Can You Get a Job in Switzerland If You Only Speak English?
Are you thinking of moving to Switzerland, but worried about the language barrier? Many people speak English in Switzerland, especially in the cities, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around. You might even be able to get an English-speaking job in an international company. However, you can increase your chances of finding highly sought-after Switzerland expat jobs by learning basic German, French, or Italian.
Getting By with English in Switzerland
If you’d like to work in Switzerland, but you don’t speak any of the national languages, don’t worry. You’ll get by with English in metropolitan areas like Zurich and Geneva. In Switzerland’s major cities, more than 30% of the population is non-Swiss, so there are plenty of other non-native speakers. Additionally, Swiss children learn English at school, and many reach a high level of proficiency.
Despite this, making an effort to learn the local language will pay off, especially if you intend to stay longer than a few months. Learning German, French or Italian can make social interactions easier and open professional doors.
The Swiss Languages
So, which language should you learn? Switzerland has four national languages:
- German: Well over 60% of Swiss people speak German. Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Lucerne are all predominantly German-speaking.
- French: Over 20% of people speak French in Switzerland. Geneva, Lausanne, and Neuchatel are the three biggest French-speaking cities.
- Italian: Around 8% of the Swiss population is Italian-speaking. You might need to learn this language if you want to settle in the southern area of Switzerland, called Ticino.
- Romansh: Spoken by less than 1% of the population, this language is rarely used in business.
Swiss Language Variants
Although the French and Italian dialects are slightly different to the languages spoken in France and Italy, the deviation is minor. If you already speak French or Italian, you won’t have any trouble adjusting.
The situation is more complicated in the German-speaking part. Swiss German is a collection of dialects that are very different from standard German. If you speak standard German, you won’t necessarily understand Swiss people talking among themselves. However, written communication is almost always in standard German, since Swiss German is predominantly a spoken language. Most people who move to Switzerland start by learning standard German, especially if they want to become Swiss citizens or feel at home working at companies where German is widely spoken.
Learn more: Podcast episode about Schwiizerdütsch - Swiss German
Language Requirements for Jobs
Many Swiss employers measure your language skills by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This system splits language learners into six levels:
- A1: Beginner
- A2: Pre-Intermediate
- B1: Intermediate
- B2: Upper-Intermediate
- C1: Advanced
- C2: Proficiency
Each level takes about 100-200 hours to reach, although it depends on your aptitude, understanding of language structure, and other languages you already speak. At each level, you can take a test to prove your competency.
Swiss employers often require a B1 or B2 level, especially if you’ll be communicating with team members in the local language. For customer-facing roles, a C1 level might be necessary.
Best Switzerland Expat Jobs for English Speakers
Learning German, French, or Italian at B1 or B2 level isn’t strictly necessary. You can still get a job if you only speak English in Switzerland, as long as you work in an international or English-centric industry. IT is a good example because many multinational tech companies have their headquarters or a satellite office in Switzerland. English is often the primary language in big organisations, even if the offices are located in a German or French-speaking area.
Other good options are finance and hospitality/tourism. Switzerland is also the European home of several intergovernmental organisations, such as the UN, CERN and the WHO. Jobs within these organisations are often English-speaking.
Tips for English Speakers
1. Choose an English-Friendly Location
Not every area of Switzerland is set up for English speakers. If you settle in a rural town, you might struggle to find other English speakers to interact with. On the other hand, large cities are becoming increasingly international. According to the EF EPI English Index, Basel City, Zug, and Zurich are the most English-speaking cantons.
2. Make Use of Expat Communities
The expat scene is vibrant in many cities, and you can find large groups of English speakers to interact with. Look for communities on Meetup, Facebook, or the Directory of Immigrants’ Associations.
3. Display Cultural Sensitivity
Even if you only speak English in Switzerland, display cultural sensitivity when interacting with locals. Punctuality, neutrality, and tolerance are important values. Make an effort to arrive at meetings on time, stick to ‘safe’ conversational topics such as travel and free-time activities, and refer to people you don’t know by their surnames unless they introduce themselves with their first name. Swiss people keep work and their private lives strictly separate, so avoid calling your colleagues or business partners after hours.
4. Learn the Basics of the Local Language
If you want to stay in Switzerland for several years, learn the basics of the local language. You can start for free with a language learning app, attend a group class, or take private lessons. Aim to spend 1-2 hours a week learning German, French, or Italian, and practice using your newly acquired vocabulary when you’re out and about.
5. Use Language Learning as a Networking Strategy
When you attend a local language class, you’ll meet other new expats. Interact with them, and ask them about their experiences. You might pick up tips about living in Switzerland, build up a social network, or even make valuable business connections.
Although many people speak English in Switzerland and there are some English-speaking jobs, taking a class could be a good way to meet new people and increase your chances of finding your dream position. Sign up to our Rigby AG newsletter to access our Living in Switzerland ebook and find out more about English-speaking Switzerland expat jobs.