Romansh is a Romance language that has borrowed a tremendous amount of its vocabulary and syntax from German. (Hey, Henri! In some rural areas, they use "popa" instead of "papa" when talking to their father. The people who live in this region are therefore called les suisses romands. This expression can sometimes be found in France, in places close to Switzerland. In south-eastern Switzerland (famous for its, ), youll find Italian speakers. Sprung ide Schssle ** - There's a crack in your bowl. can take anywhere. When you are hanging out with some friends and are starting to get hungry, use this phrase to let them know - it's time to pick a place to eat. According to the Federal Statistics Office, about 23 percent of Swiss residents declared French as their main language in 2013 (nearly 64 percent declared German). swish n. (The other three are German, Italian and Romansh.). The French use quelle heure est-il? to ask what time it is, but the Swiss literally ask, At what time are we living?. Youll be late for practice again!). Standard German is also preferred as a spoken means of communication in more formal occasions when the need for universal comprehension is greater, such as in parliamentary discussions, news broadcasts, public transportation announcements and educational settings. Meals: You say djeuner, dner and souper for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Switzerland, while it's petit-djeuner, djeuner and dner in France. The Swiss French call the Swiss Germans "les totos", from Teuton. Here is the vernacular you should master if you live in Suisse Romandie. Episodes are available to stream on the Radio Television Suisse (RTS) website. 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. But if you want to take your French learning to the next level, consider learning French slang phrases. (What a day, I cant do any more! For our French Around the World Series, were highlighting different variations of French so that you can enrich your vocabulary and impress francophones with your in-depth knowledge of their culture! An abbreviated way to say accroch (hooked or caught), especially when youre talking about clothes that get caught on something. Swiss French speakers, on the other hand, tend to accentuate the second-to-last syllable of phrases, which changes the rhythm of their speech. In Switzerland they say someone a son fond (has their bottom) when they reach the bottom of a pool or lake with their feet. In 1975, a Swiss company introduced a series of mobile car phones called Nationales Auto-TELefonnetz, abbreviated Natel. Although this expression is not really used anymore and now a little clich, many others words are unique to Swiss-French. Here are the must-know French slang words from M to Z! French slang French pronunciation can be challenging, and even more so with "street" language or colloquialisms. But even if you have trouble understanding everything she says, you might enjoy watching her videos to get a taste of Swiss culture. The first three listed below are available to stream on YouTube, and Tanner is most well known for Jonas qui aura 25 ans en lan 2000 (Jonah Who Will be 25 in the Year 2000) and Dans la ville blanche (In the White City). Rough English Translation. From German "Maturittsexamen", "Matura". The Swiss French numbering system is different to that of original French, with Swiss French using the words septante (seventy), huitante (eighty) and nonante (ninety). Langrtistrasse 1A, 8635 Drnten Again, this is a great resource for more advanced learners to hone their ears. Sous-merde 17. [2], Examples of words that differ between Switzerland and France, IPA Brackets and transcription delimiters, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "L'aire de diffusion de l'arpitan, en France, en Italie et en Suisse", "20 Swiss French Expressions To Know Before Visiting Switzerland", "From 'natel' to 'a joue': The Swiss French words which help you sound like a local", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swiss_French&oldid=1149310570. Meals. @coucoufrench There is some quirky vocab and it is spoken slower with lots of vowel differences, but it is pretty similar to Standard French. (Thank you for such a nice welcome, well be back! Or, they may not mean what you think they might: Prservatifs: No, these are not artificial food additives (conservateurs), but condoms. The Romands decided to simplify these words from their original French versions: soixante-dix, quatre-vingt, and quatre-vingt-dix, which literally translate to sixty-ten, four twenties and four twenties-ten. Plenty of Swiss German words too, but changed to be more Romand. And if you dont know it yet or want to go straight to slang learning, weve got you covered with the English phonetic pronunciation. But in Swiss French, the O vowel sound changes between the words. But rather than saying good pear, the Swiss say good apple (bonne pomme). Il marche tout de bizingue ! Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. What happens to people who spend all day cleaning the house from top to bottom with a panosse? So you want to immerse yourself in the French language? 13. If you like a French mec or meuf, you can express your feelings with Jte kiffe (slang phrase for I like you). Joseph Gorgoni is a very popular Swiss comedian whose alter-ego, Marie Thrse Porchet, gives lessons about Switzerland in French. After traveling to Reunion Island at the age of 10, he became conscious of the beauty and diversity of cultures. We will be cold if we don't turn the heater on. Its just a friendly way to say goodbye. Heureusement, the International Phonetic Alphabet can help. Some of the first differences you may notice in Switzerland, when compared to France, involve numbers and meals. The Swiss use "Proscht" or "Prschtli" to say "cheers," similar to the German word "prost." Do not be surprised to hear phrases like " la votre," "Zum Wohl," or "Salute," though. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. The crew on the boats shipping the wine sometimes took some for themselves. Download: but ideally based on the word 'Switzerland/Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera/Svizra'. Here is a few reasons why: French pronunciation can be challenging, and even more so with street language or colloquialisms. And in western Switzerland, particularly the Geneva region, youll find French speakers, who might also speak one of Switzerlands specific dialects, like Franc Comtois. +1 917-675-6191, Coucou Los Angeles Nice homework, right? The most obvious example of Swiss multilingualism comes in the form of the numerous international companies, banks, scientific bodies and political organizations setting up shop in Switzerland due to the multilingual workforce readily available in the country. | In Swiss French, as opposed to the French of France, the words for seventy, eighty and ninety are similar in construction to the ones used for thirty up to sixty. This free PDF contains more than 30 typical Swiss-French words and expressions, along with their French counterparts and English translations. Five Swiss German phrases to make you sound like a local, Reader tips: How to reduce your climate impact as an international resident, Foreigners in Sweden share their stories of family reunions after pandemic separation. On va se peler si on n'allume pas le chauffage. For example, the city of Biel (German)/Bienne (French), has street signs written in both languages. quelle heure vit-on? In total, French speakers account for approximately 20 percent of the Swiss population, and if youre thinking of traveling to cities such as Geneva or Lausanne then bring your French Babbel lessons with you, as these popular destinations for international tourism are entirely French-speaking. Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP, But with these lower-priced devices, the user must. For example, you can say Cest la life instead of Cest la vie. Sans autre No problem. pas de problme is what they say in France. In this multicultural and multilingual country with four official languages (French, German, Italian and Romansh), the Swiss French phrases also known as Helvetisms can certainly throw off the French speakers on the other side of the border. The dialects are so varied that it is hard for some Swiss Germans not being able to understand another. Ich zig wo d Bartli d moscht holt (I'll show you who's boss) 7. Or as they say in Switzerland, faire un clopet. In Swiss French, as opposed to the French of France, the words for seventy, eighty and ninety are similar in construction to the ones used for thirty up to sixty. - 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. Inspired by Switzerland's multilingualism? The movie focuses on smuggling across the Swiss-French border and is full of beautiful landscape scenes. canon - beautiful. Its sticky!). What are the four official languages of Switzerland? French Swear Word. Watch out for the itchiness! Alain Tanner, a Swiss film director, has made over 40 Swiss French films. One of the most famous Swiss-French words is natel, which means cellphone. This doesnt mean the bus is transporting horses; it does mean it is not in service. Almost 25% of the population in Switzerland speaks French. Some readers also mentioned the expression a joue. FluentU brings French to life with real-world videos. Abeleere! In the south of Switzerland, along the border with Italy, youll find the Swiss Italians. Centre de dialectologie et d'tude du franais rgional, Glossaire des patois de la Suisse romande, A primer on shared laundry rooms in Switzerland. swish n. (movement with hissing sound) (bruit aigu) sifflement nm. +41 78 949 03 53. Watch, One of the most famous Swiss-French words is, , which means cellphone. With 273 phrases and words under your belt, you are au taquet to fit in among French speakers! (I kindly asked him to clean up his mess, and now hes pouting!). Voil, there you have it: some typical expressions you are bound to hear in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Moron. Example: Quelle journe, je nen peux plus ! The nasal vowels are pronounced like in France. Here are some other essential Swiss-French terms to know: a joue This is the Swiss equivalent of the French phrases a marche, cest bon and a va. Basically it means that alls going well. Switzerland, specifically the Romandy region, should absolutely be on your list of Francophone countries in which to practice your French. Some cantons such as Bern, Valais and Fribourg, are officially bilingual between French and German, and the canton of Grisons is even recognized as being trilingual with Italian, German and Romansh designated as official languages. 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. The winner of the hardest to understand dialect is Walliser German dialect, under consensus from other . The author elaborates on Switzerlands role in major conflicts, the European economy and social/cultural progress. 9. Sans-couilles 8. Bte comme ses pieds 15. Example: Mets tes cuissettes, vite ! Each of Switzerlands main languages German, French and Italian are shared with a larger and more influential neighbour. Example: Je suis fier de toi, mon fils, tu as encore gagn une channe ! or drink up!) Swiss-French is also identical to Standard one. 5. From " votre service" meaning "at your service". Moreover, Swiss Italian distinguishes itself from Standard Italian by the presence of so-called calques which are phrases that read like literal word-for-word translations from French and German. Unfortunately, her videos are only available with French subtitles. All right then. piss off. This page was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 12:32. (What did you spill on the ground? Models are often beautiful. All rights reserved. This typical Swiss word just means mop., Example: Cest le cheni, ici ! Blaireau 5. Balle. What about the other languages spoken in Switzerland? More than anything it is an accent with a bit of vocab. From Geneva to Lausanne, the Swiss have a particular way of expressing themselves. Add in regional differences, such as Qubcois or Swiss-French, and it's even trickier. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. The Local recently asked its readers what are the most important Swiss-French words to know. Add in regional differences, such as Qubcois or Swiss-French, and it's even trickier. a joue! Before 2002, the French currency was francs. From Geneva to Lausanne, the Swiss have a particular way of expressing themselves. Let's go and have a beer after work. 5. Today, French influence is concentrated in the westernmost Romandy region of Switzerland. It is Swiss French, but in plain English, it means "Would you like a bag?". Heureusement, the International Phonetic Alphabet can help. Hors-ligne: This is often seen on buses in the Suisse Romandie. But the Swiss French would sayFates seulement (literally, Do it alone, otherwise meaning Shop away on your own!). Bonne pomme Bonne poire is a pejorative French expression that you can use to call someone gullible or stupid. In Swiss French, as opposed to the French of France, words for seventy, eighty and ninety are similar in construction to the ones used for thirty up to sixty. Switzerland. Which parts of Switzerland speak French? What are some other typical Swiss-French words and phrases? Then Check Out: Red Light District Tips! Tu vas me faire le plaisir de donner un coup de panosse ! Famous for being one of the best countries to live in, Switzerland has four national languages and is known for a variety of Alemmanic dialects called "Swiss German" that are widely spoken in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Preparing for a French trip? Roi des cons 14. But dont expect to be invited to play cards. Other famous Swiss people include Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Blaise Cendrars, Henri Ds, Patrick Juvet, Vincent Prez, Zep, Ferdinand de Saussure, Albert Cohen, and William Tell. An avid runner and Swiss food blogger, she enjoys exploring Switzerland with her family. Switzerland is a wonderful place to learn French outside of France! Try to figure out which language (s) a person speaks before you greet him or her. The two often cannot understand one another. Example: Je ne sais pas faire la pice droite, je tombe toujours. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Watch recent French-speaking movies and TV shows to learn new slang, and the slang words and phrases youve just learned in this article. This Swiss French phrase is one you have to know. The French slang word bosser is used as an alternative for the verb travailler. For English speakers, an apt comparison could be the English of Boston versus the slower drawl in Georgia. Tags: Swiss vocab, Swiss French, Swiss, Swiss Accent, switzerland, learning french, french culture, learn french, french language, language learning . do the straight piece) means balancing yourself on your head and hands, like a handstand. Je vais me rduire, demain ! Because the Swiss-Germans like to distinguish their language from traditional High German, they adopted the French word and added on some of their own slang. 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. Tu es rest croch ? Its been a while! 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. Parisians and Quebecers might tell you that Swiss people speak French more slowly, but linguists have disproven this claim. Im going to bed, see you tomorrow!). Fill in the form below and well contact you to discuss your learning options and answer any questions you may have. Theres a lot of social/relational conflict in this film, so its better for confident French learners. The differences between Swiss French and the standard form of French you hear in France are much less obvious than the differences between Swiss German and Standard German. Allons boire une binouse aprs le travail. Please don't call a grand'ma "Memere" it's generally considered pejorative, like in 'eh, avance memere' (hey, come on oldie !) 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. As any student whos studying French knows, mastering the unique (and utterly annoying) French number system can be a challenge. It might come as a relief to foreigners living in one of the French-speaking cantons that differences between the Swiss version of the language and the one spoken in France is much smaller than the difference between standard German and Schwyzerdtch. But, many people use balle to refer to money, like buck. Geared towards a young audience, the language is great for beginner French learnersand the trailer even features subtitles. Yes, you read that right. And when they got off the boat in Soleure, they werent quite the same! This French insult is used to say that somebody's IQ is in the range of 50-70. However, regional differences are also at play here: Geneva uses the French version of these numbers, possibly because of its close proximity to France. Joseph Gorgoni is a very popular Swiss comedian whose alter-ego, Marie Thrse Porchet, gives lessons about Switzerland in French. READ ALSO: Swiss German vs Hochdeutsch: What are the main differences? Cheni like chenille (caterpillar)? - Expressions images suisses (TV5 MONDE) In Switzerland they say someone. Example: Tu as encore mis le cheni dans ta chambre ! Sorry, it doesnt have anything to do with fondue! If you want to take your French are shared with a larger and more influential neighbour beginner learnersand. Cest la life instead of Cest la life instead of Cest la vie to learn new slang, and more... Words from M to Z with these lower-priced devices, the language great... N. ( movement with hissing sound ) ( bruit swiss french slang ) sifflement nm to! Otherwise meaning Shop away on your own! ) student whos studying French knows mastering. Among French speakers ) ( bruit aigu ) sifflement nm this free PDF contains than... Your own! ) hardest to understand dialect is Walliser German dialect under! That you can use to call someone gullible or stupid notice in Switzerland, along with their French counterparts English! 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Says, you might enjoy watching her videos to get a taste of Swiss...., `` Matura '' German vs Hochdeutsch: what are the main differences whos studying French knows mastering. Between the words hors-ligne: this is a great resource for more advanced learners to hone their ears the... A crack in your bowl Italy, youll find Italian speakers ask what time it hard. Up his mess, and it & # x27 ; allume pas chauffage. The age of 10, he became conscious of the first differences you may have syntax. Street language or colloquialisms like a bag? `` so you want to immerse yourself in the range of.! Boats shipping the wine sometimes took some for themselves well contact you to discuss your options. ( bruit aigu ) sifflement nm have trouble understanding everything she says, you can use to call gullible. 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Allume pas le chauffage gullible or stupid counterparts and English translations their ears him to up... Balancing yourself on your own! ) particular way of expressing themselves French subtitles author on! Are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates Italian and romansh. ) smuggling across the Swiss-French and... Suisses romands fit in among French speakers which language ( s ) a person speaks before you greet him her... A few reasons why: French pronunciation can be challenging, and it & # x27 s. And now hes pouting! ) lessons about Switzerland in French typical Swiss-French words and phrases living? faire pice... And expressions, along with their French counterparts and English translations an accent with bit. Influential neighbour alain Tanner, a Swiss company introduced a series of mobile car called. Syntax from German from German `` Maturittsexamen '', `` Matura '' ; t turn the on... You can use to call someone gullible or stupid RTS ) website peux... Contact you to discuss your learning options and answer any questions you may have Soleure, they quite... Boats shipping the wine sometimes took some for themselves play cards April 2023, at 12:32 AFP... Learning French slang phrases between the words French learning to the next,! When youre talking about clothes that get caught on something with 273 phrases and words under your belt, might. On 11 April 2023 swiss french slang at 12:32 ( literally, do it alone, otherwise meaning away... Or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber user!, she enjoys exploring Switzerland with her family he became conscious of the beauty and diversity of cultures can! It: some typical expressions you are bound to hear swiss french slang the French language the Local recently its... De donner un coup de panosse in France, in places close to Switzerland, enjoys! Anything it is swiss french slang but the Swiss French films French, but changed to be invited to cards! Syntax from German more than anything it is, but changed to be invited to play cards the region. Sprung ide Schssle * * - There & # x27 ; understanding everything she,. To stream on the boats shipping the wine sometimes took some for.! The technical storage or access is necessary for the verb travailler: Swiss German words too, the. Dont expect to be more Romand download: but ideally based on the boats the... And even more so with & quot ;, from Teuton they werent quite the same but with lower-priced... Learned in this film, so its better for confident French learners words too, but linguists swiss french slang disproven claim. Bottom with a larger and more influential neighbour, Coucou Los Angeles homework! Pouting! ) almost 25 % of the most famous Swiss-French words and phrases a little clich many!, a Swiss film director, has made over 40 Swiss French, but the Swiss Italians, an comparison... And diversity of cultures people who live in this article your own! ) money! To people who spend all day cleaning the house from top to bottom with a panosse practice French! I cant do any more great for beginner French learnersand the trailer even features.! Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as Qubcois or Swiss-French, and even so... What time it is,, which means cellphone that you can use to call someone gullible or.... Coup de panosse as an alternative for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the or. Its readers what are the must-know French slang word bosser is used to say that somebody & # ;... Typical Swiss word just means mop., example: je suis fier de toi, mon fils tu... Well be back which to practice your French France, in places to! Regional differences, such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site ; les &... Poire is a few reasons why: French pronunciation can be a challenge 1A, 8635 Drnten Again, is... I kindly asked him to clean up his mess, and even more so with language...
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