Switzerland in English: when the language of Shakespeare arrives in the land of national languages

Switzerland is world-renowned for its neutrality, majestic mountains, powerful banks, fine chocolate, and, of course, linguistic diversity. Officially, Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. But in this multilingual landscape, a fifth language is gaining more and more ground: English. Although unofficial, English plays a growing role in the daily lives of the Swiss, including education, work, business, and even the media. So, what is the true status of English in Switzerland? Why is it so widespread? And how does it influence Swiss society?

An already multilingual population

Understanding the place of English in Switzerland first requires understanding the very nature of this country. Switzerland is a model of linguistic coexistence: each linguistic region has its dominant language, but citizens are generally exposed to several languages from a very young age. At school, children learn at least one other national language, often as early as primary school.

In this context, English is often added as a third or fourth language. For many young Swiss, it is easier to communicate in English than in Romansh, or even in another national language. Globalization and the popularity of the internet, streaming series, social media, and Anglo-Saxon music have largely contributed to this trend.

English in education

English is now taught in all Swiss schools, sometimes as early as primary school depending on the canton. This early introduction responds to a growing demand for international language skills, particularly in a country as economically connected as Switzerland.

Many Swiss universities now offer courses, or even entire programs, in English, particularly at the master's and doctoral levels. At the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and EPFL Lausanne, English is often the working language in research laboratories. This helps attract students and researchers from around the world while preparing Swiss citizens for an international job market.

English in the professional world

The importance of English in the workplace continues to grow. In international companies, particularly in Geneva, Zurich, and Basel, English is often used as the primary language of communication between employees, even among Swiss people with different native languages. It has become a tool for linguistic neutrality: rather than choosing between German and French, people are opting for a third language: English.

The sectors where English dominates are mainly:

• Finance and banking
• Computer science
• Scientific research
• International trade
• Tourism and hospitality

In large cities, it is not uncommon to see job offers written only in English, and some positions do not even require fluency in a national language.

Tourism and English

Switzerland is a world-renowned tourist destination, welcoming millions of visitors from around the world each year. English has become the preferred language of communication in hotels, ski resorts, museums, public transportation, and tourist restaurants. Brochures, tourist office websites, and audio guides are often translated into English.

For an English-speaking tourist, it is entirely possible to travel to Switzerland without speaking a word of German, French, or Italian. This linguistic comfort helps reinforce Switzerland's reputation as a welcoming, cosmopolitan, and accessible country.

Media and popular culture

English-language content consumption is widespread among young Swiss people. Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, video games, podcasts... the majority of this content is in English, sometimes even without translation. It's not uncommon for young people to speak "Franglais" (a mix of French and English) or "Denglisch" (German and English), especially in large cities.

This continuous exposure to English influences not only everyday vocabulary, but also cultural references, attitudes, and sometimes even pronunciation. Words like "deadline," "feedback," "meeting," and "challenge" creep into professional or student conversations, often without translation.

A language of neutrality?

One of the most interesting aspects of the use of English in Switzerland is its role as a neutral language. In a country where linguistic tensions have sometimes marked its history, English can serve as a bridge between communities. For example, in a Swiss company where French- and German-speaking employees work together, the use of English helps avoid favoring one national language over another, thus strengthening cohesion and equality.

Criticisms and limitations

Despite its many advantages, the expansion of English in Switzerland also attracts criticism. Some fear that the dominance of English will weaken national languages, particularly in scientific and academic fields. There are also fears of cultural leveling or excessive Americanization.

From a pedagogical perspective, some teachers believe it is necessary to first strengthen proficiency in national languages before introducing English. The debate is lively in some cantons: should a foreign national language or English be taught first? Should Swiss multilingualism or international openness be prioritized?

Conclusion: English, the fifth language of Switzerland?

Although English does not enjoy official status in Switzerland, it has undeniably become an essential language in many aspects of daily life. As a language of international communication, linguistic neutrality, and access to knowledge and the job market, English perfectly complements the Swiss linguistic landscape.

One could almost speak of English as Switzerland's "fifth language," unofficial but omnipresent. Far from threatening the national languages, it could well enrich them, provided that the balance is respected. In this country where multilingualism is a fundamental cultural asset, English finds its place, not as a replacement, but as an ally of the Swiss languages.