Switzerland is a beautiful country in Europe known for its stunning views. But it’s not just the scenery that makes it special. The way people act and behave there is also really important. Swiss people are proud of how they do things and how they treat each other. Their traditions and manners are a big part of how they live every day. Read about such more social customs in Switzerland in this blog.
Did you know that it’s disrespectful to chew gum in public in Switzerland? Or that you should keep your volume down when speaking around locals?
Many social customs in Switzerland may surprise you. A lot of these social etiquettes are unique to the country, while some are quite common.
If you don’t want to get strange attention in Switzerland, it’s best to follow social customs. It’s also a great way to adapt to Swiss culture and life. Read more on how to study in Switzerland for free.
Social Customs in Switzerland
Before planning to study in Switzerland, let’s explore some of the interesting customs that make Switzerland’s culture unique.
1. Greetings and etiquette
When meeting someone in Switzerland, a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and addressing them using their title and surname are common practices, especially in formal settings. In more informal situations, a simple “Grüezi” (hello) or “Guten Tag” (good day) suffices. Personal space is respected, so maintaining a comfortable distance during conversations is customary.
2. Don’t disturb people in public
The Swiss are serious about peace and order in public spaces. To maintain this, they established a set of social rules to follow.
If you’re out in public, refrain from talking out loud. The Swiss don’t like loud people and have a low tolerance for noise.
Chewing a piece of gum may sound harmless, but it could get you mean stares from the locals. Swiss people see this act as rude, so it’s best not to do it in public.
3. Greet people with respect
The Swiss don’t like disturbances, but they sure love warm greetings. If you spend some time strolling down the streets, you may notice that people greet each other.
You can greet everyone in English, but the Swiss will appreciate it if you greet them in their language. Try learning a few phrases before heading out on the streets.
When you’re introduced to someone, you may want to reserve a bit of liveliness for later. A light handshake will do. Make sure not to break eye contact while doing this. Otherwise, they might think you’re rude.
For other people that you’re well-acquainted with, greetings are more informal. Three light kisses on the cheek are acceptable.
4. Observe table manners
There is also dining etiquette that you must know in Switzerland. You must observe these practices especially when you’re invited to a formal dinner.
If a local friend invites you to their home, take a trip down to the store and get a gift. Get them something practical. Don’t buy a present at a high cost as it would make the host uncomfortable.
As a sign of respect, make sure to arrive early or on time. Don’t let them wait for you.
Speaking of waiting, if the family is still anticipating other guests, don’t start eating yet. Everyone must be at the table and dine together.
While eating, don’t put your elbows on the table, only lay your wrists at the edge. If you’re done, put your fork and knife in a 5:25 position. This tells your host that you’re done.
Studying Switzerland’s social customs is important for you and the people you interact with. It shows that you value their culture and respect their personal space.
5. Festivals and celebrations
Switzerland loves to throw parties and celebrate! They have some cool festivals that are all about their traditions. In Zurich, there’s this super colorful festival called Sechseläuten. And then there’s the Montreux Jazz Festival, which is famous worldwide. These events are a big deal and show off how diverse Switzerland’s culture is.
6. Tipping culture in Switzerland
Do you tip in Switzerland? Giving extra money as a tip isn’t something people do a lot, unlike in some other places. But if someone does a really good job at a restaurant or providing a service, it’s nice to round up the bill or leave a little extra money as a way of saying thanks.
7. Punctuality
In Switzerland, being on time is important. It’s not just something people do; it’s seen as a really good quality. Whether it’s for meetings, parties, or catching the bus, getting there on time matters a lot. Being late is seen as not nice, so it’s a good idea to arrive a bit early.
The way people in Switzerland act and do things is a mix of old traditions, doing things right, and being open to new stuff. If visitors follow these ways, they can really get into the local culture and understand and like Switzerland even more. Knowing social customs can help you adjust to life in Switzerland. Like Switzerland, every country has its own culture. For example, if you want to study in the UK, first you need to know the customs and culture of the United Kingdom to adjust there as an international student.
