Key vocabulary shifts

/(vocabulary)/

Accent-Specific Coaching

For American Speakers

These words don't exist in Standard German and can't be guessed. They must be learned as new vocabulary. The good news: there aren't that many — about 50-100 core words differ. The rest of Swiss German vocabulary is recognisable from Standard German (with pronunciation shifts). Key daily words: luege (look), poschte (shop), schaffe (work), Velo (bike — from French!), Natel (mobile phone), Zmittag/Znacht (lunch/dinner).

For British Speakers

Must be learned as new vocabulary. Not guessable from Standard German.

For Australian / NZ Speakers

Same — these must be learned. About 50-100 core words differ from Standard German.

For Irish Speakers

Must be learned. About 50-100 core unique words.

For Scottish Speakers

Must be learned. Interesting parallel: Scottish English also has unique vocabulary that differs from Standard English (wee, braw, ken) — same dynamic.

For Indian Speakers

Must be learned. About 50-100 core words. Note: Velo (bicycle) comes from French — if you're also learning French through the app, this is a cross-language connection.