Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to Switzerland

How do you cope with the chaos, confusion, and frequent frustration of queuing in Switzerland? In this episode, we explore Swiss queuing culture and share our experiences and advice on how to survive and possibly thrive in the chaotic queuing land of the Alps. We have some horror stories to share that you might be able to identify with. Whether you’re a newcomer, a visitor, or a long-time resident, we hope this episode will help you to navigate Swiss queueing protocol, or at the very least, give you a laugh. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Suzi LeVine complaining about queuing in Adelboden. A discussion on Reddit about Swiss queuing culture and even if it exists at all. Learning Swiss German Hundsverlochete Tuck into more Swiss and Chips 🎧 Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, download as an mp3 💬 Find us on Threads Swiss and Chips, Jo and Simon 📸 Follow us on Instagram ✉️ Drop us an email: hello@swissandchips.com 📞 Send us a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66

More Swiss and Chips 🗣️ Let us know what you think about the episode and leave a comment 💬 Find us on Threads Swiss and Chips, Jo and Simon 📸 Are you following us on Instagram? ✉️ Drop us an email: hello@swissandchips.com 📞 Send us a voice message to play in the show +41 76 282 67 66 A walk through the Swiss German linguistic labyrinth New here? Join the Swiss and Chips community. Switzerland, a country known for its linguistic diversity, is home to the unique dialect of Swiss German. It has many variations around the country, with words, sounds and phrases changing by city or valley. Here, we dive into a very specific topic of Swiss German - the use of nicknames. In this episode of ‘Decoding Swiss German Nicknames’, we aim to unravel the meanings, origins, and usage of nicknames. Let’s decode together! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland User feedback Swiss dialects / Swiss nicknames Learning Swiss German The Instagram video. Grübschi: Apple or pear core Mürggel: The end bit of a loaf of bread Rittigampfi: A swing Fööf: Five Küdder: Rubbish or bin Gluggsi: Hiccup Gagel: Poo

Join the Swiss and Chips community!  Join the Swiss and Chips chat Send us an audio message to +41 76 282 67 66 Discovering animal sounds in Swiss German: A fun exploration at the Dählhölzli Petting Zoo Come with us on a stroll through the famous Dählhölzli petting zoo in Bern where we talk about the different animal noises in English and Swiss German. A special welcome and thanks to all our super early subscribers: Samir, Julian, Nuclei, Alicia, Nicholas, Joee and many more - we really appreciate the early support! And Krissy! She was the first to comment in the subscriber chat about what advice she’d give anyone planning to move to Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Why ducks say "quack-quack" in English but "ga-ga" in Japanese. By Quick and dirty tipps Bee, bird, cockerel, owl, horse, frog, sheep, cuckoo, dog John’s explanation of what a Bünzli is Learning Swiss German Liiri, Liiri-Bänz, Gritti-Bänz Do you have a suggestion? Send your voice message to +41 76 282 67 66 and we’ll discuss it in the show or via email to hello@swissandchips.com.

Be sure to subscribe to us on Substack Join the Swiss and Chips community chat Comment on our website Send us an audio message to +41 76 282 67 66 Find us on Mastodon Swiss and Chips, Jo and Simon Are you following us on Instagram? The experience of going to see a film in Switzerland has some quirks. The first question you’re probably going to ask yourself when trying to catch a new release is what language it’s going to be shown in and secondly, how much the pleasure is going to set you back.  In this episode, we talk about which kind of cinema typically shows films in which languages, how dubbing or subtitles come into play, the financial consequences of a cinema trip in Switzerland and where to find out what’s on. We also explain why we moved the Swiss and Chips community to Substack, a place where we want to hear from you and get to know you better. All our content and community chat on Substack is free. On Substack, you can directly subscribe to the episodes and additional content via email, be part of the subscriber chat, give direct feedback on the episode articles and have your say in polls. This is what happens if you get in touch with us We read all comments, emails and chat replies carefully, as we really want to hear from you. Often these conversations make our day and are why we’re doing what we’re doing. Other community members can join the discussion, give advice or get help. All of this will directly influence the show and upcoming topics. At this point, many thanks to our first new subscribers on Substack 🥳 and a special welcome to Amritam, Jane and Krissy 👋 Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Why we moved from Facebook to Substack An app to look up films playing at the cinema: Cineman Learning Swiss German Swiss words we explain in this episode: “Schärmä”, not to be confused with “Schirm” (umbrella) or being “andercover”. And as a bonus, a more cinema-related word: “Küder”.

We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 282 67 66. After 13 years of living in Switzerland, Jo is finally allowed to have her say in her new home country and participate in the democratic process. The Swiss elections are coming up and after becoming Swiss, this might be the second most exciting day for a new citizen. The papers have arrived (a long time ago) and are ready to be explored. Let's do the unboxing together and talk about the specialities of the Swiss elections. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland What's it like to get the the election material for the first time? What's inside the envelope? How do you vote? Smartvote Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast! We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio question directly on our website. Get in touch via email and we'll answer your question directly in the show (if possible). Find us on Instagram and become part of this community.

We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 282 67 66. The Swiss can't get enough of it: Rivella is the Alpine nation's traditional soft drink of choice. But there's an unusual ingredient hiding beneath the bubbles of this thirst-quenching liquid. Any idea what it is? In this episode, we'll introduce you to the delights of Switzerland's weird and wonderful fizzy refreshment, and Simon takes a blind Rivella taste test to find out how Swiss he is after all. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Facts and figures Different colours of Rivella bottles and their meaning The drink experiment! Learning Swiss German How to properly order a Rivella in Switzerland. Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips podcast! We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 282 67 66. Connect with us and become part of the community Don't miss the latest episode of Swiss and Chips. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, email or RSS! Jo Fahy on Mastodon, Simon Zryd on Mastodon

We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 282 67 66. If you're looking for Christmas magic, put Colmar, France on your list of must-see places. A beautiful city at any time of year, it is decorated and lit up to perfection every Christmas. The city's cobbled streets are flanked by Medieval or Renaissance-period buildings and small canals run alongside the main thoroughfares. There are six different markets to see, each with a different focus such as artisan crafts, food or even an area aimed at children. On top of all that, the city's park has an ice rink and even a merry-go-round that has been adapted into a highly festive rotating drinkery. Although Switzerland has an abundance of lovely Christmas markets, a trip to Colmar is something special: we'll tell you why in this latest episode!   Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland We talk about user feedback. Send yours here. Colmar and its Christmas markets Learning Swiss German The word in this episode was "biräweich". Teaching a Swiss It's time for Simon to learn more about the English language. Send a word or expression in English as a voice message to 0041 76 282 67 66 and explain why it's important to know. Simon will try to figure out what it is and how to say it in Swiss German in the next episode. If you send us your address, you'll get a postcard as a thank you from us :) Do you want Swiss and Chips with that? Why not subscribe! Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Google Play Music Download as an mp3 Other ways to subscribe Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast! We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 282 67 66. Connect with us and become part of this community.

We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 282 67 66. It can take time to figure out what the useful websites are when you move to a new country. What are the most-popular car-sharing, price comparison, weather and buy-and-sell sites in Switzerland? We crowdsourced a list of the must-know websites in Switzerland from our Facebook group, Switzerland for English Speakers. In this episode we explain why they're useful and what we personally think of them. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Send your audio file to our inbox or directly to 0041 76 282 67 66 Vote results from our last episode Full list of useful websites from our group on Facebook Galaxus and Gonser tutti, anibis Comparis Toppreise deepl Meteo Suisse Mobility Peakfinder Alertswiss How to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat - a previous episode Learning Swiss German The word in this episode was "Sidäfin". Teaching a Swiss It's time for Simon to learn more about the English language. Send a word or expression in English to 0041 76 830 72 96 and explain why it's important to know. Simon will try to figure out what it is and how to say it in Swiss German in the next episode. If you send us your address, you'll get a postcard as a thank you from us :) Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast! We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 282 67 66. Connect with us and become part of this community.

We’d love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 596 34 23. Warning: this episode is a rollercoaster! We try to navigate our way through a traditional Swiss kitchen, and explain the classic items you'll find in any Swiss kitchen cupboard. From flavourings to implements, we lift the table cloth on the secrets of Switzerland's home dining habits - and we reveal a few foody preferences of our own along the way. Plus: what's missing in a standard Swiss kitchen? We name three items that we can't live without, but which have proven to be somewhat of a novelty to your average Swiss. Interested in connecting with us and other listeners? Want to chat about the show, talk about life in Switzerland or even meet up? We want to know how! Please vote and we'll try and make it happen. If anything is missing, you can add it in the comments at the bottom of this page. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Vote results from our last episode Thanks to 'AGBinCH' for the helpful comment What you'll find in a Swiss kitchen Aromat and Kressi After Eights in Switzerland, here, here and here What's missing in Swiss kitchens Learning Swiss German Chnuuschti - if you have a better explanation, let us know in the comments. Enough of the fondue, here's where you can load up your plate with another portion of Swiss and Chips! Why not subscribe? Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Google Play Music Download as an mp3 Other ways to subscribe

Always the latest Swiss and Chips Podcast. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify email or RSS! After Jo got her Swiss passport it was time to step up and get her first real taste of Swiss democracy… and what better way to do it than going to vote in the regular Swiss polls in person. In this episode, we talk about how to vote in person or by post, and how to navigate political discussions with the Swiss. The Swiss and Chips vote Come and vote, we want to hear from you! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland First time voting in Switzerland! When can you vote after becoming Swiss? When can you go and vote and how often? Where can you vote? How does it work? Learning Swiss German Our word in this episode: 'Gfröörli'. Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast!  We’d love to answer your question on the show. Leave us an audio question directly on our website.  Get in touch via email and we'll answer your question right in the show (if possible). Connect with us on Twitter Jo / Simon or Instagram and become part of this community.

Always the latest Swiss and Chips Podcast. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify email or RSS! The traditional ways to travel between the UK and Switzerland are plane, train and car. 2022 turned out to be the year we used the channel tunnel to make the trip for the first time. We drove from Bern to England and then back a few weeks later. It was an experience to remember! And one that’s worth talking about and sharing with you. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Why did we end up driving by car? What is the advantage? Which route did we take, how long is the journey and how are the stops on the way? Which route to take, how long is the journey and how are the stops on the way? Recommendations in our Facebook Group. The Channel Tunnel video on YouTube. Learning Swiss German Our word(s) in this episode: 'Plapperä' and 'Plapperi'. Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast!  We’d love to answer your question on the show. Leave us an audio question directly on our website.  Get in touch via email and we'll answer your question right in the show (if possible). Connect with us on Twitter Jo / Simon or Instagram and become part of this community.

Always the latest Swiss and Chips Podcast. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify email or RSS! It took around two years, but the moment has finally come. Ten months after the final interview a confirmation letter arrived in the post: Jo is Swiss! Now that's worth talking about. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland What happened so far: Check out our other episodes on 'How to become Swiss'. What happened since the interview What changes after becoming Swiss What's next? Learning Swiss German Our word in this episode is: 'Gschtabi'. Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast!  We’d love to answer your question on the show. Leave us an audio question directly on our website.  Get in touch via email and we'll answer your question right in the show (if possible). Connect with us on Twitter Jo / Simon or Instagram and become part of this community.

The BEA is open! This annual traditional Swiss fair is a must-see for anyone living in or around Bern and it's open until May 8 this year. From donkey displays to fairground rides and the chance to sample local beers and a staggering range of cheese, there is so much to see for children and adults. We recorded while out on a day trip in Switzerland, so there's not one, but two recommendations of places to visit in this episode. One of them is an insider tip about a slightly hidden place. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music) And if you are looking to connect with other English speakers in Switzerland check out our Facebook group. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland The BEA website with prices, opening hours and tickets The map to find your way around the event A hidden place for you to check out in Switzerland: Schwarzsee (Black Lake): find two on our website. Learning Swiss German Our word in this episode is: 'Zuckerwatte'. Hungry for more Swiss and Chips? Here's where you can find other episodes from our podcast! Why not subscribe? Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Google Play Music Download as an mp3 Other ways to subscribe

Snow, a frozen lake and beautiful mountains: there aren't many more things you need to complete the perfect Swiss winter destination. When we headed to St. Moritz in January 2022 we had high expectations for this famous ski resort with a glitzy reputation. And it absolutely lived up to them! With breathtaking winter scenery and vintage Winter Olympics sights, there is lots to do here even if you're not skiing. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music) And if you are looking to connect with other English speakers in Switzerland check out our Facebook group. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Reasons to go (there's more to see than the ski slopes!) How to get there Where to stay What to do while you're there Learning Swiss German This episode's word is: Iischzapfä. Hint: you'll see a lot of these in Switzerland in the winter! Don't forget to visit our website for photos.

What is it really like to move to Switzerland? In the second of two episodes looking back at when Jo first relocated from the UK, we delve into some of the unexpected sides to setting up a new life among the Swiss. In this episode we cover: Differences in lifestyle between England and Switzerland The surprises that come with renting a flat Working in Switzerland and finding a job Previous episodes we refer to in the show: How to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat How to find a job in Switzerland as an expat

Jo moved to Switzerland just over a decade ago, so it seemed to be about time to talk about her experience, the highlights, and what she would do differently if she would do it all over again.

If you have a British-Swiss child and live in Switzerland, like we do, how do you go about getting their first passports? In this episode we'll explain everything from organising all of the documents to taking a suitable picture of your little one. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify) Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Organising the Swiss passport: where to get it, what you need and how to take a picture. The British passport: The long list of documents, how to organise them and roughly how long it takes. Start with the online form. Learning Swiss German This week's word is: 'Schoggijob'

It's the big moment in the Swiss citizenship process: finally you will meet someone face-to-face who will decide whether all the paperwork you have collected, all the forms you have filled out and all the studying you have done is enough to make you a viable candidate for becoming Swiss. My moment finally came when I was invited to the office that handles citizenship applications in Bern. I've read so many reports in the media about the difficult questions posed at these interviews and heard numerous horror stories about people being grilled on matters of Swiss society and history, or being asked highly personal questions. What actually happened was something quite different.

Vines, food and splendid views: if you're looking for a short and easy walk to do by yourself or when you have visitors in town, this is an episode for you! We talk about a scenic, circular walk in canton Bern that will take you from the village of Twann to Ligerz, via the vineyards and back along the lakeside to Twann. To get to Twann, you can go by train or park your car at the train station. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify)

Once you have fulfilled all of the criteria to apply to become Swiss (take a look at our previous episodes in this mini-series if want to know more about this), you will be faced with filling out "the form". This is where you provide all of your personal details including your entire education history and certificates, Swiss employment history, references and more. In this episode, I explain exactly which documents I had to gather as part of the more than 50 pages I had to put together. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland How long is the form? Where do you get the form from? What kind of information do you need to fill in? Who can be a reference? Do you need to order extra documents or certificates? What else is important to remember when filling out the form? How long does it take and when can you start? What happens when you have finished the form? Learning Swiss German This episode's word is: Häbel. We explain what it means, its other forms and when to use it. Looking to connect with other English speakers in Switzerland? Check out our Facebook group.