Lerne
Schwiizerdütsch

The most widely spoken dialect, used as an informal media standard.

Melodic and sing-song; vowels are elongated and lilted upward. Beloved for its warmth.

Central Swiss dialect with rounder vowels, similar to Bern but with its own rhythm.

Very conservative dialect with archaic features from Old High German.

The dialect that gave Switzerland its name. Strong rural character and conservative features.

Diphthong-heavy dialect, very conservative and closely related to Nidwalden.

Similar to Obwalden; one of the most conservative Inner Swiss dialects.

Conservative East Swiss dialect spoken in one of Switzerland's smallest cantons.

Central dialect, close to Luzern. Zug is now one of Switzerland's wealthiest cantons.

Transitional dialect between Bern and Basel influences.

Most similar to Standard German of all Swiss dialects. Softer 'ch' sounds and simplified consonants.

Rural counterpart to Baseldytsch, with stronger rural character.

Most similar to Standard German due to northern border influence. Great starting point for learners!

Distinctive nasal quality that other Swiss find charmingly funny. Strong Alemannic features.

Even more conservative than Ausserrhoden. Home to the famous open-air democracy.

Transitional East Swiss dialect between Appenzell and Zurich influences.

Conservative East Swiss dialect, spoken alongside Romansh and Italian in Switzerland's largest canton.

Transitional dialect often described as 'flat'; lies between Zurich and Basel influences.

East Swiss dialect, close to St. Gallen and Zurich. Gentle and approachable.

The most divergent Swiss German dialect — archaic, slow, and nearly incomprehensible to Zurichers!

The German-speaking eastern part uses a Bernese-influenced dialect with some French borrowings.