Avoid Coming Across As Rude In Switzerland By Observing This Unspoken Social Rule
For the people of Switzerland, precision, punctuality, and order are a way of life. Their trains run on time. Their watches are the pinnacle of perfection. Efficiency is a requirement, not a suggestion. Unsurprisingly, the Swiss also adhere to strict standards of social etiquette, including rules on the proper way to address another person. Surnames preceded by title — the local language equivalent of Mr., Mrs., Ms. — is the norm when speaking to someone who is not a close friend or family member. While visiting Switzerland, you should address locals as "Herr" or "Frau" in German-speaking provinces — including Bernerland, Rick Steves' favorite spot in the Swiss Alps — "Monsieur" or "Madame" in French-speaking provinces, and "Signore" or "Signora" in Italian-speaking provinces, including Lugano, a mesmerizing lakeside European city that delightfully blends Swiss and Italian culture.
While some Americans may view the formality as a throwback to the mid-20th-century — raise your hand if you can still hear the voice of Eddie Haskell addressing Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver on the classic sitcom "Leave It to Beaver" (memories of watching reruns count) — others might see it as a way of bringing gentility to social interactions. Whatever your opinion, it's a good idea to understand and follow local protocol. In Switzerland, it's considered rude to address someone by their first name without their permission. Keep in mind, the practice extends beyond social and professional situations. It also comes into play in casual encounters like visiting a shop or dining in a restaurant. In the U.S., a shop clerk or member of a restaurant waitstaff often wears a badge identifying them by their first name. In Switzerland, name tags usually list a title and surname.
In Switzerland, don't confuse social formality with aloofness
The Swiss tendency toward formality when addressing someone socially or professionally shouldn't be confused with an aloof or unfriendly attitude. Despite abiding by this strict social rule, Swiss people, in general, are friendly and welcoming. It's more about maintaining a sense of respect for one another than keeping outsiders at an arm's length — but it's easy for visitors to misinterpret Swiss social norms.
Case in point: In a 2018 survey by InterNations, a platform created in 2007 to connect "open-minded individuals from different cultures," Switzerland ranked No. 44 on a list of the best and worst places for expats to live. Switzerland Tourism took the matter to heart, issuing a statement debunking the survey results and declaring, "The Swiss are friendly." The claim was supported by testimonials from expats living in Switzerland at the time.
The underlying message is simple. Swiss people value their culture and traditions. Observing local customs demonstrates that you understand and appreciate their heritage. Stick to basics. In addition to addressing people by their title and surname (until they invite you to use their first name), be punctual, acknowledge passersby with a nod or hello, and stick to neutral small-talk topics like travel, weather, and food. Do this when meeting people in Switzerland and you'll be making new friends in no time. Social adjustment isn't a factor limited to those visiting Switzerland. Every country around the world holds to traditions that may not be familiar to tourists. Researching a country's culture before you go will help you cope with culture shock while traveling abroad.