What Languages Do They Speak In Switzerland?
Explore the languages spoken in Switzerland on an interactive map.
Switzerland Languages: Quick Facts
Languages
5
Swiss German, French, German, Romansh, Italian
Population
8,703,000
Cost of living
~ $4280
Index: 85.6
Safety / crime index
Crime Index: 24.9
Language Spoken in Switzerland Percentage
| Language | Percentage | Population |
|---|---|---|
Swiss GermanOfficial | 62.1% | 5,404,563 |
FrenchOfficial | 22.8% | 1,984,284 |
ItalianOfficial | 8% | 696,240 |
RomanshOfficial | 0.5% | 43,515 |
Do They Speak English in Switzerland?
English proficiency
Ranked #29 on the EF English Proficiency Index.
In short
In major cities and tourist hubs across Switzerland, English is commonly understood and usually enough for travel and business basics. In more local settings, some Swiss German is recommended.
FAQ
Switzerland Language FAQ
Short answers to common questions about the main languages, English usage, and communication in Switzerland.
People in Switzerland speak Swiss German, French, German, Romansh, Italian.
Swiss German is the most widely spoken language.
Swiss German is spoken by about 62.1% of the population in Switzerland.
That corresponds to roughly 5,404,563 people.
Usually yes in cities, offices, hotels, and tourism-heavy areas. For more local situations, some Swiss German will make things easier.
- What languages do they speak in Switzerland?
People in Switzerland speak Swiss German, French, German, Romansh, Italian.
Swiss German is the most widely spoken language.
- How widely spoken is Swiss German in Switzerland?
Swiss German is spoken by about 62.1% of the population in Switzerland.
That corresponds to roughly 5,404,563 people.
- Can you get by with English in Switzerland?
Usually yes in cities, offices, hotels, and tourism-heavy areas. For more local situations, some Swiss German will make things easier.
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