Foreigners living in Switzerland would really benefit from having Swiss friends, but the problem is it’s very hard to build close friendships with the locals. That’s the conclusion our readers have made.
When we asked foreigners in Switzerland whether making Swiss friends was a key part of feeling at home, the response was mixed. But on one point, almost everyone agreed: making Swiss friends is anything but easy.
“It’s very important [to have Swiss friends]! Knowing the locals helps you understand and know the country better,” said Ira, who lives in Vaud.
For others, a handful of Swiss connections makes all the difference. “Two to three minimum good Swiss friends helps you to feel accepted, more comfortable, and so on,” said one respondent from Villars-sur-Ollon.
Meanwhile, Saurabh from Zurich said having Swiss friends was important “to an extent”. “It provides a sense of inclusion and belonging,” they explained.
“They don’t all have to be Swiss, but yes, I think it is important to have some friendship connection to the locals,” agreed Jay from Zurich.
But not everyone agrees. Some said local friends were “not necessary” or even undesirable.
“I would rather have international friends whenever possible,” said Doaa from Egypt, who now lives in Trimbach.
READ ALSO: No friends and sky-high costs: The downsides of Switzerland for expats
And Jeff, an American in Zurich, argued that the bigger issue is how Swiss society treats foreigners in general, pointing to “state and federal employees [who] generally seem bothered to assist foreigners, especially when there is a language barrier.”
‘It’s not easy’
But whatever their views on whether Swiss friends matter, respondents to our survey were unanimous about one thing: making them isn’t easy.
It’s notoriously difficult to make friends in the country, one couple was even denied citizenship because “they didn’t have enough friends”.
The Swiss are “nice, but the relationship remains one of acquaintance rather than becoming a friendship,” explained Saurabh.
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Jeff from Zurich, meanwhile, highlighted the language barrier and size of the country: “The native tongue is so unique and far from High German, and the small size of the country means everyone already has family and friends.”
“They already have their own circle,” agreed one respondent from Hong Kong.
Even in smaller towns, readers said opportunities were limited. “There is never an occasion to make new friends when you reach a certain age. Only at work,” said Ira from Vaud.
Another reader in Villars-sur-Ollon noted that language, culture and economic mobility shaped the chances of meeting people with shared interests, while an anonymous reader noted that there were “significant cultural differences” that impacted forming friendships with locals.
READ ALSO: ‘Can’t make friends’: Why foreign residents are less enamoured with Switzerland
Some even wondered whether the problem wasn’t unique to foreigners.
“Many Swiss say they have enough friends. Most of them have a few friends, and sometimes even school friends. The rest are colleagues. I think it might even be difficult – or unnecessary – for Swiss themselves to make new Swiss friends,” said Doaa.
So, if you do want to make Swiss friends, what are some good tips for making them?
“Become fluent in the local language; for example, Swiss German, and not standard German, which is a high enough barrier already,” said Saurabh.
Jeff agreed, but added: “For a non-German speaker, this is a long process by which time they’ve already made friends with other non-Swiss German-speaking foreigners.”
Although learning the local language was the most popular answer, not everyone was convinced that language was the only factor.
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“It’s not a language issue,” said one respondent, who couldn’t pinpoint what else made it difficult.
‘Put yourself out there’
Despite the challenges, readers did have some tips to share. Getting involved locally was a common suggestion.
READ ALSO: ‘Five years to make friends’: The ups and downs of life in a Swiss village
“Partake in typical social or cultural events and activities and put yourself out there. Make more of an effort with Swiss people you bump into regularly,” advised a respondent from Villars-sur-Ollon.
“Joining a local club or society helps,” agreed Jay, adding that “it’s still not easy”.
And when all else fails? Doaa offered a tongue-in-cheek solution: “Leave the country for good”.
Whether you think Swiss friends are essential or not, most foreigners agree they’re hard to come by. For those determined, it takes persistence, language skills, and a willingness to join in local life. And if it feels impossible, you’re far from alone.
Have you found a good way to connect with Swiss people? Let us know in the comments section below.
