Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh (Rumantsch). Each of these is the predominant language in a different region of the country, as a result of geographical and historical ties with the countries that border Switzerland. German is the most widely spoken of the official languages and is used throughout central Switzerland, extending to the east and to the central part of the south. French is the principal administrative, business and social language of the western area of Switzerland, including the cantons of Jura, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Vaud, Geneva, and parts of the cantons of Bern and Valais. This French-speaking region is known as Suisse Romande. Italian is used in the canton of Ticino and in certain areas of Graubünden canton bordering Italy. Romansh is a romance language that developed from Latin and is still in use in many parts of Graubünden, in the south east of Switzerland. In approximate percentage of first language usage by the resident population, the languages can be ordered as followed: German (63.7%), French (20.4%), Italian (6.5%), Romansh (0.5%). A number of other European languages, including English, make up the remaining 9%.

The official form of German used administratively in Switzerland is the Standard German (Hochdeutsch) that is used in Germany and is taught to foreigners. However, Switzerland has its own variety of German called Schwyzerdütsch (also Schwyzertütsch; known as Schweizerdeutsch in standard German) which is used in conversation by Swiss people. The status of Swiss German varies, with some considering it to be an independent oral language rather than a mere dialect. It can certainly sound very different from standard German to those hearing it for the first time and can be difficult to understand. This is true even for German people. Swiss German itself has regional variations and is stronger in mountain communities while being less pronounced in cities.

In the French and Italian speaking areas of Switzerland, Swiss variants of the language are used and include their own distinctive words, phrases and pronunciation. While these dialects sound different from the French you would hear in Paris or likewise the Italian of Tuscany, they are not as separate from them as Schwyzerdütsch is from Standard German, and the French or Italian you've learned at home will be useful for both spoken and written communication.

Many educated Swiss people speak at least a little English and those working in managerial or public-facing roles in tourism, transport and certain areas of business often speak it to a very high standard, in addition to speaking Swiss languages. English can be found in use as an alternative lingua franca on public transport and plays a similar role international business, and is always an option when seeking tourist or navigational information. The Swiss themselves may prefer to speak to you in English rather than use Standard German, even more so if they are from Suisse Romande.

On the other hand, English is not universally spoken, particularly by older people, some foreign residents for whom learning the local language is a greater priority, or those not working in regular contact with tourists. Within the course of a day you can encounter both those who are fluent and those who are uncomfortable using English. It is therefore both useful and courteous to be able to communicate basic requests and needs in one of Switzerland's official languages. This does not have to be the main language of the region and the Swiss generally think nothing of switching to a shared language to communicate. You will have an advantage, however, if you can acquire language skills in the most frequently used language in your region.

If hired by an international company or organisation, the workplace may be largely bilingual, using both English and German / French as appropriate, or opting to use only English as the 'international' language of communication with a multi-national workforce. Smaller companies make greater use of the local language, and in German-speaking Switzerland conversations are likely to be held in Swiss German.

Normally at least basic knowledge of German / French will be needed to secure employment, with the exception of certain sectors such as IT or banking where workers with hard-to-find professional skills may occasionally be taken on with only English. German or French (according to the region) will nonetheless be useful for social exchanges in the workplace.

It is possible to get by in Switzerland with only English, though this can mean you frequently feel left out and end up socialising primarily with other expats. You may also struggle to communicate with tradespeople. At least a little of the local language is useful for shopping and using local transport, particularly in rural areas.

In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, an expat will find it useful to be able to read Standard German. However, in order to understand conversations between local people or to participate in social life, Swiss German is helpful. Local radio and TV also use Swiss German (but the News is always read in Standard German). It is possible to survive with Standard German alone, and many expats do so at least initially, but it will help to learn local terms (frequently loan-words from French) that differ from those used in German, e.g. velo for bicycle, billet for ticket. When using German in Switzerland avoid the 'scharfes S' (ß) in written communication.

Popular English-language TV shows (including films) are dubbed into German. One expat's tip if you find subtitles (in the local language) helpful is to use Teletext page 777 which will add the subtitles for the hearing-impaired.

The supermarket chain Migros manages a national programme of adult learning via the Klubschule Migros. Classes are offered at all skill levels for German, French and Italian. This is one of the most affordable options for classes and generally considered to be good value, although teaching standards can vary. The Volkshochschule is a similar adult education programme principally intended for native speakers but which may offer classes in German as a Foreign Language, and in French, Italian or Romansh.

Berlitz offer high-quality courses and have an excellent reputation but this is reflected in the cost. Inlingua receives mixed reviews, with some of the franchises better rated than others, so it is advisable to first read reviews for the school in your location. Alemania is a language school based in Zurich, Bern and Lucerne. Courses there are considered good value but some class groups are over-crowded. Some independent language schools have received praise from expats and details for these can be found online and/or advertised locally.

For quicker progress there are a number of intensive language courses with language schools and universities also frequently offer language summer schools. Private tutors can be found easily for one-to-one language tuition and are often the best choice if wanting to learn Swiss German but courses can occasionally be found via language schools.

For those on a budget or looking to practise with local speakers, a tandem language partner is a good option. Tandem partners work together, dedicating approximately 50% of the time to each language.

English tuition by native speakers is in demand in Switzerland. This can be offered privately or via a school. However, to obtain a reasonably-paid position with a language school the CELTA qualification would normally be required. The full certificate course takes around six months to complete, or alternatively there is a shorter, intensive CELTA course. CELTA is recognised throughout Switzerland and is preferred to similar teaching qualifications. The more advanced DELTA or a relevant MA offer better chances of obtaining full-time, well-paid positions.

Students for private lessons can be found by advertising locally in the newspaper and supermarket.

Useful Resources

Migros klubschule
Affordable language courses offered by Migros
http://www.klubschule.ch/

Swissing
Language school in Zurich that also offers classes in Swiss German
http://www.swissing.ch/en/swiss.php

Berlitz
Directory of Berlitz schools in Switzerland
http://www.berlitz.ch/en/language_center_locations/

Inlingua
Directory of Inlingua schools in Switzerland
http://www.inlingua.com/centers/centers.asp?RefCtr=26

Alemania
German language schools
http://www.alemania.ch/index_en.html

Tandem Language Exchange
Advertise for a language exchange partner via englishforum.ch
http://www.englishforum.ch/language-corner/54123-find-your-tandem-language-exchange-partner-ef.html