Hello everyone! My name is Jiggy and I am 20 years old, living in Zurich as a research assistant at the UniversitätsSpital for this summer. I am from the USA, studying as an undergraduate at Cornell University. I am completely new to Zurich and know absolutely NO german which is really posing a problem for me here. I also had no idea how expensive this place was! Other than that, I am loving it here in Europe and am excited for the next few months. I could use some friends though that speak English so if you are in a similar situation to me, don't hesitate to send me a message!
Yeah ive been here 9 months and I know hello and goodbye. Im trying to learn. Everyone speaks english though, bar a few oldies. Never have toooo many problems
Hi there guy`s ! well I think if you really want to learn german you have to look some friends that can help you in your everyday conversations. Besides most of shops and people here speaks few english.
I guess I just feel very awkward trying to communicate with people. And it is difficult to get by socially when everyone around you is speaking German and you have no idea what theyre saying.
But knowing that you guys can get by is very comforting. I might just be overwhelmed because Ive only been here 4 days. Still acclimating to being in a big city and not understanding anything. Oh and also the jet lag haha.
Are there any good places to go where English speakers congregate/dwell?
I am sure you will get used to it quickly...Hey, at least you can legally drink in Switz!
I recommend you to also try and try with the locals, because they know where the good places are. I'd say i like the fact that most of my friends are Swiss cos they have good tips.
I spent the winter season working in a bar in the mountains and started day one not speaking any german (not even my numbers!! how i got the job is beyond me!!) - its amazing how receptive people are if you give it a go though!! my first phrase in german was 'mein deutsch ist nicht gut' (apologies if grammar not correct!!) which got me out of numerous embarrassing situations - once you make an attempt you will find that most swiss are very receptive and only too happy to speak in english (or pigeon german to help you learn!!) I still have a long way to go but its amazing how quick you can pick it up once you start making local friends!!
Good luck!!
on a similar vein i am looking at taking some formal german evening classes when i am back in Zurich - anyone had any experience recently with good schools/classes/teachers?
I was pretty lucky i guess, working in a bar is a great way to get to know people!! (... i think bringing them beer helps!) I have several swiss friends dotted about the country now but I am moving to Zurich and only know a couple of people there though so my plan is to get involved with some sports and social clubs and hopefully meet people that way. There are some events advertised on here which i'm reckoning may be a good place to start!! Good luck!!
Welcome to Zürich and EF. You might catch up quite quick if you work in Universitätsspital. Drop me a line when u arrive at the hospital. I'm working at the Dermatologie Dept. Maybe we could meet up for lunch.
Don't worry about your German - you'll pick up bits and pieces, you'll improve daily and will feel terribly impressed with yourself in no time. Mine's minimal at best but I give it a shot whenever I can and lots of people in Switzerland speak English. And yes, learn that phrase: 'mein Deutsch ist nicht gut' once you get going!
I was in the same situation, now I can speak a little German. However I have almost never used.
I know some places, where you can find international people, unfortunately there are some who can't speak English, I met people who can't speak Hochdeutsch. (German)
Well, there's all the EF social events. Never been to any of 'em myself, but I'm told they're very effective. Have a gander about the site, they're pretty easy to find. I beieve there's a crowd eating bread, ham, cheese, pickle, apples and pies on Saturday, with a view to discussing class...
They speak Sweetscher Doosch, which is a bit like german but with different words and a different accent, depending on where you are. That only applies to the Sweetscher Doosch, areas of course. You have three other languages to contend with. Better off learning that if you want to endear yourself to the locals. Dankra fil mal, for example - thanks a million. Or geern ga mack - it's a pleasure, you're welcome.
Did you say big city somewhere? Don't be decieved, it may look big because of the infrastucture and wealth, but actually the population of Zurich is 350 000. Leicester is bigger.
Yeah I've heard Swiss German is different than Germany German but honestly, I couldn't tell you the difference since I don't understand a word of either!
I'm learning German at Berlitz language school and find them quite good (although more expensive than some others). Language school is also a good way to make some new friends.