Vowel lengthening shifts

/various long vowels/

Accent-Specific Coaching

For American Speakers

Züridütsch lengthens many vowels that Standard German keeps short. 'Straße' → 'Schtrooss' (long oo sound). 'Name' → 'Noon' (long oo). The key: when you hear a Swiss German word that sounds 'wider' or 'slower' than the Standard German version, they're lengthening the vowel. Hold it longer and more open.

For British Speakers

RP has clear long/short distinctions — extend this instinct. Many Züridütsch vowels are longer than their Standard German equivalents.

For Australian / NZ Speakers

Same technique — hold vowels longer than Standard German. Keep them pure (no diphthong glides). Your tendency toward longer vowels may actually help here.

For Irish Speakers

Hold vowels longer. Irish English vowel length is sometimes more generous — lean into that.

For Scottish Speakers

Scottish Vowel Length Rule means your lengths are conditioned differently. For Swiss German, override that — these specific vowels need to be LONG regardless of environment.

For Indian Speakers

Advantage. Hindi's long/short vowel system (इ/ई, उ/ऊ, अ/आ) gives you the instinct for meaningful vowel length. Swiss German lengthens many vowels — apply your Hindi long-vowel instinct to the words that shift.