#12 Swiss French｜French Language Column

French is spoken not only in France, but also in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Africa. As a result, even within the French-speaking world, vocabulary, pronunciation, and expressions can vary depending on the country or region.

One representative example is the variety of French spoken in Switzerland.

Switzerland is a multilingual country where German, French, Italian, and Romansh coexist as official languages. Among these, French is mainly spoken in the western part of the country. Although Swiss French is not drastically different from standard French spoken in France, it has several unique characteristics in areas such as number usage, vocabulary, pronunciation, and linguistic environment.

In this article, I will explain what Swiss French is and how it differs from the French spoken in France.

1. Switzerland Is a Multilingual Country

To understand Swiss French, I think it is first important for you to understand Switzerland’s linguistic environment.

Switzerland is well known as a multilingual country, with the following four official languages:

• German
• French
• Italian
• Romansh

Among these, German has the largest number of speakers. French is mainly spoken in western Switzerland, a French-speaking region commonly known as Romandy.

Major French-speaking cantons in Switzerland include:

• Canton of Geneva
• Canton of Vaud
• Canton of Neuchâtel
• Canton of Jura
• Canton of Fribourg (partially)
• Canton of Valais (partially)

In Switzerland, the language people use in daily life changes significantly depending on where they live. Within this environment, Swiss French has developed its own distinctive characteristics.

2. Swiss French Is Generally Close to Standard French

When comparing Swiss French with standard French spoken in France, you will find that their grammatical structures are almost identical. Verb conjugation, articles, noun gender, adjective agreement, tenses, and the subjunctive all follow essentially the same rules.

The same is true for written French. In newspapers, official documents, schools, and business communication, standard French is generally used, so the differences are relatively small.

Of course, this does not mean the two varieties are completely identical. In everyday conversation, Swiss speakers may use vocabulary or expressions specific to Switzerland. Differences can also be seen in number usage and certain everyday terms.

However, these differences are not large enough to prevent mutual understanding. I would describe Swiss French as a regional variety built on the foundation of standard French.

If I compare it to English, the relationship is similar to that between British English, American English, and Canadian English. There are differences in vocabulary and pronunciation, but they remain mutually understandable.

3. Number Usage Differs from France

One of the most famous differences in Swiss French involves numbers. In France, 70, 80, and 90 are expressed using relatively unusual constructions:

• 70 = soixante-dix（60 + 10）
• 80 = quatre-vingts（4 × 20）
• 90 = quatre-vingt-dix（80 + 10）

This numbering system is often one of the more challenging aspects of learning French.

In Switzerland, however, more regular forms are commonly used:

• 70 = septante
• 80 = huitante (depending on the region)
• 90 = nonante

This system is closer to the logic of English numbers such as seventy and ninety, so many learners find it easier to understand.

For 80, however, usage depends on the region. In some areas, such as the canton of Vaud, “huitante” is used, while in many other areas people use “quatre-vingts,” just as in France.

4. Swiss French Has Unique Vocabulary

Swiss French also includes vocabulary that is not commonly used in France.

One well-known example involves meal names. In France, meals are generally called:

• Breakfast = petit déjeuner
• Lunch = déjeuner
• Dinner = dîner

In Switzerland, however, traditional usage may be:

• Breakfast = déjeuner
• Lunch = dîner
• Dinner = souper

This means the meal names are effectively shifted by one position.

For example, while “déjeuner” refers to lunch in standard French, it can mean breakfast in Swiss French.

The word “souper” is another notable example. It is not commonly used in modern France, but it remains relatively common in Switzerland and Belgium.

5. Why Did Swiss French Develop Its Own Features?

The unique vocabulary and expressions found in Swiss French are closely connected to Switzerland’s history, politics, and linguistic environment.

Throughout its history, Switzerland developed as a country separate from France. As a result, even in French-speaking regions, social institutions, educational systems, administrative structures, and daily customs evolved differently from those in France.

These differences naturally influenced everyday language. Vocabulary related to administration, education, public services, and military systems often reflects uniquely Swiss institutions.

In other words, some Swiss French vocabulary exists because it is needed to describe Swiss society itself.

Another important factor is Switzerland’s multilingual environment.

Since Switzerland has four official languages—and German is the most widely spoken—French speakers regularly interact with German speakers. This long-term language contact has influenced Swiss French in many ways.

As a result, Swiss French contains:

• Older French expressions that have been preserved.
• Words no longer commonly used in France.
• Terms influenced by German or Italian.
• Vocabulary created from Swiss institutions and culture.

Because language changes at different speeds in different regions, some older French words that disappeared in France are still naturally used in Switzerland today.

When you examine these words and expressions, you can see how strongly Swiss history, multilingualism, and cultural background are reflected in the language.

6. Do You Need to Learn Swiss French?

Some French learners may wonder whether they should also study Swiss French.

In my opinion, if you are a beginner, there is no need to focus on Swiss French right away. Your priority should be mastering standard French first.

This is because Swiss French is fundamentally based on standard French spoken in France. Grammar, verb conjugation, core vocabulary, and sentence structure are largely the same.

For this reason, if you are just starting to learn French or are still studying basic grammar, I recommend concentrating on standard French first.

That said, knowing Swiss-specific expressions can be useful if you:

• Plan to study or move to Switzerland.
• Work with Swiss companies.
• Want to work in international organizations in cities such as Geneva.
• Are interested in Swiss culture or history.
• Interact regularly with Swiss people.

Most Swiss French speakers also understand standard French expressions. Therefore, even if you use standard French as a foreign learner, communication usually will not be a problem.

My recommendation is simple: build a strong foundation in standard French first, then learn Swiss-specific expressions when necessary.

7. Summary

Swiss French is one of the four official languages of multilingual Switzerland and is very close to standard French.

Its main characteristics include:

By learning about Swiss French, I believe you can gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of the French language.