Feelings

1. Ich fröie mich

   I'm glad

   Usage

   The basic way to say you are pleased; the spelling of fröie varies between writers

   Grammar Note

   composed: reflexive verb fröie mich; the first-person verb ends in -e

2. Ich bi glücklich

   I'm happy

   Usage

   A lasting feeling of happiness; for small everyday pleasures Ich fröie mich fits better

   Grammar Note

   composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

3. Ich bi ufgregt

   I'm excited

   Usage

   Covers both anticipation and nerves, before a trip as much as before an exam; context decides which

   Grammar Note

   composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

4. Ich bi stolz

   I'm proud

   Usage

   Said about your own achievement or that of someone close to you

   Grammar Note

   composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

5. Ich bi froh

   I'm glad (relieved)

   Usage

   For when a worry has lifted; it can also simply mean glad

   Grammar Note

   composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

6. Ich bi dankbar

   I'm grateful

   Usage

   Heavier than a plain Merci; keep it for someone who really went out of their way

   Grammar Note

   composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

7. Das gfallt mir guet

   I like it

   Usage

   A natural compliment for food, a view or something you bought

   Grammar Note

   composed: gfalle works like German gefallen; the thing liked is the subject and the person is mir (dative)

8. Ich bi truurig

   I'm sad

   Usage

   For low spirits

   Grammar Note

   composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

9. Wie schad

   What a shame

   Usage

   The standard reaction to bad news or a cancelled plan

   Grammar Note

   composed: schad is used on its own as a short predicate meaning a pity

10. Ich bi enttüscht

    I'm disappointed

    Usage

    A calm way to tell a hotel or tour operator it fell short

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

11. Ich ha Heiweh

    I'm homesick

    Usage

    For missing home; Heiweh literally means home ache

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich ha plus a noun; where Standard German says ich habe, Zürich German says ha

12. Ich bi hässig

    I'm angry

    Usage

    Strong anger; it does not mean ugly here. In a complaint, Ich bi enttüscht is usually more effective

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

13. Ich ha Angscht

    I'm scared

    Usage

    A workable reason to decline a ride or an activity

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich ha plus a noun; Angscht is written with sch

14. Ich bi überrascht

    I'm surprised

    Usage

    For a sudden turn of events

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

15. Ich bi gstresst

    I'm stressed

    Usage

    A natural reason for asking to stop and rest

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

16. Das isch mir z vill

    It's too much for me

    Usage

    For crowds or a packed schedule; leads naturally into asking for a break or declining

    Grammar Note

    composed: z before an adjective or adverb means too; z is written as a separate word

17. Das isch mir peinlich

    That's embarrassing

    Usage

    The set phrase after an awkward slip; it is about your own situation, so it is safe with anyone

    Grammar Note

    composed: isch mir plus an adjective means it is ... for me

18. Ich bi schüch

    I'm shy

    Usage

    A gentle reason to decline singing or dancing in public

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

19. Mir isch langwiilig

    I'm bored

    Usage

    About how you feel; do not say Das isch langwiilig in front of whoever organised something

    Grammar Note

    composed: impersonal Mir isch plus an adjective, the same pattern as Mir isch übel

20. Ich bi müed

    I'm tired

    Usage

    Covers both fatigue and sleepiness; also a polite way to call it a day

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

21. Ich bi kaputt

    I'm exhausted

    Usage

    Casual wording for after a long hike or journey; kaputt is also what you say of a broken object

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

22. Ich bi nervös

    I'm nervous

    Usage

    For before an exam, an interview or a ride

    Grammar Note

    composed: Ich bi plus an adjective; where Standard German says ich bin, Zürich German says bi

23. Ich bi nöd zfriede

    I'm not satisfied

    Usage

    A calm way to complain about service or a room

    Grammar Note

    composed: nöd is the negation; Zürich German does not use nid or nit

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