While the German language is already known for being a bit harsh, Swiss German adds yet another layer of roughness to the mix. Nevertheless, there are still several cute and charming ways to address loved ones in Switzerland.
Starting with the basics, the way to say I love you in Swiss German is “Ich liebe dich.” However, the pronunciation does change depending on which canton you are in, from Ich lieb dich in Zurich to I liäbe di in Basel and Ee liebe di in Bern.
However, the idea of saying that you love someone so overtly is a new phenomenon in Switzerland. Traditionally, it was more common to say that you like someone, such as Ich han dich gern (I like you) or Ich han dich fescht gern (I like you very much).
Some other common ways to show your feelings are:
A great quirk of Swiss German means that practically every noun can be made endearing with the addition of a “-li”. Typically, adding -li at the end of a word indicates that it is a smaller version of the noun.
Perhaps the most famous example of this is the Swiss German tongue twister Chuchichäschtli, which means a small kitchen cabinet. This means that, in theory, any noun can become a pet name in Swiss German, as you are calling them “my little [insert noun here]”. It can also be used to add to first names to make them a term of endearment, such as Sarahli, Markli, Clarali and so on.
Nevertheless, there are still some very common terms of endearment that are used throughout German-speaking Switzerland. Here are our favourites:
The most common term of endearment in Switzerland is the word Schatz, Schätz or Schätzli. Roughly translated to treasure, the name is the Swiss equivalent of saying darling, dear or honey. Whether it's young lovers after their first rendezvous or an old married couple, Schätz is used throughout the throws of romance.
Though you can add a -li at the end to create Schätzli, this term is typically used by parents to address their children.
Derived from the German term of endearment Schnucki, Schnuggi is as pleasant as it is inexplicable. Though it is often roughly translated as “darling” or “sweetie” in English, the reality is that it cannot really cross the language barrier, making it a great nickname to equal parts delight and mystify.
If you want to evoke one of the cutest animal images when you address your partner, then calling them Müüsli is the place to go. The word itself means “little mouse”; a pest or a pet for most of the world, but also a charming term of endearment in Switzerland.
Be sure to pronounce it correctly, otherwise you may accidentally call your darling the Swiss classic dish Muesli. Though some may find it cute to call their amore a cereal, most go with the mouse.
It’s an old saying that love always comes from the heart, and the Swiss recognise this by calling their partners Härzli or little hearts. Alongside being a cute pet name, be sure to gift your loved one chocolate Härzli biscuits, available in Swiss supermarkets, to truly make your feelings known.
Sticking with the baking theme, another cute way for couples to communicate is to call each other their Zuckerschnägg. Popular in Canton Zurich, the term means a little “sugar snake” or "sugar snail." What this means in context is hard to say.
A favourite of couples from across the DACH region, Bärli simply means my little bear. Whether you think of your partner as a teddy bear or Paddington, or a wild rampaging create catching salmon, is for you to decide.
If your partner is more a serene carer than a mighty bear, you might want to call them a Häsli or little bunny. Though the name is typically given to women rather than men, we don’t know anyone who would baulk at the idea of being called a rabbit.
In Switzerland, if you are the honeysuckle, you need a Honigbienli or honey bee. Calling your darling a bee is a surefire way to generate a buzz and draw them to you - like a honey bee to a nectar-laden flower!
If you want to ditch the animal metaphors, and old-school term of endearment in Switzerland is simply to call someone Süsser or sweetie. You can’t go wrong with calling someone sweetie, but bear in mind that a woman is called a Süsse while a man is a Süsser.
Finally, if your partner really brightens up your life like no other, you can call them your Sunneschii or sunshine. Another variation - though typically used for children - is to call someone their Sünneli, or little sun.
Whether your partner is your sunshine, bear or sugar snake, Swiss German has a myriad of ways of telling your amore just how you really feel. Do you have a favourite Swiss German term of endearment? Let us know in the comments below!