From "Grüessech" to "Adiöö merssi": Swiss German courses are very popular

Whether it's Baseldytsch, Bärndütsch or Züridütsch, knowledge of Swiss German helps newcomers to navigate everyday life better and to fit in more quickly. "Language is so much more than just words – it's part of how a people see the world," says Peter Walt, course leader for Züridütsch in Zurich-Altstetten. "When students order a croissant for the very first time in Schweiizerdütsch, we know they are making progress."

The Migros Club School's Swiss German courses are booming. In the first half of 2025, the number of classes grew by 44% compared to the previous year and the number of participants by 34%. The courses in Basel and Bern are especially popular. "Swiss German is a way of connecting with people," explains Joachim Thönen, course leader in Basel. "If you can communicate, you feel a real sense of belonging." The participants come with professional and personal goals and leave with much more than just language skills.

Languages help people to integrate successfully

The Migros Club School's courses not only promote language comprehension, but also act as hubs where people can meet. They encourage cultural exchange and help newcomers to feel at home in Switzerland. Especially on 1 August – a day celebrating diversity and cohesion – it is very clear just how important these courses are. There was also a rise in the number of classes teaching local languages at Migros Club School in the first half of 2025 – German classes held in German-speaking Switzerland and French in French-speaking Switzerland. This shows more and more people appreciate just how important the local language is when moving to a new country.

About the language courses run by the Migros Club School

From the first hello to the diploma exam: the Club School runs courses in over 30 languages, on site or online – for travel, work or simply to refresh your knowledge. Migros Club School has been helping people to develop their language skills since 1944 and now has 30 locations in Switzerland.

www.klubschule.ch