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Have you ever installed an app in the hopes of learning Swiss German only to be disappointed because the app teaches Hochdeutsch or Standard German? As disheartening as it is, this experience is commonplace.
German is one of the most spoken languages in Europe and the world. It’s also among the most-studied languages in the world so it’s no surprise that there are tons of German learning resources (for Standard German) online and offline. But the same cannot be said about other German varieties.
As there are many differences between Swiss German and German, it’s important to know if your chosen app covers Swiss German.
Unfortunately, a Duolingo Swiss German course is not available. But fret not, I’m here to help you find resources for learning Swiss German!
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What is Duolingo?
With over 575 million users, Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps. The platform is known for its bite-sized, game-like lessons that primarily teach vocabulary and some grammar (mostly sentence construction).
Although Duolingo is not the first and only app to offer gamified courses, it’s undeniable that the concept was well-executed. With lessons as short as five minutes, hearts (like lives in video games), streaks, daily and weekly challenges, and a leaderboard, it almost feels like you’re just playing and not really studying.
Duolingo offers 100+ courses in 40 languages including German, French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and English. It also has less popular ones like Scottish Gaelic, Haitian Creole, Zulu, and Guarani, and conlangs like Klingon, Esperanto, and High Valyrian. Sadly, Swiss German isn’t on the list.
While I can’t tell you when Duolingo will come up with a Swiss German course (or if it will ever happen), I can assure you that there are Duolingo alternatives that can help you master the language.
The best Duolingo alternatives for learning Swiss German
I highly recommend using these apps to start your Swiss German learning journey!
1. Pimsleur
Try out Pimsleur Swiss German for FREE
Traditionally, Swiss German existed as an oral language — the Swiss use it more when speaking but they tend to write in Standard German. So, to truly master Swiss German, you’d have to learn how to speak it.
This is why an audio-based app like Pimsleur is critical when learning Swiss German.
Pimsleur is a well-established, time-tested program that helps improve your comprehension and conversational skills. Each 30-minute audio lesson features a dialogue that teaches essential vocabulary and contextual grammar.
Through repetition and immersion, you’ll fine-tune your speaking skills and perfect your accent. What’s more, the app comes with cultural info that will help deepen your understanding of the language.
Learn more with this Pimsleur review. Or try it yourself for free!
Key features:
- 30-minute audio lessons featuring relevant vocab and grammar
- Graduated interval recall method that helps you retain info longer
- Digital flashcards, interactive games, and hands-free mode
2. Learn Swiss German
Developed by a Swiss teacher, Kathrin Erni, Schweizerdeutsch lernen (Learn Swiss German) is a program for Swiss German learners who already know German.
Erni’s course includes live lessons, videos, and flashcards. Signing up for the VIP course also lets you access longer live lessons, live text chat, speaking practice via Zoom, and additional files.
The app itself isn’t the most visually appealing and you do have to pay for either Basic or VIP courses, but new lessons are released weekly and Erni engagingly tackles both vocab and grammar.
Key features:
- Swiss German lessons taught in German
- Focus on conversation and practical skills
- Options for live lessons and extra practice time via Zoom
3. uTalk
uTalk may be the closest thing you’ll get to a Duolingo Swiss German course. Like Duolingo, uTalk features fun and intuitive game-like lessons.
Content-wise, uTalk offers substance, with over 2,500 words and phrases across various practical topics. You’ll learn updated expressions that are useful should you find yourself conversing with a Swiss.
Plus, the audio clips feature native speakers. To hone your speaking skills, you can record yourself and compare your pronunciation with the voice of the native speakers.
Find out more about uTalk with this detailed review.
Key features:
- Fun, game-based learning
- Authentic audio for listening and speaking practice
- Teaches words and phrases you’ll actually need
Other great resources to learn Swiss German
With the above apps, you can make great progress in learning Swiss German. But to be proficient, it’s best to mix up resources.
Here are websites, online courses, books, and more apps that can give you a well-rounded approach to this language.
italki: Find experienced Swiss professional teachers and community tutors at affordable rates. Swiss German tutors on italki can help you regardless of your skill level. The main goal is to get you comfortable in speaking but you can also get help with written exercises.
Preply: You can definitely self-learn Swiss German. But if you want faster improvement, nothing beats getting feedback from native speakers and language teachers. On Preply, you can find Swiss German tutors who can meet your budget, schedule, and learning needs.
Swiss German for English Speakers: Featuring lessons and exercises on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening, this methodical book helps you construct sentences and communicate in Swiss German without prior knowledge. Comes with online audio recordings and digital flashcards.
Swiss German Unlocked: Much loved for its contents and interactive features, this beginner-friendly book teaches the intricacies of Swiss German grammar and vocabulary. The book includes QR codes linking to helpful audio and video materials so you’ll get to practice your listening and speaking skills too.
Learn Swiss-German Language Online: Comprising 24 video lectures, this Udemy course takes you through the Swiss-German alphabet, practical vocabulary, grammar, verbs, and more.
Tandem: Need extra help from native speakers and fellow language learners? You’ll find thousands of conversation partners on Tandem and many of them either speak Swiss German or are also learning the language.
Swiss German for Beginners: Featuring the author of Swiss German Unlocked, this YouTube channel is a wellspring of useful videos that showcase the essentials and more — from food vocabulary to Swiss German dialects to mastering a job interview in Swiss German.
LingoSpring: This simple app teaches both German and Swiss German through multiple-choice games, listening exercises, writing challenges, and flashcards.
Swiss German Dictionary: The first comprehensive dictionary for English to Swiss German (and vice versa), this app contains 6,700 entries with audio, explanations, and usage samples. Handy for both travelers and language learners!
Conclusion
As you can see, even though there’s no Swiss German on Duolingo, there are lots of resources that can help you achieve your goals.
So, take your pick from the above Duolingo alternatives and get started. Happy learning!