Grüezi! Grüessäch!
Learn Swiss German from scratch.
Learn Swiss German step by step with courses designed especially for English speakers.
Not sure where to begin?
Choose the option that best describes you.
Why my courses are perfect for you:
🇨🇭 No German Required
Learn Swiss German from the very beginning - even if you don't speak German.
Unlike most language schools, my courses are designed specifically for English speakers.
💬Speak with locals
Swiss German is the language people use every day.
Understand conversations, chat with your neighbors, friends, colleagues and family, and feel like part of the community.
📚 Personal Guidance
You're never learning alone.
If you have questions or get stuck, I'm here to help. I'll guide you step by step and support you throughout your learning journey.
If you have questions or get stuck, I'm here to help. I'll guide you step by step and support you throughout your learning journey.
What you get:
this is my story
Rahel Roth
One day, a student asked me a question that completely changed my career.
Instead of learning High German, she wanted to learn Swiss German directly, even though everyone around her had advised against it, saying Swiss German couldn't really be learned. Curious, I accepted the challenge. And I was proud to be the one help her succeed against all odds.
It didn't take long to discover the problem. Most learning materials assume that students already have an intermediate knowledge of High German. They focus on memorizing phrases rather than explaining how Swiss German actually works.
I wanted to create something different—a course that allows English speakers to learn Swiss German from the very beginning, without first having to master High German.
That is how my books were born.
Today, my mission is to help expats understand the language they hear every day, connect with their neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family, and truly feel at home in Switzerland.
Instead of learning High German, she wanted to learn Swiss German directly, even though everyone around her had advised against it, saying Swiss German couldn't really be learned. Curious, I accepted the challenge. And I was proud to be the one help her succeed against all odds.
It didn't take long to discover the problem. Most learning materials assume that students already have an intermediate knowledge of High German. They focus on memorizing phrases rather than explaining how Swiss German actually works.
I wanted to create something different—a course that allows English speakers to learn Swiss German from the very beginning, without first having to master High German.
That is how my books were born.
Today, my mission is to help expats understand the language they hear every day, connect with their neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family, and truly feel at home in Switzerland.
Patrick Jones - Course author
My Book Series
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What my students say:
I am starting to test it in
my workplace and already seeing surprise reactions 🙂 thanks Rahel for her great efforts 👏
Manpreet Singh
The course material is fantastic, well organized and Rahel explains everything clearly and with lots of examples. I love that we had some real life videos of different Swiss dialects too.
Anka Grzywacz
My favourite parts of the lessons are how she incorporates further
insights into Swiss culture and tradition with added material not
covered in the book.
Bryan-James Daniel
Need a dictionary? I got you!
Computer Version
Mobile Version
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know German?
No, My beginner courses are designed specifically for English speakers with no previous knowledge in German. Everything is explained in English, and we build your Swiss German step by step from the ground up.
If you already speak German, check out my course for German speakers.
If you already speak German, check out my course for German speakers.
I already speak High German. Which course is right for me?
If you already have a good command of High German (around B2 level or higher), my Swiss German for German Speakers course is the right choice.
Instead of starting from scratch, we'll focus on the differences between High German and Swiss German,including pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and everyday expressions.
Instead of starting from scratch, we'll focus on the differences between High German and Swiss German,including pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and everyday expressions.
Which Swiss German dialect do you teach?
Swiss German isn't one single dialect, there are many regional varieties.
I teach the common grammar and vocabulary that will help you understand and communicate with people across Switzerland. Along the way, you'll also become familiar with different regional accents, so youl'll feel comfortable in everyday conversations wherever you live.
I grew up in St.Gallen, but I have family from Zurich and Lucerne and relatives in Bern, Graubünden and friends from Basel.
I teach the common grammar and vocabulary that will help you understand and communicate with people across Switzerland. Along the way, you'll also become familiar with different regional accents, so youl'll feel comfortable in everyday conversations wherever you live.
I grew up in St.Gallen, but I have family from Zurich and Lucerne and relatives in Bern, Graubünden and friends from Basel.
Can I study without joining a live course?
Yes!
If you prefer to learn at your own pace, you can choose one of my self study programs. They include video lessons, audio recordings, exercises and additional learning material, plus a monthly Q&A session, so you can learn whenever and wherever it suits you.
If you prefer to learn at your own pace, you can choose one of my self study programs. They include video lessons, audio recordings, exercises and additional learning material, plus a monthly Q&A session, so you can learn whenever and wherever it suits you.
Where do the lessons take place?
The lessons are hold online on this platform. Once you sign up for a course, you will see the course outline with the different dates and the material.
What is the duration of a lesson?
Live lessons are 60 min. The video lessons are divided into several shorter videos, between 5-20min.
How many students are in a class?
I keep my groups small (4-6 people) so everyone has plenty of opportunities to speak, ask questions and receive personal feedback. My goal is to create a relaxed and supportive learning environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.
Are the lessons recorded?
Yes. Every live lesson is recorded, so if you can't attend or would like to review a topic again, you can simply watch the recording afterwards, until the end of the course.
For how long are the replays available?
During the course. The replays are an advantage I offer over regular language schools so that you do not miss any lesson, even though you cannot attend it.
The video course is available for the duration of your subscription. You can pause and re-activate your subscription anytime.
The video course is available for the duration of your subscription. You can pause and re-activate your subscription anytime.
How can I pay?
You can pay by credit card. Choose the course you want to attend and it will guide you through the sign up process.
How can I cancel my subscription?
On the platform go to your profile where you can pause or re-activate your subscription of the self study course anytime. You will still have access until the end of your subscription period.
Do I have to buy the book?
Yes. The books are an important part of the course and contain explanations, exercises and vocabulary that we'll use throughout the lessons.
Many students enjoy writing notes directly into the books, making them a valuable reference even after the course has finished.
Many students enjoy writing notes directly into the books, making them a valuable reference even after the course has finished.
Where can I buy the book?
The books are available on Amazon (yes, it ships to Switzerland too), in the Course Material tab, click on the book you are interested in and then choose the market where you want to ship to.
I don't like online classes, I think in face-2-face classes I'll learn more.
I have heard that many times and honestly, it is not true. My online classes are not just recorded videos, I seek direct interaction with my students, ask questions, answer your doubts and go over something again, if necessary.
I also adapt the syllabus according to the groups level. If I notice that the group struggles with a certain topic, we do more exercises, if I see that the group advances quickly, I add extra topics.
My lessons have a lot of advantages over regular f2f classes such as
the flexibility to participate from wherever you are,
no time loss to travel to class,
watch the replays when you have time and never miss a class,
re-watch the lesson if you have not understood anything,
The fact that you we are very small groups makes the lesson extremely personal, I can give direct feedback to each of you and at the same you can learn from each other.
If you take advantage of everything I offer, you have individual lessons at a group lesson price.
I also adapt the syllabus according to the groups level. If I notice that the group struggles with a certain topic, we do more exercises, if I see that the group advances quickly, I add extra topics.
My lessons have a lot of advantages over regular f2f classes such as
the flexibility to participate from wherever you are,
no time loss to travel to class,
watch the replays when you have time and never miss a class,
re-watch the lesson if you have not understood anything,
The fact that you we are very small groups makes the lesson extremely personal, I can give direct feedback to each of you and at the same you can learn from each other.
If you take advantage of everything I offer, you have individual lessons at a group lesson price.
Will I get to practise speaking?
Absolutely!
Speaking is an important part of every lesson. From the very beginning, you'll practise using what you've learnt through conversations, role plays and interactive activities. Making mistakes is part of learning - and I am here to guide you every step of the way.
Speaking is an important part of every lesson. From the very beginning, you'll practise using what you've learnt through conversations, role plays and interactive activities. Making mistakes is part of learning - and I am here to guide you every step of the way.
Do I also learn about Swiss culture?
Yes, of course. We will talk about different events happening during the year. This material is not in the book and will be available as a separate PDF document on the platform to download. What we will be talking about depends on the course period, eg. if you start in August, you will learn about events happening in these 4 months of course.
What if I am shy?
Many of my students tell me they felt exactly the same before joining. My classes are friendly, supportive and completely judgement-free. You don't have to be perfect - everyone is learning together. As your confidence grows, speaking Swiss German will start to feel much more natural.
Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Swiss German is not an official language, for which there are no levels or language exams to take. However, I offer you the option to choose between a completion certificate (after finishing the 4 months course) and a certificate of achievement (after taking a short exam) for your personal satisfaction and to show off. Remember, this is not an official certificate.
Can I ask questions outside the live lessons?
Yes. If something is not clear or you need a little extra help, you're welcome to ask your questions in the Whatsapp group (in case of the live course) or in the Q&A sessions (in the case of self study).
Will I learn grammar?
Yes - but always with practical purpose. I explain grammar in a simple and easy-to-understand way, using plenty of examples from everyday life. My goal is to help you actually use the language, not just memoreise rules.
Can I really learn Swiss German online?
Absolutely. Over the years, I have helped students from all over the world learn Swiss German online. Live lessons, speaking practice, recordings and carefully structured learning materials make online learning both effective and flexible.
Many students even prefer it because they can learn comfortable from home and revisit lessons whenever they need.
Many students even prefer it because they can learn comfortable from home and revisit lessons whenever they need.
Will I be able to speak Swiss German after the course?
By the end of each course, you'll have built the skills and confidence to communicate in everyday situations appropriate to your level.
Language learning is a journey, but every lessons brings you one step closer to understanding and speaking Swiss German naturally.
Language learning is a journey, but every lessons brings you one step closer to understanding and speaking Swiss German naturally.
What makes your courses different?
My courses were created because I couldn't find learning material that taught Swiss German from scratch.
Instead of assuming you already know High German, I explain everything in English and build the language step by step. The courses combine structured lessons, real-life examples, audio by native speakers and personal guidance to help you use Swiss German in everyday life with confidence.
Instead of assuming you already know High German, I explain everything in English and build the language step by step. The courses combine structured lessons, real-life examples, audio by native speakers and personal guidance to help you use Swiss German in everyday life with confidence.
Learn Swiss German with me!
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