testmydeutsch

SDS: High German or Swiss German?

Last updated: August 2026

The short answer has three parts:

  • The listening texts are in Swiss Standard German — standard German with a Swiss colouring: not dialect, but not the German of Germany’s Tagesschau either.
  • The examiner conducts the interview in High German.
  • You may, per the regulations, answer in High German or in Swiss German/dialect.

What that means for preparation

  • Train listening with Swiss sources (e.g. SRF), not only material from Germany — pronunciation and melody differ audibly.
  • If you’re only used to Germany’s standard German, spend a few hours deliberately tuning your ear to Swiss Standard German before the test.

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