Swiss people have their own peculiarities. We’ll show you how you come out as being thoroughly Swiss to others and which characteristics cause astonishment in our neighboring countries.
Every nation has typical characteristics. The Germans are too direct, those who come from France flirt all the time and in Spain everyone dances flamenco. We Swiss are also said to have some things.
Whether it’s the love for Swiss products or characteristics: Others will recognize from these things that you have the red passport.
You like Rivella
Rivella is probably the Swiss soft drink par excellence. Abroad, people tend to grimace at the taste. As a Swiss citizen, you enjoy the refreshing taste and always have a bottle ready – wherever your thirst is at home.
Late trains and buses make you hateful
The Swiss are as punctual as the Swiss clock – this also applies to public transport. While abroad, delays of 10 minutes are nothing special and in Germany one can be happy if the train shows up at all, we get annoyed at a delay of just a few minutes.
A coffee for 4 francs won’t bother you
Switzerland is known for its high prices. And especially for luxury foods you have to dig deep into your wallet in this country. If a coffee for 4 francs and more doesn’t stress you out, you know you’re from Switzerland.
You prefer to shop at Migros or Coop
While there is fierce competition in the retail sector in our neighboring countries, there are only two chains that really come into question for the Swiss. And this is where the nation is already split: either you are a Coop fan or a Migros child.
You only eat Swiss chocolate
Chocolate from abroad? For you unimaginable. After all, Swiss chocolate is world-renowned for its excellent quality. When it comes to chocolate, you’re loyal to your homeland.
You don’t value your political voice
Referendums are very typical in Switzerland and so we have the most directly democratic elements in the world. It is therefore surprising that voter turnout rarely exceeds 50 percent. Electoral laziness is typical of Switzerland.
You don’t talk about your salary
We rarely talk about our salary. Except with our superiors and with the tax office. Otherwise, it’s simply not part of Swiss etiquette to talk about wages and money.
You apologize when you get bumped into
Whether on the train or on the street – we Swiss people apologize when we are bumped into. Even if we ourselves are not to blame. Of course, the person who bumped also apologizes.
You ask on the train if the seat is still free
Simply sitting down with someone on the train is not appropriate for the Swiss. It’s good manners to ask if the space is really free – even if it’s obviously free.
As a child, you always had a snack with you during the break
Whether it’s a fresh carrot or a homemade pastry from mum – you always had a lovingly wrapped snack with you during the mid-morning break.
No one makes phone calls or speaks loudly on the train
Talking loudly on the train about last night’s date? Or make small talk with an old acquaintance? Unimaginable in Switzerland. Apart from embarrassing conversation partners, as a person with a loud vocal organ, you get nothing but angry looks.
