same as in France. Most of the schools and colleges are located in those areas where French is spoken. A certificate of study in such schools allows you to enter universities in Europe and America.
3. Italian is not a very common language here, spoken by about 6-8% of the population. Southern Switzerland has the least secondary schools and one university with programs in Italian. The diploma of the Italian secondary school program allows you to enter both Italian and Swiss universities.
4. Rhetorian is the rarest language in the country. Romansh is taught in secondary schools.
5. Many private schools in Switzerlandare multilingual. Lessons are kept in several languages – for example, english + German/French. Students thoroughly study English as a foreign language. Often, admission to schools, colleges and universities of the country will require knowledge of English at a high level.

Despite the fact that there are four official languages in the country, it is not assumed that the Swiss are required to speak every four of the four - mainly residents use the official language of the canton and English to communicate with foreigners.