Language Learning

1. Wie seit me das uf Schwiizerdütsch?

   How do you say that in Swiss German?

   Usage

   The classic question for learning how to say something

   Grammar Note

   composed: me is the general "one" subject; seit means "says"

2. Chönd Sie das ufschriibe?

   Could you write that down?

   Usage

   A polite way to ask for a word to be written down

   Grammar Note

   composed: ufschriibe means to write down

3. Was heisst das Wort?

   What does this word mean?

   Usage

   Asks what a word means

   Grammar Note

   composed: heisst can also mean "means"

4. Ich lerne Schwiizerdütsch.

   I am learning Swiss German.

   Usage

   Tells people you are learning Swiss German, which they often appreciate

   Grammar Note

   composed: there is no progressive form, so the present tense is used

5. Chönd mir zäme üebe?

   Can we practise together?

   Usage

   Invites someone to practise speaking together

   Grammar Note

   composed: the question is formed by inverting mir chönd; zäme means together

6. Das isch en schöne Dialäkt.

   That is a beautiful dialect.

   Usage

   A compliment on the local dialect

   Grammar Note

   composed: Dialäkt is masculine, so the adjective takes the form schöne

7. Wie heisst das uf Dütsch?

   What is that called in German?

   Usage

   Asks the name of something in German; signs and documents in Switzerland are usually in Standard German

   Grammar Note

   composed: uf expresses "in (a language)"

8. Chönd Sie das nomal säge?

   Could you say that again?

   Usage

   A polite request to repeat what was said

   Grammar Note

   composed: nomal means once more

Browse all TravelPhrases languages