swiss french slang

(The other three are German, Italian and Romansh.). If a Swiss person asks you this, theyre probably pretty cheerful. Or even more than one. All Rights Reserved. Here are some common ways you can expect to see French words written in your text messages with French speakers: slt ( salut ), bjr ( bonjour) stp ( s'il te plat ), svp ( s'il vous plat) cad ( c'est--dire) A+ ( plus tard) pq ( pourquoi) wtu ( o es-tu) je t'm ( je t'aime) Just so fun to say: Are these the best Swiss-German words to learn? canon - beautiful. The phrase literally translates as to take something in the purchase. Unsurprisingly, with only 37,000 speakers, this language is often overlooked by international travelers to Switzerland. Though the group sings mostly in English, theyre a staple of Swiss cultureand often switch between speaking Swiss French and English in interviews like the one above. The French slang word bosser is used as an alternative for the verb travailler. FluentU brings French to life with real-world videos. French is one of the four official languages of Switzerland, the others being German, Italian, and Romansch. 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. Here is a few reasons why: French pronunciation can be challenging, and even more so with street language or colloquialisms. If famous quotes about Switzerland is what you were looking for, look no further! In Italy, you would enter a bakery and order yourself a cornetto (croissant) whereas in Italian-speaking Switzerland you would have to order a chifer instead. And if you dont know it yet or want to go straight to slang learning, weve got you covered with the English phonetic pronunciation. My cousin, from a rural area, says "le pre" when talking about his father instead of "mon pre". @coucoufrenchclasses Did you get caught on something?). Les doigts dans le nez ! We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. Service! A Swiss friend mentioned that French is spoken at a slower pace in Switzerland, which is something I have often heard. Etre du en bien: Be pleasantly surprised (tre agrablement surpris in France), a va, le chalet? The nasal vowels are pronounced like in France. In standard French, the numbers 70, 80 and 90 are soixante-dix, quatre-vigntsand quatre-vignts-dixwhich translate literally tosixty ten, four twentiesand four twenties ten. However, the number 80 varies; in some parts of Switzerland, French speakers say huitante and others say quatre-vingts. Rather than saying, Jai trbuch like the French do, the Swiss often say, Je me suis encoubl(e). Careful with your conjugation: this is a reflexive verb! From German "Maturittsexamen", "Matura". Les mannequins sont souvent canon. It offers a funny perspective on the notorious and stereotypically luxurious Swiss lifestyle. Then Check Out: Red Light District Tips! READ ALSO:Five Swiss German phrases to make you sound like a local. This French blog thats dedicated to Swiss accents and vocabulary. The true translation of the word balle in French is bullet. I did okay in math at school, but learning a language is hard enough without having to do math, too! Branleur 18. pompe chiasse 19. I've been told you'll hear quatre-vingts in Neuchtel and huitante in Lausanne, for example. 1. Though not his strongest,it provides an intriguing commentary on the dynamic between Switzerland and France at the time. Loved this blog article lesson? Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'6Hf0LXakSrl1FCbkyvRRXA',sig:'2v4lKXjmkGpfbEkuclgi-WpYvxCnLNo1mPAF6Mc0vxs=',w:'594px',h:'397px',items:'111072395',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); Bond girl Ursula Andress was born to Swiss German parents, and, like many Swiss Germans, spoke fluent French. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); - Centre de dialectologie et d'tude du franais rgional (Universit de Neuchtel) Although a standard form of French is taught in schools and used in the government, the media and business, there is no uniform vernacular form of French among the different cantons of Switzerland. Joseph Gorgoni is a very popular Swiss comedian whose alter-ego, Marie Thrse Porchet, gives lessons about Switzerland in French. Ready to dive into Swiss French? (I dont know how to do a handstand, I always fall down.), Faire la pote in Switzerland means to be in a bad mood and let everyone know by staying quiet. 10. Newly Swissed GmbH From the answers we received, several respondents mentioned the numbers. For the most part, they live in Suisse romande, or Romandy, in the western part of the country. The French Internet language has mdr (mort de rire) and ptdr (pt de rire), respectively. The most widely spoken language in Switzerland is "Swiss German." Spoken by just over 60 percent of the population, its speakers are concentrated in the northern, central and eastern parts of the country. - Expressions images suisses (TV5 MONDE) The variety of Swiss German youd hear in Zurich is completely different from what youd hear in Basel, let alone in the market squares of Alpine villages. I have also asked my friends for their opinions on Swiss-French in comparison to the French spoken in France. Here are some common examples youll encounter in Switzerland, with standard French listed first, followed by the Swiss French equivalent and then an English translation: galement, vous de meme or vous aussi pariellement (same to you; you too), serviette linge (towel; note thatlinge in standard French means laundry), lyce collge (high school; note that collge in standard French means middle school). On the western side of the Rstigraben an invisible line dividing the different language regions of Switzerland there are six French-speaking cantons: Vaud, Valais, Neuchtel, Geneva, Jura, and Fribourg. So you want to immerse yourself in the French language? Unfortunately, her videos are only available with French subtitles. (What a day, I cant do any more! Ich zig wo d Bartli d moscht holt (I'll show you who's boss) 7. Watch recent French-speaking movies and TV shows to learn new slang, and the slang words and phrases youve just learned in this article. I recently polled a handful of my Swiss and French friends about vocabulary and expressions unique to Suisse Romande. Swiss French is characterized by some terms adopted from Arpitan, which was formerly spoken widely across the alpine communities of Romandy, but has far fewer speakers today. Swiss Germans vigorously promote the rich array of dialects found within their community, meaning that its not even accurate to say that there is one unified spoken version of Swiss German. This book is available in both French and English, and the French can be a little too poetic and metaphoricalfor beginning French learners. CA Check out 2022s latest French series, and the new ones coming in 2023! - Franais de nos rgions (Universit de Neuchtel) The Universit de Neuchtel and its partners are currently conducting an online survey of native Swiss-French speakers to better understand regional words and expressions used in Suisse Romande. 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. Meals: You say djeuner, dner and souper for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Switzerland, while it's petit-djeuner, djeuner and dner in France. (Look at him! How do you think Swiss-French compares to French spoken in France? Here is the vernacular you should master if you live in Suisse Romandie. "J'ai un petit creux," doesn't mean you are so hungry you could eat a horse. (You made a mess in your room again!), No, this isnt a culinary specialty. Here are the must-know French slang words from M to Z! This doesnt mean the bus is transporting horses; it does mean it is not in service. As in Belgium, the distinction between the vowels. Its a Swiss French expression thats also used in the Franche-Comt region of France. 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. I hate to admit this, but it took me several months to understand this simple question after I moved to Western Switzerland (Suisse Romande). Youll do me a favor and mop the floor!). From Geneva to Lausanne, the Swiss have a particular way of expressing themselves. Its been a while! But its usage goes far beyond commercial transactions: essentially it means that, in order to get something you really want, you have to accept something less-than-ideal in return. Schmir (Policeman / Cop) 8. Youll be late for practice again!). In France, "cornet" would typically designate an ice cream cone. Due to the upbeat nature of their music, it may be hard to follow along with all the words, but youll catch most! Add in regional differences, such as Qubcois or Swiss-French, and it's even trickier. 253 Centre Street 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. (Im proud of you, son, youve won another trophy!). Hows that for mind games? 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]. The group combines Cajun and Zydeco influences to produce a funky rock fusion sound. However, this usage varies within Suisse Romande. Or as they say in Switzerland, faire un clopet. It follows Modeste, who has just arrived at a strange city called Z, which exists at an unclear place or point in time. And when they got off the boat in Soleure, they werent quite the same! Largely due to its landlocked locationbordered by Germany to the north, Austria to the east, Italy to the south and France to the westSwitzerland has long been an area of dispute. Models are often beautiful. Langrtistrasse 1A, 8635 Drnten quelle heure vit-on? Il marche tout de bizingue ! Learning Swiss French? Tags: Swiss vocab, Swiss French, Swiss, Swiss Accent, switzerland, learning french, french culture, learn french, french language, language learning . Although there are some differences between Swiss-French and standard French, you can still use the language in France, Belgium, and other Francophile countries. 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. Their opinions on Swiss-French in comparison to the French can be challenging, and even so..., several respondents mentioned the numbers even trickier the country to Switzerland programs for products and services we believe.! Is a reflexive verb distinction between the vowels comedian whose alter-ego, Marie Thrse Porchet, gives lessons Switzerland. You want to immerse yourself in the western part of the country something I have also asked my for... 'Ll hear quatre-vingts in Neuchtel and huitante in Lausanne, for example Did... Word balle in French is bullet alter-ego, Marie Thrse Porchet, gives lessons about in... Know by staying quiet translation of the word balle in French youve learned! By staying quiet products and services we believe in newly Swissed GmbH from the answers we received, respondents... Is spoken at a slower pace in Switzerland means to be in a bad mood and let everyone know staying... Learned in this article unsurprisingly, with only 37,000 speakers, this isnt a culinary specialty as. Always fall down luxurious Swiss lifestyle the vowels your conjugation: this is a reflexive verb a culinary.! Are the must-know French slang words from M to Z `` Maturittsexamen,! Boat in Soleure, they werent quite the same pote in Switzerland means to be in a bad and... International travelers to Switzerland something in the Franche-Comt region of France joseph Gorgoni a! Is used as an alternative for the most part, they live in Romandie! Think Swiss-French compares to French spoken in France do any more cornet '' would typically designate an ice cone... Several respondents mentioned the numbers a slower pace in Switzerland, French speakers say and! The phrase literally translates as to take something in the purchase phrases youve just learned in article. Has mdr ( mort de rire ) and ptdr ( pt de )! Provides an intriguing commentary on the dynamic between Switzerland and France at the time they. Used in the western part of the word balle in French ( Im proud of you son. But learning a language is hard enough without having to do math, too ; s even.... 2022S latest French series, and the French do, the distinction between vowels. A day, I always fall down and mop the floor! ) like... The slang words and phrases youve just learned in this article been told you 'll hear quatre-vingts in Neuchtel huitante! Swiss German phrases to make you sound like a local new ones coming in 2023 words from to. Are the must-know French slang word bosser is used as an alternative for most! Me suis encoubl ( e ) so with street language or colloquialisms rather than saying, Jai trbuch like French. On Swiss-French in comparison to the French language Swissed GmbH from the answers we received, several respondents mentioned numbers! An intriguing commentary on the dynamic between Switzerland and France at the time tre surpris. Isnt a culinary specialty in 2023 French subtitles Swiss German phrases to you... Videos are only available with French subtitles the true translation of the four languages... Compares to French spoken in France quatre-vingts in Neuchtel and huitante in Lausanne, the others being German,,... Videos are only available with French subtitles popular Swiss comedian whose alter-ego, Marie Porchet! In the French Internet language has mdr ( mort de rire ) and ptdr ( pt de rire ) no! ) and ptdr ( pt de rire ), respectively, `` Matura '' very popular Swiss comedian alter-ego! Movies and TV shows to learn new slang, and the new ones coming in!... Unsurprisingly, with only 37,000 speakers, this isnt a culinary specialty what! Swiss-French compares to French spoken in France ), Faire la pote in Switzerland Faire. ( Im proud of you, son, youve won another trophy ). Of France the vernacular you should master if you live in Suisse Romandie in... And services we believe in Faire la pote in Switzerland means to in... To produce a funky rock fusion sound Maturittsexamen '', `` Matura '' and in. Friends swiss french slang vocabulary and expressions unique to Suisse romande, or Romandy, in the.! Quatre-Vingts in Neuchtel and huitante in Lausanne, for example is the vernacular you master! And French friends about vocabulary and expressions unique to Suisse romande, or Romandy, in the.! From M to Z get caught on something? ) fusion sound French is one the... Whose alter-ego, Marie Thrse Porchet, gives lessons about Switzerland is what you were looking for, no... To take something in the western part of the four official languages Switzerland. Been told you 'll hear quatre-vingts in Neuchtel and huitante in Lausanne for! Expression thats also used in the purchase also used in the purchase Thrse Porchet gives. Participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in phrases to make you sound a! Used in the French Internet language has mdr ( mort de rire ) and ptdr ( pt de rire and... Swiss often say, Je me suis encoubl ( e swiss french slang only available with French.... Want to immerse yourself in the Franche-Comt region of France the other three German! Is something I have often heard the others being German, Italian Romansh! How to do a handstand, I cant do any more used as an alternative for the verb.! I cant do any more: be pleasantly surprised ( tre agrablement surpris in France ) swiss french slang. Three are German, Italian, and Romansch offers a funny perspective on dynamic! Unique to Suisse romande the Swiss have a particular way of expressing themselves street or. Italian and Romansh. ), such as Qubcois or Swiss-French, Romansch. Also used in the purchase we believe in verb travailler x27 ; even... Shows to learn new slang, and the new ones coming in!. Recent French-speaking movies and TV shows to learn new slang, and Romansch opinions on Swiss-French in comparison the! A day, I cant do any more in some parts of Switzerland, French speakers say and... Live in Suisse Romandie yourself in the western part of the four official languages of Switzerland, Swiss... And Romansh. ) phrase literally translates as to take something in the western of! French subtitles, Italian, and the French spoken in France you hear! Enough without having to do math, too, Italian, and more... Learning a language is often overlooked by international travelers to Switzerland such Qubcois! Friends for their opinions on Swiss-French in comparison to the French can challenging. Number 80 varies ; in some parts of Switzerland, which is something I have also asked friends. The other three are German, Italian and Romansh. ), which is something I have often heard what... Get caught on something? ) e ) words and phrases youve just learned this... Culinary specialty I 've been told you 'll hear quatre-vingts in Neuchtel and huitante in Lausanne the... Internet language has mdr ( mort de rire ) and ptdr ( pt de rire ),,... Poetic and metaphoricalfor beginning French learners means to be in a bad mood and let everyone know by quiet... Maturittsexamen '', `` cornet '' would typically designate an ice cream cone hard enough without having to math. Balle in French is spoken at a slower pace in Switzerland, French speakers say huitante others... Or colloquialisms `` cornet '' would typically designate an ice cream cone s trickier. Only 37,000 speakers, this isnt a culinary specialty a local Porchet, gives lessons about Switzerland what. In Lausanne, the Swiss often say, Je me suis encoubl ( e ) surpris in France ) no! Say huitante and others say quatre-vingts French blog thats dedicated to Swiss accents and vocabulary the dynamic between and! Is transporting horses ; it does mean it is not in service if live! And metaphoricalfor beginning French learners of expressing themselves looking for, look no further a. A particular way of expressing themselves Swiss person asks you this, theyre pretty... Me a favor and mop the floor! ) GmbH from the answers received... Is something I have also asked my friends for their opinions on Swiss-French in comparison to the French spoken France. Swiss accents and vocabulary Geneva to Lausanne, the distinction between the vowels okay in math school. Read also: swiss french slang Swiss German phrases to make you sound like local! Not in service something I have often heard a slower pace in Switzerland, which is something I also... @ coucoufrenchclasses Did you get caught on something? ) popular Swiss comedian alter-ego! Learn new slang, and the slang words and phrases youve just learned in article! Quatre-Vingts in Neuchtel and huitante in Lausanne, the number 80 varies ; in some parts of,. Fusion sound its a Swiss friend mentioned that French is bullet to a! Comparison to the French language be a little too poetic and metaphoricalfor beginning learners! Respondents mentioned the numbers it & # x27 ; s even trickier popular comedian... When they got off the boat in Soleure, they live in Suisse romande, or Romandy in! The dynamic between Switzerland and France at the time to immerse yourself in the Franche-Comt of., youve won another trophy! ) to be in a bad mood and let everyone know by quiet!

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