In our language corner, we bring to you phrases that you can use in your everyday life in Switzerland. There are four official languages in Switzerland – German, French, Italian and Romansch. This issue, we bring you phrases that help you with conversation ideas in two languages spoken in Switzerland.
Imagine you are at a bakery and you would like to buy a piece of cake, coffee, and bread. Here’s how you could go about speaking with the staff at the bakery:
English
Hi, How may I help you today?
Hello, I’d like to have a piece of ___cake, a coffee, and some bread, please.
Okay, what kind of bread would you like to buy?
I think I’ll take the whole-wheat one, please.
Will that be all?
Yes, Thank you.
The total is 12.95Fr., please.
Thank you and have a nice day.
Thank you and you too have a nice day.
German
Grüezi, Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?
Grüezi, ich hätte gerne ein Stück ___ Kuchen/Torte, einen Kaffee und Brot bitte.
Ja sicher, was für ein Brot hätten Sie gerne?
Ich nehme das Vollkornbrot bitte .
Ist das alles?
Ja, danke.
Dann wäre es 12.95Fr. (zwölf Franken fünf und neunzig) bitte.
Danke ich wünsche Ihnen noch einen schönen Tag
Ja, danke gleichfalls (same to you)/Ich wünsche Ihnen ebenfalls einen schönen Tag.
French
Bonjour,
Bonjour, je voudrais avoir un gâteau, un café et un pain s’il vous plaît.
Oui bien sûr, quel type de pain voulez-vous?
Je prends le pain complet s’il vous plaît.
C’est tout?
Oui, merci.
Ça fait 12.95Fr. (douze Francs quatre-vingt-quinze)
Au revoir et bon journée
Merci, à vous aussi.
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