Beyond the Alps - Lerne Schweizerdeutsch

swissgermanbeginners.ch
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Welcome to Beyond the Alps — a Swiss German (Züridütsch) podcast produced by swissgermanbeginners.ch that opens the door to the heart of Switzerland. I’m Andrea, founder of Swiss German for Beginners, author, and passionate storyteller. In each episode, I share stories of everyday life in Switzerland: from language and culture to traditions, humor, and personal memories. Whether you’re learning Swiss German or simply curious about Swiss culture, this podcast will make you feel a little bit more Swiss inside.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    10 “You Don’t Need Swiss German.” OR DO YOU!?

    Do you really need to learn Swiss German? “You don’t need it.” “It’s impossible.” “There are too many dialects anyway.” You’ve probably heard all of this before — but how true is it really? In this episode, I explain why understanding and speaking Swiss German matters. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get it here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Patreon supporters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    15 min

  2. FEB 3

    9 Swiss School System Explained

    In this episode, I explain the Swiss education system (focus on Canton of Zurich) from kindergarten to university, including grading, secondary school options and academic paths. I also share my personal experience — growing up in the Swiss system and now navigating it as a mum. This episode is especially helpful for parents, expats, and anyone curious about life in Switzerland, while also improving your Swiss German listening skills with clear, slow speech. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get it here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Patreon supporters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    12 min

  3. JAN 20

    8 Raising Kids in Switzerland - An Honest Look

    In this episode, I share an honest, personal look at growing up — and raising kids — in Switzerland. From pregnancy and maternity leave to daycare, grandparents, and the differences between city and countryside life, I talk about the everyday realities many families only discover along the way. This episode is based on my own experience, first as a child and now as a mother. It’s not about statistics or perfect systems, but about how things actually work in daily life — especially for families who didn’t grow up here. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get it here⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠My Patreon supporters⁠⁠⁠⁠ receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    14 min

  4. JAN 6

    7 Above the Sea of Fog - A Winter Escape to Mount Rigi

    In this episode, I take you with me on a winter journey to Mount Rigi — up above Switzerland’s famous sea of fog. After weeks of grey skies, we escape the cold and head straight into sunshine, golden light, and breathtaking mountain views. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get it here⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠My Patreon supporters⁠⁠⁠ receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    15 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    6 Znüni, Zvieri & Znacht: Swiss Meal Times Explained

    In this episode, I take you through the uniquely Swiss way of eating: from Zmorge and Znüni to Zvieri, Znacht, and even the mysterious Bettmümpfeli. You’ll learn what these meal names actually mean, when Swiss people eat, and what typically ends up on the plate at each time of day. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect.  ⁠⁠⁠Get it here⁠⁠. ⁠⁠My Patreon supporters⁠⁠ receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    17 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    5 The Most Iconic Swiss Idioms Explained

    Swiss German idioms can be confusing, charming, hilarious — sometimes all at once! In this episode, we explore some of the most iconic expressions you’ll hear in everyday Swiss life. You’ll learn what they mean, how to pronounce them, and when to use them. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect.  ⁠⁠Get it here⁠. ⁠My Patreon supporters⁠ receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    19 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    4 Making Friends in Switzerland: A Guide from the Heart

    In this episode, I explore one of the biggest challenges many newcomers face: building real friendships in Switzerland. Inspired by Rick Warren’s powerful reflection on what truly matters at the end of life, we talk about why human connection is essential — and why it can feel especially difficult to find in Switzerland. You’ll learn: why Swiss friend groups often feel closed or hard to enterhow language and dialect create invisible barrierswhy even a few Swiss German words can open doorsthe easiest places to meet people and make new friendspractical steps to feel more at home and build genuine connectionsThis episode is perfect for expats, internationals, or anyone trying to understand Swiss social culture. If you’ve ever felt lonely, stuck, or unsure how to connect with locals, this conversation will give you clarity — and hope. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect.  ⁠Get it here. My Patreon supporters receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    15 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    3 Why Is Swiss German Not a Language?

    Explore one of the biggest linguistic debates in Switzerland: is Swiss German just a dialect, or could it actually be considered a language of its own? You’ll learn what defines a language, why Swiss German doesn’t (yet) meet the criteria and what would need to change for it to be officially recognised. And, of course, I’ll share my personal take as a proud Swiss German speaker. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect. ⁠⁠Get it here⁠⁠ ⁠⁠. ⁠⁠My Patreon supporters⁠⁠ receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    13 min

  9. 10/28/2025

    2 How to Be a Real Swiss

    ⁠Get the Transcript⁠! Ever wondered how to fit in like a real Swiss? In this episode, I’ll tell you what to do, and what not to do, if you don’t want to get a side-eye from a Swiss person. From punctuality to politeness, and of course, the art of being a little bit “Bünzli”. Discover the unspoken rules of everyday life in Switzerland — through my own experiences and stories as someone who grew up here. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect. ⁠Get it here⁠ ⁠⁠. ⁠My Patreon supporters⁠ receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    19 min

  10. 10/10/2025

    1 Swiss German Dialects Explained

    ⁠Get the Transcript! In this first episode, I take you on a journey through the world of Swiss German dialects — from Zurich to Bern to Wallis. Discover why “Swiss German” isn’t one language at all, which dialect I speak, and which ones are the most loved (or feared!) by learners. Transcripts: The Swiss German transcript of every episode was written by myself, by hand — because no software can truly capture the beauty of the dialect. Get it here ⁠⁠. My Patreon supporters receive all episode transcripts as part of their perks — thank you for helping me share Swiss German with the world.

    19 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Welcome to Beyond the Alps — a Swiss German (Züridütsch) podcast produced by swissgermanbeginners.ch that opens the door to the heart of Switzerland. I’m Andrea, founder of Swiss German for Beginners, author, and passionate storyteller. In each episode, I share stories of everyday life in Switzerland: from language and culture to traditions, humor, and personal memories. Whether you’re learning Swiss German or simply curious about Swiss culture, this podcast will make you feel a little bit more Swiss inside.

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