Podcaster
Episoden
24.06.2026
6 Minuten
“Ja hallo, ich rufe an wegen der Wohnung.” When I first tried to call about a flat viewing in Zurich, my opening line was met with total silence, followed by a Grüezi and words I didn't understand. I was completely unsuccessful!
In this episode, I reveal what I got so wrong and share the unwritten rules of Swiss phone culture. You'll learn the "greeting game" that unlocks helpful service, whether you are calling a landlord or booking a dentist appointment.
Key takeaways:
Slow It Down: Unlike in Germany, you shouldn't get straight to the reason for your call. Swiss phone etiquette requires a slower, multi-step introduction before getting down to business.
Play the Game: Always state your surname, greet the person by their name, and wait for them to greet you back. Skipping this verbal handshake sets a negative tone.
Culture Over Vocabulary: Knowing the social norms often matters much more than having a flawless vocabulary. When you follow social cues, your calls become predictable and pleasant.
Phrases to try:
Grüezi [Frau/Herr Name], hier ist [Your Surname]. (Hello [Name], this is [Your Surname].)
Ich würde gern einen Termin abmachen. (I would like to make an appointment.)
Ready to pick up the phone with confidence?
I've put together all of today's phrases and extra etiquette shortcuts in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 My disastrous first phone call to Switzerland
00:50 How phone greetings differ across Europe
01:30 The mistake of rushing the conversation
02:00 Step-by-step breakdown: How to call a Swiss dentist office correctly
02:40 Why using surnames is essential for a polite start
03:15 The exact German phrases to transition into making an appointment
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
Did this approach help you make a phone call in German? I'd love to hear about it. Share your story in the comments or by contacting me at sandra-wood.com
Credits
Produced and hosted by Sandra Wood
Podcast artwork by Beryl Kwok
Post-production by Communicating for Impact
Danke fürs Zuhören und bis bald. Ciao!
In this episode, I reveal what I got so wrong and share the unwritten rules of Swiss phone culture. You'll learn the "greeting game" that unlocks helpful service, whether you are calling a landlord or booking a dentist appointment.
Key takeaways:
Slow It Down: Unlike in Germany, you shouldn't get straight to the reason for your call. Swiss phone etiquette requires a slower, multi-step introduction before getting down to business.
Play the Game: Always state your surname, greet the person by their name, and wait for them to greet you back. Skipping this verbal handshake sets a negative tone.
Culture Over Vocabulary: Knowing the social norms often matters much more than having a flawless vocabulary. When you follow social cues, your calls become predictable and pleasant.
Phrases to try:
Grüezi [Frau/Herr Name], hier ist [Your Surname]. (Hello [Name], this is [Your Surname].)
Ich würde gern einen Termin abmachen. (I would like to make an appointment.)
Ready to pick up the phone with confidence?
I've put together all of today's phrases and extra etiquette shortcuts in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 My disastrous first phone call to Switzerland
00:50 How phone greetings differ across Europe
01:30 The mistake of rushing the conversation
02:00 Step-by-step breakdown: How to call a Swiss dentist office correctly
02:40 Why using surnames is essential for a polite start
03:15 The exact German phrases to transition into making an appointment
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
Did this approach help you make a phone call in German? I'd love to hear about it. Share your story in the comments or by contacting me at sandra-wood.com
Credits
Produced and hosted by Sandra Wood
Podcast artwork by Beryl Kwok
Post-production by Communicating for Impact
Danke fürs Zuhören und bis bald. Ciao!
Mehr
17.06.2026
9 Minuten
Feeling a bit homesick on your birthday? I’ve been there. When I first moved to Zurich, nobody knew it was my birthday, and I missed my family and traditions terribly. That was before I discovered the Geburiznüni. In this episode, I share a Swiss workplace tradition that will not only ward off homesickness but help you make new friends.
Key takeaways:
The Birthday Twist: In Switzerland, the birthday rule is reversed: you bring in the treats for your colleagues, not the other way around!
Minimal Effort, Max Effect: You don’t need to spend hours baking. A bag of Gipfeli (croissants) from the bakery or a couple of small cakes from Sprüngli is the perfect way to show you appreciate Swiss culture.
The Magic of Connection: Embracing the Geburiznüni breaks the ice. Not only will it create space to chat with colleagues, it can even lead to lifelong friendships.
Phrases to try:
Ich hätte gern 20 Gipfeli und einen Schokoladenkuchen. (I would like 20 croissants and a chocolate cake.)
Ich würde gern einen Schokoladenkuchen bestellen. (I would like to pre-order a chocolate cake.)
Ich würde gern etwas abholen. (I would like to pick something up, please.)
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! (Happy Birthday!)
Ready to try these out?
I've included all of today's examples, plus my personal recommendations for the best bakeries in Zurich, in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Work With Me Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Key Moments:
00:00 Missing home and surviving my first birthday in Switzerland
00:45 What is a Geburiznüni? (And when does it actually happen?)
01:30 What to bring: The Gipfeli vs. Sprüngli cake debate
02:15 How to order your treats like a local in German
03:00 Why you don't always need to say "bitte"
03:30 How a birthday snack led me to a party and a lifelong friendship
04:45 Heads up, parents: The school Geburiznüni is a thing
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
Have you tried a Geburiznüni? I'd love to hear about it! Share your story by leaving a review wherever you listen to this podcast or by contacting me at sandra-wood.com
Credits
Produced and hosted by Sandra Wood
Podcast artwork by Beryl Kwok
Post-production by Communicating for Impact
Danke fürs Zuhören und bis bald. Ciao!
Key takeaways:
The Birthday Twist: In Switzerland, the birthday rule is reversed: you bring in the treats for your colleagues, not the other way around!
Minimal Effort, Max Effect: You don’t need to spend hours baking. A bag of Gipfeli (croissants) from the bakery or a couple of small cakes from Sprüngli is the perfect way to show you appreciate Swiss culture.
The Magic of Connection: Embracing the Geburiznüni breaks the ice. Not only will it create space to chat with colleagues, it can even lead to lifelong friendships.
Phrases to try:
Ich hätte gern 20 Gipfeli und einen Schokoladenkuchen. (I would like 20 croissants and a chocolate cake.)
Ich würde gern einen Schokoladenkuchen bestellen. (I would like to pre-order a chocolate cake.)
Ich würde gern etwas abholen. (I would like to pick something up, please.)
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! (Happy Birthday!)
Ready to try these out?
I've included all of today's examples, plus my personal recommendations for the best bakeries in Zurich, in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Work With Me Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Key Moments:
00:00 Missing home and surviving my first birthday in Switzerland
00:45 What is a Geburiznüni? (And when does it actually happen?)
01:30 What to bring: The Gipfeli vs. Sprüngli cake debate
02:15 How to order your treats like a local in German
03:00 Why you don't always need to say "bitte"
03:30 How a birthday snack led me to a party and a lifelong friendship
04:45 Heads up, parents: The school Geburiznüni is a thing
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
Have you tried a Geburiznüni? I'd love to hear about it! Share your story by leaving a review wherever you listen to this podcast or by contacting me at sandra-wood.com
Credits
Produced and hosted by Sandra Wood
Podcast artwork by Beryl Kwok
Post-production by Communicating for Impact
Danke fürs Zuhören und bis bald. Ciao!
Mehr
17.06.2026
8 Minuten
You walk into a restaurant and say “Grüezi, ich habe eine Reservation,” and the waiter replies in English. Sound familiar? I know how frustrating this is! In this episode, I break down why locals switch languages on you (hint: it’s not your German) and share the easy phrases and strategies you can use to resume conversation in German.
Key takeaways:
Shift Your Mindset: When people switch to English, it is not a reflection of your language skills. It is usually driven by habit. It's not because your German grammar isn't good enough.
Take Charge: The average person you meet isn't a language teacher and doesn't know you want to practice. To get the progress you want, you have to gently guide the conversation.
Be Persistent: A simple, smiling “Ich lerne Deutsch, können wir bitte Hochdeutsch sprechen?” is often all it takes to break this English default.
Phrases to try:
Ich lerne Deutsch, können wir bitte Hochdeutsch sprechen? (I am learning German, can we please speak High German?)
Können wir bitte Hochdeutsch sprechen, sodass wir uns gut verstehen? (Can we please speak High German so that we understand each other well?)
Ready to try these out?
I've included all of today's examples, plus many more, in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 The ultimate Zurich frustration: Why do they reply in English?
01:10 The danger of the "it's my fault" mindset in learning German
01:40 Three real reasons locals switch to English
02:50 Why real-life transactions are your best opportunity to practice
03:40 My go-to phrase to politely switch back to Hochdeutsch
04:30 How to handle the Swiss German (Schwiizerdütsch) vs. High German
05:15 Shifting from "I can't do this" to “I can”
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
Did this episode give you a boost? I'd love to hear about it. Share your story by leaving a review wherever you listen to this podcast or by contacting me at sandra-wood.com
Credits
Produced and hosted by Sandra Wood
Podcast artwork by Beryl Kwok
Post-production by Communicating for Impact
Danke fürs Zuhören und bis bald. Ciao!
Key takeaways:
Shift Your Mindset: When people switch to English, it is not a reflection of your language skills. It is usually driven by habit. It's not because your German grammar isn't good enough.
Take Charge: The average person you meet isn't a language teacher and doesn't know you want to practice. To get the progress you want, you have to gently guide the conversation.
Be Persistent: A simple, smiling “Ich lerne Deutsch, können wir bitte Hochdeutsch sprechen?” is often all it takes to break this English default.
Phrases to try:
Ich lerne Deutsch, können wir bitte Hochdeutsch sprechen? (I am learning German, can we please speak High German?)
Können wir bitte Hochdeutsch sprechen, sodass wir uns gut verstehen? (Can we please speak High German so that we understand each other well?)
Ready to try these out?
I've included all of today's examples, plus many more, in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 The ultimate Zurich frustration: Why do they reply in English?
01:10 The danger of the "it's my fault" mindset in learning German
01:40 Three real reasons locals switch to English
02:50 Why real-life transactions are your best opportunity to practice
03:40 My go-to phrase to politely switch back to Hochdeutsch
04:30 How to handle the Swiss German (Schwiizerdütsch) vs. High German
05:15 Shifting from "I can't do this" to “I can”
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
Did this episode give you a boost? I'd love to hear about it. Share your story by leaving a review wherever you listen to this podcast or by contacting me at sandra-wood.com
Credits
Produced and hosted by Sandra Wood
Podcast artwork by Beryl Kwok
Post-production by Communicating for Impact
Danke fürs Zuhören und bis bald. Ciao!
Mehr
15.06.2026
65 Sekunden
You walk into a café in Zürich, order in German, and the barista replies in English. Or you need to book a doctor’s appointment, but keep putting off the phone call because you dread having to speak German on the phone. Sound familiar?
Welcome to ProDeutsch, my mini-podcast for busy professionals, just like you, who want to break through the language barrier, start speaking German with ease, and feel more at home in Switzerland.
What you’ll discover in this podcast:
Simple, Useful Phrases: No long explanations or boring grammar drills, just practical language and strategies you can apply immediately. Swiss Cultural Insights: Understand the local mindset, unwritten rules, and how to handle everyday life in Zürich. Real-World Practice: Learn how to stop the ‘English default,’ handle phone calls, and overcome the fear of making mistakes.
Ready to stop switching to English? Listen to ProDeutsch on your favourite podcast player and let's get started.
Download Your Guide
Ready to take your first step? Get your copy of the ProDeutsch Everyday Guide. It features all the phrases and expressions from the podcast, plus tips to make your daily life in Zürich so much better.
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Credits
Produced and hosted by Sandra Wood
Podcast artwork by Beryl Kwok
Post-production by Communicating for Impact
Welcome to ProDeutsch, my mini-podcast for busy professionals, just like you, who want to break through the language barrier, start speaking German with ease, and feel more at home in Switzerland.
What you’ll discover in this podcast:
Simple, Useful Phrases: No long explanations or boring grammar drills, just practical language and strategies you can apply immediately. Swiss Cultural Insights: Understand the local mindset, unwritten rules, and how to handle everyday life in Zürich. Real-World Practice: Learn how to stop the ‘English default,’ handle phone calls, and overcome the fear of making mistakes.
Ready to stop switching to English? Listen to ProDeutsch on your favourite podcast player and let's get started.
Download Your Guide
Ready to take your first step? Get your copy of the ProDeutsch Everyday Guide. It features all the phrases and expressions from the podcast, plus tips to make your daily life in Zürich so much better.
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Credits
Produced and hosted by Sandra Wood
Podcast artwork by Beryl Kwok
Post-production by Communicating for Impact
Mehr
Über diesen Podcast
ProDeutsch is your shortcut to confident German that actually works
in Zurich. Take away practical strategies to apply immediately in
everyday life so you can get unstuck and start seeing real progress
in your German. In each short episode of this micro-podcast, German
Language Coach Sandra Wood combines insider insights into Swiss
culture with actionable language tips, tailored for busy
professionals in Zurich who want to see results without wasting
time.
Abonnenten
Episode teilen
ProDeutsch: German for Life in Zürich
Your Guide to Everyday German in Zürich
Close
Kommentare (0)
Melde Dich an, um einen Kommentar zu schreiben.