What Language Do They Speak in Switzerland?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
Switzerland has 4 official languages: Swiss German, French, Italian, Romansh.
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Languages of Switzerland at a glance
| Official languages | Swiss German, French, Italian, Romansh |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 4 |
| Countries on this site where Swiss German is official | 1 |
| People (demonym) | Swiss |
| Capital | Bern |
| Internet domain | .ch |
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Austria | German |
|---|---|
| France | French |
| Italy | Italian |
| Liechtenstein | German |
| Germany | German |
Switzerland in context
- Switzerland covers 41,284 km², making it the 132nd largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 220 people per km² ranks 48th of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 5 countries: Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany.
- Switzerland is landlocked, with no direct coastline.
- With 9,082,848 people, Switzerland holds about 4.8% of the population of Western Europe.
- With 4 official languages, Switzerland has more than most countries on this site.
- Traffic drives on the right, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Switzerland is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare Switzerland
Useful phrases for visitors to Switzerland
Everyday French phrases you will hear and use in Switzerland:
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Hello | Bonjour |
| Thank you | Merci |
| Please | S'il vous plaît |
| Goodbye | Au revoir |
| Yes | Oui |
| No | Non |
Everyday Italian phrases you will hear and use in Switzerland:
| English | Italian |
|---|---|
| Hello | Ciao |
| Thank you | Grazie |
| Please | Per favore |
| Goodbye | Arrivederci |
| Yes | Sì |
| No | No |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Switzerland — FAQ
What language do they speak in Switzerland?
The official languages of Switzerland are Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh.
How many official languages does Switzerland have?
Switzerland has 4 official languages: Swiss German, French, Italian, Romansh.
Is Swiss German spoken anywhere else?
Switzerland is the only country on this site where Swiss German is an official language.
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