CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN SWITZERLAND!! Social Etiquette & Fitting in

What are the cultural differences and social etiquette in Switzerland as compared to North America. How different are Swiss people? What should you absolutely NOT do in Swiss society? Here are some things I've noticed that might help you out if you're moving here or coming to visit.
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[@olk3]

You bring back memories when you talk about scheduled laundry times. Living in Rolle, near Geneva, in the 80s, we had an assigned wash time, but instead of dryers they had drying rooms that were essentially a roomful of clotheslines where you cranked up the heat in the entire room to dry your clothes. One time we ran past the evening deadline, and the manager locked all our clothes including bed sheets in the drying room.

[@Saretta2893]

I'm Swiss and I think that is so annoying to greet everyone when I'm leaving the party😂😂

[@j2theh]

Sarah's Life goht mit au so😂😂

[@MoeThaCrazyBartender]

usually I just say "bye everyone" and leave

[@richardpetek712]

In Slovenia we do it only at big family events when we see some people once in a year. Otherwise, we say a louder "by everyone", maybe make an eye contact with everyone and then we leave. It depends on how big the party is. But every other rule - yes, it applies, more or less. Well, that one with punctuality - if you invite people to a personal party at your home, it's less formal. People attend normally a bit late, so the host has some time to make last-minute preparations :)

[@Emanouche]

It depends how many people there are, I've often just yell "A plus tout le monde!" which means see you later everyone! And everyone just yells back and then I leave... I'm from Geneva though which is more influenced by French culture, might be a bit more formal in the Swiss-German side.

[@leofender5033]

In the UK we often sneak out without saying goodbye or anything. Or better still, avoid social occasions completely.

[@davidck1]

But you forgot one important factor about swiss culture: switzerland is different depending on the region ... some areas are more relaxed

[@TRIGAROLA]

Ed Culture is language dependent, and since Swiss-German is not an official language it changes a lot, even village to village.

[@sylviamargaretha5751]

Ed : which area that more relaxed, I never saw Swiss people can be a relax person.

[@anna_m59]

Paul Trieglaff Kanton to Kanton

[@williamg.copway7486]

Sure! The coolest are the people from Neuchâtel and those from Ticino.As far I know

[@Emanouche]

@@williamg.copway7486 Haha, yes Neuchatel, lol. x_D I'm from Geneva, my sister lives in Neuchatel, but yeah, they are so chill it pisses me off sometimes, lol. Same from Vaud.

[@lifeasoxanahey4700]

Luckily the salary thing is changing among the younger people (20-30) in Switzerland, never had an issue asking anyone how much they earn.

[@SilvanaMaria2319]

In Romania, for where I am, we have also the “du” and “Sie” situation. The only difference is that, even if it’s a closed family member, if that person is older than you, you have to address to him/her with “Sie”, because it’s considered in this way you respect that person because it’s older than you. You only address him/her with “du” only if he/she tells you to.

[@c.l4219]

Yeah many things are typical for Europe... One kiss in Germany, two kisses in Spain, three in Switzerland. To be late is quite rude... I always wonder how this is not considered rude in some countries. What are people doing there when arriving on time? Waiting 30min in the cold or alone at the table?

[@sirichandanaakarapu378]

In india being late is the norm especially in cities coz our traffic is horrible. So when someone said they're going to meet u at 2.30PM they actually mean 3PM depending on mode of transportation

[@skylilly1]

lol Odin in the background bouncing around with his big smile and hoppy jumps! Gorgeous scenery!

[@AShoeToLove]

Very informative video, but I especially loved watching your energetic puppy in the background. So cute!!!

[@TheThirdShift]

I had to keep taking filming breaks to throw snow for him, lol! So impatient.

[@AShoeToLove]

Ah, puppies! Aren't they the best? ;)

[@alexandrepennington2042]

Very cute! I hope you noticed and picked up his poop at 1:33... hahhahaa

[@noahsmolsky4434]

Loved this video! I live in Germany, and all the things you mentioned apply here as well.

[@s.leayoung5456]

Hi Julia, Love the scenery ! Absolutely beautiful!!!

[@oneleggedduck]

I love videos like this. Thanks for sharing!

[@CallTheBeauty]

J'ai adoré la vidéo! Merci Julia xoxo

[@VivaKulu]

A lot of this is true for a lot European countries. I'm from Slovenia and we do a lot of things the same way.

[@TheThirdShift]

You're right, some of the things are common in Europe :)

[@szkocka1703]

Same here. I live in Poland.

[@Eliina552]

Yep. Same here in Latvia.

[@NaamahQ]

Same here in Denmark

[@TheAdriZam]

Exactly, same in France and Germany.

[@danm21healy3]

Hey Julia, greetings from the UK! Love your videos and this one in particular as my husband and I are in the process of moving to Switzerland (Lausanne). Thanks for the tips :D

[@lpabeck]

thank you for the video, it is very interesting to see how other cultures live. Very informative.

[@gilliantracy7991]

Great video! What an incredibly beautiful place! Thanks for all the tips. From what you describe, I would really enjoy the Swiss culture. Plan to visit mid next year from the US. Your pup is adorable!

[@LadyGaladriel]

Yes, please show us more beautiful swiss landscape on your videos! And your dog as well, he is so cute and seems like a lot of fun to be around!

[@StarSeedWitch_]

That scenery is gorgeous! 😍😍

[@cjbotts]

I found this channel because I was looking up info on fondue. Glad I did, very interesting random informative videos.

[@Helenemonblogdefille]

I love your cultural videos Julia, they are very interesting and different from what we can see everywhere else on you tube. I'm french so apart from the laundry times, everything is as in Switzerland ;-)

[@TheAdriZam]

I think a lot of these things are very European. In Germany is also similar except for saying goodbye to everyone one by one.

[@kartiki7464]

hi

[@sarahrobyn6119]

this was soo interesting!! I am also a Canadian living in Switzerland!!! I am so glad I found your channel!!!!

[@christinesteiner7023]

Haha yes the „Wäschtag“ am back to it after nearly two decades of laundry-liberty and it took some time to adjust. On the casual clothing, last week I think I was the only properly dressed person in Coop (I came straight from work to my defense) so we do seem to embrace trainers and sneakers to run lower errands. Love the Swiss videos!!!

[@bsimonagiorgiana]

I love this kind of videos❤️❤️

[@larkinc1]

I really like this video! Sounds like I would be happy there except for laundry and dressing up for groceries!! Thank you for the video! 💜

[@icestationzebra13]

I loved this video. I think it's very valuable to learn about other cultural customs. I was floored with the laundry rules! I would have a lot of trouble with that! Great video!!! Odin was making me laugh, he was so cute and funny in the background.

[@TRIGAROLA]

IceStation Zebra And housework is outlawed on Sundays in many places (people will call the cops if they hear your vacuum cleaner...).

[@mydrpete]

Thanks for your absolute accurate descrption of swiss etiquette.

[@sozzyhunter]

Green eyed beauty and orange cutie on icing tour)) Thank you sooo much for starting my morning with this fairytale))

[@Language.lover.]

I enjoyed your video about how to be Swiss a lot. Please share more of it if you can thank you so much.

[@lucymane3628]

The view is beautiful! I hope to visit one day ❤️

[@ZULYPETE38]

You looking really great out there Julia! and Switzerland is SO beautiful!! Gee, wish I lived there. Enjoy your day and that adorable doggie!

[@TheThirdShift]

Thank you!

[@LeonardoSilva-oq4ey]

Thanks for all information Julia 🤝

[@Schmusekatchen]

Those mountains are so breathtaking. When Im back in Germany I will be traveling to Switzerland!

[@Jeremy.Muller]

Amazing information! Thank you!

[@alexp3752]

I agree. Switzerland is very reserved in terms of outward displays of wealth. Conservatism is routinely the norm. Over decades of doing business there, I found the wearing of jewelry is minimal. A fine watch, preferably conservative, by one of Switzerland's finest houses is always a great idea. In short, everything is rather subtle yet elegant. If you happen to work with your hands and appreciate fine craftsmanship, Switzerland is like Disneyland squared!

[@abar1204]

As a jeweller from Canada with roots in Switzerland, I must visit! I would love to do an apprenticeship there one day.

[@MissMinibabybel]

love those kinds of vids! 😊

[@Sara01977]

Me too! I adore when Julia talks about Switzerland or Canadian life, experiences, customs. I find it all fascinating.

[@deniseallen8209]

Another useful video. I must say that there are similar customs in the French speaking part of the country. In Jamaica we have a similar kind of formality in the work environment and salaries are never discussed. Thanks!

[@stachelbeere91]

in austria we do the appointment thing too, but there is spontanious meeting too. and here men who are good friends do the backslap hug^^

[@richardturner9317]

at home in the UK it's so common to address everyone by their first names only. I've been in situations where I've known people for quite a while but never knew their surname. When I was growing up, admittedly in a fairly strict & traditional school, we called each other only by our surnames, unless they were particularly close friend and even then that was only in private. How things have reversed!

[@evagergenyi8526]

I loved that you filmed outside! 😊

[@ellasterling6636]

Great video, love your puppy.

[@barbr100]

I just loved watching Odin play in the snow behind you! Also, we never go to someone’s home empty-handed here in the States either.

[@elizabethdalloway]

I loved this! So cool to learn about life in other countries. My German teacher used to tell us similar things. So different from my country. And yet the whole "du" and "Sie" thing is quite similar.

[@SeriouslyBadElf]

My friend moved to switzerland so I thought it was interesting. Your background was so pretty, and your dog was so cute. I kept worrying about its paws being cold though, the LA woman in me just doesnt understand snow even though ive been living in PA now for a number of years.

[@malifix453]

Tbh. You are just wow. I learned nothing new, just because I'm a native. But you somehow were able to make it look like the most interesting thing to me and I just couldn't stop listening. I don't know how you do that but I love it :D

[@ScoopGirl]

I enjoy these videos. please do more. :)

[@kaylaapricee]

This is so true!! I'm from Vancouver and my boyfriend is from Switzerland (played hockey in Vancouver and now we're in Nashville), and I remember the first time I went to Bern, I was in totally social shocked, especially making eye contact with people when you cheers. I don't think I've ever felt more awkward in my life. Great video :)

[@TheThirdShift]

LOL!! It's not awkward when you get used to it I guess 😂

[@c.l4219]

kayla price that's funny. To me it's awkward if you don't look someone in the eye while cheering.

[@crystalgee88]

I’m Mexican and wow a lot of the examples you stated also apply to us :) (generally speaking) I love these types of videos, I live in SoCAL and Switzerland looks sooo beautiful and relaxing

[@raffaellalightpink4901]

Totally the same here in Italy, except for the laundry part, almost everyone here has its own washer (and dryer are not so common here because we are able almost everywhere to air-dry clothes outside, on the balcony or in the garden)

[@isabelleboulanger1937]

I love this kind of video! Very interesting. I think the Du/Sie thing is a language thing too. I'm Canadian but I live in Quebec so we speak French and so we have the same Tu/vous thing. We use the vous mostly when adressing someone older or a customer, or a formal boss or something, but it's true that we are pretty casual about it. I used the "tu" in highschool for most teachers and for all my bosses, but I use the vous in university and with older people that I dont know. Obviously in English this distinction between formal and informal "you" doesnt exist!

[@Cath_kit240]

Hope you are having a lovely day. 😊

[@mfluecker]

Hi Julia , nice to meet you 😊😊

[@EdiangVarietyVlogs]

Woow i like that place,hope one day i can travel there also.

[@nikabelaya1006]

Thanks for such an interesting video! I always love finding out about all these different little habits in different countries. I guess it will be so interesting to see a video about holidays and traditions as well (both Canada and Switzerland) It was so interesting to find out that swiss also have the difference of formal and informal "you". I am from Russia, and we have the same in our language and habit, and I thought it is only local thing :) And we also do the kissing on the cheek between girls (usually friends and family) but only one time, so I had an awkward moment with one of my Swiss friends haha

[@ryanstarlight8018]

like Germany France and other countries

[@DanicaChristin]

Love those cultural comparision videos 👍 When I lived in Switzerland I was only allowed to wash every 3 weeks. Had to buy lots of new cloths to have 22 outfits

[@cattleNhay]

Would have been cheaper to get a mini washer in your room.

[@el_flaco]

Awesome content

[@katinkatoth8868]

I love your videos! And your puppy.... I'm melted.:D How cute is he bouncing at the backgroud!?! :D You should make more videos with him!

[@stephaniedryland6849]

Beautiful scenes!! And so many great tips thank you! I move to Fribourg (from England) at the end of April, is Fribourg near to where you live? I’m very excited but quite nervous too - especially because I’m often late, and very spontaneous 🙈. Anyway thanks again x

[@susanlauper1472]

love the poodle with the long tail I have one almost the same color but short tail ....great dogs

[@hikkipedia]

Having a laundry day and time is genius! I would have loved that! I tried to implement that system with my old roommates but they were too stupid lol

[@TumbelinaNZL]

That was really interesting! I think it’s nice Switzerland maintains some uniqueness. Being from a minority country I get a bit peeved with being told I’m wrong or different ... when I’m in my own country and they are the visitor!

[@LoveBaseballLove]

My goodness, that view! 😍.

[@paultroxler7272]

Well etiquette is very important to us Swiss, and yes many people could learn from it.

[@luvinmysailor]

I definitely would not want to make an appointment to wash my laundry.

[@Emanouche]

@@luvinmysailor I moved to the USA when I was 17, but yes... in retrospective, that would be annoying.

[@mpaige7081]

I am half Swiss. My family is from the Grisons area …I have never visited but would love to.

[@lifelover2301]

In French you also have formal or informal ( tu is you informal ) and ( vous for Formal ) ! Love your videos and the reason I am learning about Switzerland is because my favorite singer the beautiful Francine Jordi is from there !!

[@badwolf6147]

Same here in the Czech republic, we have "Ty" for informal and "Vy" for formal

[@gabriellekfly]

I’m American, but grew up with all of this as normal being my Mom is French. Hearing you say all of this, I was reminded it is definitely different.

[@cherylh2071]

I agree. I am American and my grandmother was French. I was raised doing all of this and still do.

[@sarasmith6649]

This is very interesting! I live in the Uk and I wish people had more manners etc here xx

[@maggielatalska9534]

In my smaller village it is quite common to go shopping in any clothes or sports clothes, I think it depends on the region in CH😊

[@ameliehana2097]

Agree, some experience there few times, they love their natures and pound of that, not much brand new even most of them can afford those expensive stuff. When you know one all people in group are inviting you in but generally they ignore to get closed to you. people in big city are different due to more complexity of foreigner mixed culture ways. Thanks for video to know more about them. Nice view and cute dog :)

[@Sara01977]

I've been to Germany and France and a lot of the cultural Swiss things you mentioned I've seen in those countries. Probably since these three countries are so close, some of the customs are integrated.

[@susanitalpec3981]

The appointment part is so true! hahahahahah I became educated by force lol

[@Minhyaa]

amongst the younger generation you see quite often big brands logo and stuff and many of the young adults wear legings/sweatpants

[@michellealbers6732]

I was raised by German parents and we still practice these manners... Many people find us a bit formal, but I like things this way. It shows respect for others and yourself.....Michelle in the USA

[@gordonramsheesh1188]

Hey Julia :) I was wondering wich mountain you were on in this video? Looks like it could be the ''Beatenberg'' in Interlaken, Bern. Love your Videos! Liebi Grüess, Robin

[@emmaponymous]

Such a beautiful setting! Odin is a darling.

[@cliomepannicle8723]

love your poodle!

[@tonifrischknecht7144]

true what you told, every culture is somewhat different, I am Swiis who lives in rural Thailand and learnt many of their habits, that's why they fully accept me.

[@koRnikon]

Haha I love it, how things that are totally normal to me, can seem so strange to others 😅 but we're mostly really friendly and loyal people, once you get to know us ;)

[@arnoldhau1]

That formal form at workplace thing really depends.I lived in switzerland for 10 years now and I have never used a formal form with any colleagues or bosses at work. And I work for a rather old company. So it really depends, and it is changing. Even the CEO is OK to be adressed informally (he said himself once that topic was brought up). But its easy: just wait for the swiss person to start and listen carefully and then just copy ;-). Or just ask, its absolutely fine to just ask openly and politely in most situations. Better do that than to assume anything. Once asked, many people will offer informal form anyway. There is a lot of advice out there to just use the formal form, since it is less risky. That is true but it is not good at all, since it is also very award if you are the one addressing everyone formally if everyone else is informal - even if everyone knows you are a foreigner. It will not make you fit in, I have experienced that many times (with foreigners).

[@richardpetek712]

I would like to add, these advice are good also for other countries I know: Germany, Austria, Slovenia. Some things may be more relaxed (like shaking hands when you leave, that's like something more for special occasions), but everything else - it applies.

[@finchen612]

Hi Julia, I hardly ever comment on videos but I just have to tell you that you look so beautiful in this one (always of course, but in this one in particular!). Also it's a great video; most of these things apply to Germany as well :). Have a great day!

[@TheThirdShift]

Aw thank you :)

[@shahriarmohammad996]

I was use to with this culture here about 8 years.

[@Ncris1107]

Very interesting 🙂

[@khardala]

All the rules and restrictions than you have the dog playing and having fun freely 😊 that felt good.

[@rimh7366]

And this is just a small list, believe me! Cultural chock is real when you move to Switzerland lol

[@gabrielcabrera2406]

Yes plz

[@tonifrischknecht7144]

true, I lived cdn and usa but i am stil swiss, live in asta now

[@XtinaLucia]

I was in Bern in November and I asked the Airbnb host if I can wash clothes and she said you need an appointment here to wash. I was taken aback but I hand washed and dried on the heater overnight. It was fine

[@dorisw5558]

the formalities when entering or leaving parties are kind of the same in Germany, usually more with older crowds. I always found it annoying to shake hands individually so I simply do a hello or goodbye wave to the crowd. I stopped caring if the others consider it rude (it’s also not a thing among my younger or closer friends)

[@Makeup-your-mindNet]

I partially wonder if the "scheduling with friends" thing is something that changed with age and maybe less a cultural thing. I'm with you in the sense that I never used to do that at all in my 20s - it was all about calling your friends on the evening of to figure out what you were doing that evening. But now, in my 30s (I'm in Toronto btw), I feel like I'm scheduling things not only weeks in advance, but often months in advance as well!

[@TheThirdShift]

True! We lead busier more rigid lives I guess as we get older

[@susannehartlich7035]

Nope, here you make appointments meeting people also in the 20's

[@ParisAntarktis]

great video :) I have an aunt that lives in switzerland and her 3 kisses always confuse me, because here in Slovakia, we have only 2. So it is always a surprise or even a little bit odd when there is one more :D we have the same habits about cheers, but we do not say their names, just "cheers" which is in our language "for health". We usually do not bring things when we are visitng them except gifts for birthdays etc - but they are usually flowers or wine. About salaries - it depends on personality - somebody is ok with talking about that, somebody thinks it is rude. But I personally have in job contract that I cannot talk about it I cannot say anybody how much I earn and I cannot ask anybody about how much she/he earns otherwise I can be fired immediately. This is really unfair, because this way it can happen that somebody is earning half for the same job as his colleague, because nobody really knows how much to ask especially if the person is fresh graduate. But this is quite common here, expecially in big corporat companies. And we also have similar way of addressing people. In formal way we use plural "you" (we have different word for it, it is not like in english when there is "you" the same word for one person and for more) to addresing somebody we do not know and we are using thei surnames with mr/mrs. And men usually do not hug each other (unless they are drunked or something) - people would question if they are gay if they would do that.

[@helilebon2383]

For the English word YOU it's important to distinguish DU and SIE, like in all German speaking countries. It's the same in French with TU and VOUS. In a bakery you say: Haben Sie noch Brot? Avez-vous encore du pain? Do you still have bread? To a friend: Hast du noch Brot? As-tu encore du pain ? Do you still have bread? Brot = bread, same roots from Proto-Germanic.

[@MarinaCruzeiro]

We do the three kisses thing in the south of Brazil too! Apparently in the rest of the country only kiss twice on the cheek, so when people come here, they get a little bit confused. It's kind of funny, actually :)

[@IvonaFlakus]

That was very helpful, thank you! Hey, when you 1st move into a new apartment, do you go around greeting the new neighbours, or is that considered rude? We are soon moving to Switzerland and I want to start off on a good note :) Can I bring them a little something, or is it better to leave them alone? Please help! ;)

[@stanosjarvis]

that dog must be so confused, wondering who she is talking to...

[@jasminj.844]

I m Swiss-and it is exactly as she says!!;-)

[@finnwoodward6706]

I'm Swiss and I think that is so annoying to greet everyone when I'm leaving the party😂😂

[@Jana-ym1wy]

Most of the things you´ve mentioned are also very common here in the Czech republic. I guess it is similar for central european countries :)

[@Domdidomdidom]

Hugging is definitely a thing in Switzerland, 90% of the people I know do it, not depending on the gender. ;)

[@TheThirdShift]

Yes of course people hug, but men do not hug to greet each other hello.

[@lucifer4263]

Domdidom true but older people and the romands usually tend to do the kisses.

[@Domdidomdidom]

Well, I meant hugging for greeting each other. ;) The men I know greet each other with a hug.

[@Emanouche]

Being from Geneva, (I moved to the states 17 ago) no... I've never hugged guys and rarely hugged girls, handshakes for the men and kisses for the women was the norm. I used to hug one close male friend for greeting, but it was more of an inside joke because he lived in Canada for a few years, and we would be like "Hey, let's greet like the Canadians do! *Hug and tap tap on the back*. :p

[@klumbdoltone2255]

Being swiss I have a lot of trouble using the "du/tu" form with adults, even with my neighbours, friend's parents,...

[@NTMbriggi]

the dog has a lot of fun

[@grandmap3389]

Poodle stole the video 😂 ♥️

[@MattbyNature]

Sounds a lot like Germany. When I went to Vancouver for a year all those small differences could be a bit confusing at times.