Swiss German Phrases for Grocery Shopping

Shopping at Swiss supermarkets does not have to be intimidating. While most staff speak some English, knowing basic Swiss German phrases will make your experience smoother and help you connect with locals.

Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) is quite different from High German, so even if you have studied German before, these phrases will be new. Do not worry about perfect pronunciation, locals appreciate any effort to speak their dialect.

1. Basic greetings

  • Grüezi, hello. Pronounced GROO-eh-tsee.
  • Danke vilmal, thank you very much. Pronounced DAN-kuh VEEL-mal.
  • Bitte, please or you are welcome. Pronounced BIT-tuh.
  • Excusé, excuse me. Pronounced ex-koo-ZAY.

2. At the entrance

  • Wo isch de Chörb?, where is the shopping cart? Pronounced voh ish duh KHUHRB.
  • Brucheni es Münz?, do I need a coin? Pronounced BROO-khe-nee es MUHNZ.
  • Wo sind d'Chörbli?, where are the baskets? Pronounced voh sind duh KHUHRB-lee.

3. Finding items

  • Wo findi...?, where do I find...? Pronounced voh FIN-dee.
  • Händ Sie...?, do you have...? Pronounced hend see.
  • Isch das frisch?, is this fresh? Pronounced ish das frish.
  • Wieviel chostet das?, how much does this cost? Pronounced VEE-feel KHOS-tet das.

4. At the deli counter

  • 100 Gramm Schinke, bitte, 100 grams of ham, please. Pronounced HUN-dert gram SHIN-keh BIT-tuh.
  • Chönd Sie das dünn schnide?, can you slice it thin? Pronounced khund see das DUHN SHNEE-deh.
  • Chli meh, bitte, a little more, please. Pronounced khlee meh BIT-tuh.
  • Das isch guet so, that is good like that. Pronounced das ish GOOHT so.

5. At the checkout

  • Zahli bar oder mit Charte?, paying cash or by card? Pronounced TSAH-lee bar OH-der mit KHAR-teh.
  • Mit Charte, bitte, by card, please. Pronounced mit KHAR-teh BIT-tuh.
  • Brucheni es Säckli?, do I need a bag? Pronounced BROO-khe-nee es SECK-lee.
  • Ade!, goodbye! Pronounced ah-DEH.

Pro tips for success

Shopping etiquette

  • Return shopping carts to designated areas
  • Bring a 1 or 2 CHF coin for shopping carts
  • Pack your own bags quickly at checkout
  • Most stores close by 7 PM on weekdays

Cultural notes

  • Swiss Germans appreciate politeness
  • Always say Grüezi when entering small shops
  • Do not be offended by direct communication
  • Sunday shopping is very limited

Know your supermarkets

  • Migros: most popular, good prices, own-brand products.
  • Coop: slightly upmarket, great fresh produce.
  • Denner: discount chain, limited selection but cheaper.