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Swiss German Online
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In this episode, we go straight into one of Switzerland’s most iconic traditions: Jassen. It’s not just a card game — it’s a social glue, a weekly ritual, and in many families, almost a competitive sport. I talk about my grandmother from the canton of Lucerne, a tough, sharp Swiss woman who kept playing Jass until she was 102. She lived her whole life in a small village that most people would dismiss as boring, but she didn’t need much. As long as she could sit at the table, hold her cards, and outplay everyone, she was happy.
We look at why analogue games are still alive in a world drowning in screens. People want something real — eye contact, arguments over rules, laughter, frustration, and those tiny moments that only happen around a table. Jass groups still meet every week across Switzerland. Inns still hand out Jass sets. TV shows like Donnschtig-Jass still run. And tournaments pop up everywhere, including the ones we organized as teenagers to fund our summer camps.
We also talk about the basics of Jass, why it keeps your brain sharp, and why it’s still worth learning if you live in Switzerland. And yes — we get honest about how people actually play: who cheats, who denies cheating, and who absolutely cannot handle losing.
At the end, you get a set of questions for reflection: Do you play card games? Can you lose gracefully? What’s the game your family protects like a cultural treasure?
If you want to join us for the Tuesday conversation group, you can — and maybe this winter, you’ll pick up a new game too.
7 day free trial https://linktr.ee/swissgermanonline
This episode is all about relaxation, wellness, and improving your Swiss German 🛁🫧
You’ll hear some ancient health tips from Hildegard of Bingen, and of course – fresh language input to help you speak Swiss German
👉 Plus: Don’t forget, our Standard German lesson drops every Tuesday at 8 pm
🌟 Wanna test the waters? You can try out either the Swiss German course OR the Standard German course FREE for 7 days!
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Welcome to “Speak It Into Reality” – your friendly space for learning Swiss German (and Standard German) with joy, movement, and real-life stories!
In this podcast, we explore how to learn a new language faster – not by cramming, but by using Brain Gym techniques, mindset shifts, speaking practice, and a lot of laughter. Whether you're a beginner or brushing up your skills, you’ll find practical tips, motivation, and fun ways to integrate Swiss German into your everyday life.
Hosted by a passionate language teacher with real classroom stories, personal struggles, and surprising breakthroughs – this is your weekly reminder that yes, you CAN speak Swiss German.
✨ Listen in, laugh a little, and start speaking – even if it’s not perfect. That’s how fluency begins.
🗓️ VIP Swiss German Class – Next Monday! 🇨🇭✨
7 day free trial https://linktr.ee/swissgermanonline
💬 We’re already getting excited for next Monday’s VIP class — and we’d love to hear from you!
👉 Is there a specific Swiss German phrase, expression, or topic you want to tackle this time? Something that’s been stuck in your head or you’ve always wanted to say like a true Zürcher, Basler, Bärner…? 😄 Drop it in the comments or send us a message!
As always, it’s so inspiring to hear from you – and we’ve got some amazing stories coming in from our students lately. Can’t wait to share a few in class 🙌
Let’s keep the Swiss German vibes rolling — together! 🧀🎉
VIP members https://app.swiss-german-online.com/videos/exeY1wE7JMOLOL5pCjf0
Standard German version https://app.german.dog/videos/MysRKUWEgIxohfYi5Wdt
🧡 Swiss German Live with Katrin Erni – Childhood Memories & Real Stories 🧡
Welcome to our Monday night Swiss German Live session! In this episode, we’re talking about unny childhood memories, sharing real stories – like the one from a student who went shopping alone at just six years old… and came home with something totally unexpected: Biberli!
We’ll explore:
✨ Childhood adventures in Switzerland
✨ How everyday stories help you learn Swiss German naturally
✨ A little cultural insight into growing up Swiss
✨ And of course… we’ll practice Swiss German together!
📚 After the Live, you can join our speaking session at 8:30 p.m., where we’ll:
✔ Read a story in Swiss German
✔ Talk about our own childhood memories
✔ Practice speaking in a fun, relaxed group
🎓 This lesson is part of our VIP Swiss German Course, where language comes alive through storytelling, conversation, and community. Join us to experience a beautiful way of learning that connects memory, culture, and laughter!
👉 Replays available on https://www.swiss-german-online.com/app.html
Try the course free for one week!
See you Monday at 8 p.m. 🇨🇭🌙
My courses https://linktr.ee/swissgermanonline
My courses https://linktr.ee/swissgermanonline
Swiss German in the Garden
In this week’s Swiss German lesson, we’re heading out into the garden. Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or a community garden, this lesson is full of fun and useful vocabulary about planting, growing, and harvesting.
We’ll talk about:
Common vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and asparagus
How to describe your garden (big, small, full of plants)
The word “e Huufe” and how to use it to talk about “a lot” of work, fruit, or fun
Relaxed Swiss German conversations about everyday garden life
You’ll learn through stories, questions, and short dialogues — and discover how to express what you grow, what you like to eat, and what kind of garden work makes you feel relaxed (or stressed!).
At the end of the lesson, we’ll meet for a live Zoom conversation to practise speaking together.
Perfect for A2-level learners who want to expand their vocabulary and sound more natural in everyday conversations.
Let’s grow your Swiss German — one tomato at a time! 🍅
Learn Swiss German https://www.swiss-german-online.com
Monday VIP live lesson https://app.swiss-german-online.com/home
On this week’s Swiss German Online LIVE lesson-podcast, host Kathrin Erni takes you on a ride—literally and linguistically—through Zürich’s just-opened Velotunnel. Dug decades ago for a scrapped expressway and finally repurposed in May 2025, this 6-metre-wide, bike-only passage now links Kreis 4 and Kreis 5 beneath the main station.
🔸 What’s Inside
The tunnel’s back-story: from abandoned motorway tube to city-funded cycling corridor after years of grassroots lobbying by Pro Velo Zürich.
A first-person tour of the tunnel’s gentle ramps, stylish lighting and colossal Velostation Europaplatz—hundreds of racks, lockers and a paid, serviced bike park.
Design quirks: those controversial anti-car bollards, 48-hour parking rules and why the tunnel could unclog surface streets.
🔸 Live Lesson Extras
Four ready-made Swiss-German dialogues (almost finished!) that we’ll read, translate and discuss in class.
Vocabulary and conversation practice on cycling, social engagement and everyday Zürich life.
Chat with Kathrin about your own riding habits—city bikes, e-bikes or no bike at all—and hear her tips for getting around Switzerland on two wheels.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a language learner itching to practise Swiss German, or simply curious about Zürich’s newest piece of urban infrastructure, tune in Monday night at 10 p.m. CET. Replays are available for VIP members, and newcomers can test the course free for one week.
Grab your helmet (or headphones), and let’s roll.
Learn Swiss German https://www.swiss-german-online.com/
💬 What Does "u guet" Mean in Swiss German?
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In Swiss German, the little word "u" (pronounced like "oo") is used as a booster — it strengthens the meaning of an adjective. Think of it like saying "sooo good" or "super tasty" in English. Instead of just "guet" (good), you say "u guet", which means really good or very good — with emotion and emphasis!
🥣 Example:
👨🍳 "Wie isch d'Suppe?"
👩🦱 "U guet!"
→ "How’s the soup?"
→ "Sooo good!"
Katrin Erni, a passionate Swiss German teacher, shares this trick in her live course. Every Monday at 8pm, her online classes dive into fun, useful topics like this one — where learners not only hear the language but get to speak and connect in Zoom meetups after the stream.
“Next time, I want to talk about the little word ‘u’. It opens many doors – we can explore so many topics with it. It’s a way of strengthening adjectives. For example, not just guet, but u guet! My husband makes soup — and it’s u guet! My daughter cooks Asian food — and it’s u fein! We can do this with many adjectives!”
This small word "u" is your shortcut to sounding more natural and expressive in Swiss German — and having more fun with it too! 🎉
Want to practice saying things like "u schön," "u lustig," or "u spannend"? Come join the class — you’ll be amazed what this one little word can do!
Swiss German online: https://www.swiss-german-online.com
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Welcome to the Swiss German Online Livestream!
This week, we will talk about all the different apps we use every day — from buying things, learning new skills, finding hiking trails, checking the stars, or counting our steps.
Apps are everywhere – but what about an app that actually helps you learn Swiss German?
👉 Join our VIP Swiss German class – every Monday at 8:00 PM live!
You’ll practice real-life Swiss German, talk about useful topics (like apps!), and have fun with other learners.
✅ PLUS: You can test the Swiss German Online App free for 7 days!
Learn with flashcards, join live lessons, and access all our texts and archives, right from your phone or computer.
After the free trial, it’s just 45 CHF per month – easy, flexible, and fun!
Ready to speak real Swiss German?
👉 Sign up now: https://app.swiss-german-online.com/subscriptions
See you Monday at 8 PM 🚀🇨🇭
7 day trial https://www.swiss-german-online.com/app.html
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At www.app.swiss-german-online.com/home , we’re cooking up something fresh for our next live lesson – coming at you Monday evening (Swiss German) and Tuesday evening (High German)! 💥
That’s right – we’re brainstorming our next story, and this time, it’s all about... CLEANING 🧽✨. Inspired by one of our awesome course participants who works with Spitex and needs to chat about cleaning at work – we're turning everyday talk into real Swiss German practice!
But now we need YOU:
👉 Should it be a spring cleaning story – decluttering, organizing, deep scrubbing?
👉 Or a moving-out cleaning drama – the final clean-up before handing the keys to that picky landlord?
We’re still deciding – the final story will be ready by Saturday or Sunday evening, so keep your eyes open!
And Monday? We’re going LIVE in our VIP Swiss German course 🎉
Wanna test the course? Join us for a free 7-day trial – try it out, talk with real people, and level up your Swiss German like a boss. 😎
👉 Check it all out at https://www.swiss-german-online.com/app.html
Let’s learn, laugh, and clean (yes, clean!) together.
See you Monday! Missin' you already 🧡
VIP members https://app.swiss-german-online.com/videos/ZGIMcUmMVhKIiyTtas1w
Standard German https://app.german.dog/videos/JLn1nCGXyXRgqDV63KZn
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When I was a kid, we didn’t have a TV at home. That meant I spent my time doing other things – crafting, playing outside, hanging out with friends, playing guitar, even reading and drawing. That was just normal. And the internet? That wasn’t even around yet!
But then, when I was in 4th grade, at around 11 years old, something big happened – we got a TV! And wow, that changed everything.
Before, I was always busy doing things. But once we had a TV, I started spending more and more time glued to the screen. We didn’t even have that many channels, but once I sat down – maybe just to watch the news with my dad – I couldn’t stop. It was like a trap.
Nowadays, people talk about social media addiction, but back then, TV was already a problem! I found myself watching more and more, sleeping less, and wasting hours flipping through channels. During the week, I was fine – I had school, homework, guitar lessons, and activities that kept me busy. But on Friday and Saturday evenings, it was the worst. Instead of going to bed early, I’d stay up watching TV until I was completely exhausted.
Even today, moving images still have a hypnotic effect on me. If my kids are watching a bedtime story on TV, I find myself sitting down with them! Maybe it's just an excuse to take a break. 😊 And honestly, modern films and TV shows are designed to grab your attention even more than before – flashing lights, fast-moving scenes, everything designed to keep you hooked.
So, if you compare today’s movies and TV with those from the past, it’s on a whole new level. Have you noticed that too? Over time, I had to teach myself to watch TV intentionally, not just let it suck me in. That’s why today, our TV is stored away in the basement, and I hardly ever watch movies anymore.
But don’t get me wrong – I’m not a saint! 😆 These days, everyone has a smartphone, and temptation is always just a click away. That’s why I often avoid starting in the first place – it’s just easier for me. But if I do have a weak moment, time flies before I even realize it. That’s why I use content blockers to keep myself in check.
These days, I barely use social media in my free time. I already spend so much time in front of a screen for work that I try to balance it out in my personal life. Last weekend, for example, I joined a dance class where people from different cultures teach their traditional dances. I met so many interesting people, and who knows – maybe I’ll find some friends who want to keep practicing with me.
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If you want to improve your Swiss German and talk about real-life topics like this, join my VIP course on Tuesday or Monday
✅ Engaging & interactive live lessons
✅ Swiss German you can actually use
✅ Speaking practice & personal feedback
👉 Sign up now & learn Swiss German the easy way! 💬🇨🇭
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„Always on the Move – The Women in My Family“
In today’s podcast, we’re diving into the stories of three incredible women in my family – all of them always on the move, always active, never sitting still!
1️⃣ My Grandmother – The Baker in Zurich
Let’s start with my grandmother, who grew up in the countryside but moved to Zurich to work in a bakery. Life wasn’t easy – it was tough, demanding, and non-stop!
She was always on the move, balancing so many responsibilities:
Serving customers with a smile, no matter how busy it got.
Handling logistics – making sure everything ran smoothly.
Managing the finances – keeping the business afloat.
Working with employees – organizing shifts, solving problems.
Baking, selling, and keeping everyone happy!
She was constantly on her feet, always active, and she never slowed down – not at work, and not even in her free time. She loved walking around Zurich and exploring the mountains. She was truly always on the move.
2️⃣ My Mother – The Social Organizer
The second woman we’ll talk about is my mother, who was just as active!
She worked in different organizations, juggling responsibilities while raising three kids. But that didn’t slow her down – she was always on the go, constantly doing something:
Attending and organizing social events – always the life of the party.
Meeting new people and building connections.
Taking courses and learning new things – she never stopped growing.
Managing the household while staying active and positive.
Just like my grandmother, she never sat still, and she thrived on being busy. She was, and still is, always on the move.
3️⃣ Me – Following in Their Footsteps
And finally, there’s me. I guess I inherited this restless energy from my grandmother and my mother because I’m always on the go too! I love:
Being active – whether it’s work, hobbies, or social events.
Meeting people, teaching, organizing lessons – never a dull moment!
Exploring new places and new ideas – staying curious and adventurous.
But unlike them, I have my husband who is the total opposite. He’s the one who loves to slow things down, take it easy, and relax. And honestly? I’m grateful for that. He reminds me to pause, breathe, and enjoy life.
What About You?
What about you? Are you always on the move, like me and the women in my family?
Or are you more like my husband – taking life one relaxed moment at a time?
👉 Join My VIP Course!
Want to discuss this and practice speaking Swiss German? Join our community!
📅 Monday: Live lesson at 8:00 PM 🇨🇭
🎤 Speaking practice for volunteers at 8:30 PM – meet other learners, share your story!
📅 Tuesday: Advanced speaking practice at 7:00 PM
📅 Tuesday: Standard German course at 8:00 PM
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Join now and become part of our community!
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Hey! I’m Iranian and I’d love to learn Swiss German. I’m starting from zero — do you have any tips on where to begin?