ProDeutsch: German for Life in Zürich
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15.07.2026
4 Minuten
“Wie geht’s dir? Gut, danke. Und dir? Auch gut, danke.” Silence. End of conversation. While a casual "How are you?" opens up conversations in many cultures, it often falls flat in Switzerland. The Swiss tend to value privacy, and small talk doesn't always come naturally. In this episode, let's look at how to break the ice at your next company lunch or after-work Apéro.
Key takeaways:
Take the First Step: As the newcomer, you often have to put in the initial effort. However, once those connections are made, they are long-lasting.
Avoid Yes/No Questions: To get people chatting, you need a follow-up plan. Stick to open-ended questions about safe, universally loved topics like weekend plans, hobbies, and travel.
The Switch to German: Social situations like office lunches are exactly where Swiss workplaces default back to German, even if the official working language is English. Having a few go-to open questions ready allows you to participate without feeling overwhelmed.
Phrases to try:
Und, was hast du am Wochenende gemacht? (So, what did you do at the weekend?)
Und, was machst du am Feierabend? (So, what are you doing tonight after work?)
Und, wie waren deine Ferien? (So, how was your holiday/break?)
Ready to spark lively conversations at your next office lunch? I’ve gathered all of these questions, along with my top networking tips, in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 Why "How are you?" leads to silence in Switzerland
00:35 Understanding the introverted nature of Swiss social etiquette
01:30 Open questions to keep conversations flowing
02:00 Three foolproof German conversation starters
02:40 Your next steps to mastering German for your Zurich life
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your thoughts
We’ve reached the end of the season! I would love to hear what you enjoyed and what you would like me to cover next. Share your thoughts 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!
Key takeaways:
Take the First Step: As the newcomer, you often have to put in the initial effort. However, once those connections are made, they are long-lasting.
Avoid Yes/No Questions: To get people chatting, you need a follow-up plan. Stick to open-ended questions about safe, universally loved topics like weekend plans, hobbies, and travel.
The Switch to German: Social situations like office lunches are exactly where Swiss workplaces default back to German, even if the official working language is English. Having a few go-to open questions ready allows you to participate without feeling overwhelmed.
Phrases to try:
Und, was hast du am Wochenende gemacht? (So, what did you do at the weekend?)
Und, was machst du am Feierabend? (So, what are you doing tonight after work?)
Und, wie waren deine Ferien? (So, how was your holiday/break?)
Ready to spark lively conversations at your next office lunch? I’ve gathered all of these questions, along with my top networking tips, in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 Why "How are you?" leads to silence in Switzerland
00:35 Understanding the introverted nature of Swiss social etiquette
01:30 Open questions to keep conversations flowing
02:00 Three foolproof German conversation starters
02:40 Your next steps to mastering German for your Zurich life
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your thoughts
We’ve reached the end of the season! I would love to hear what you enjoyed and what you would like me to cover next. Share your thoughts 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
08.07.2026
8 Minuten
“I sound like a child when I speak German.” This is a common thing clients tell me when we first connect. If you’ve ever chosen to say nothing at all rather than risk getting a German sentence wrong, you are not alone. In this episode, we explore where this fear comes from, why your school days might be sabotaging you, and how to shift into a mindset that unlocks your fluency.
Key takeaways:
Fixed Mindset Trap: Standardised tests taught us that mistakes mean failure. As adults, this creates a "fixed mindset" where we see mistakes as threats, causing us to give up when conversations get difficult.
Mistakes as Data: To build confidence in German, we must reframe mistakes as proof of progress and valuable data that helps our brain build new neural connections.
Real Life vs. Practice Spaces: You need a "study space" to guide your German learning, as well as a "practice space" where you try out language in real-life.
Move to a growth mindset:
Instead of: I will never be able to speak German with my colleagues.
Tell yourself: Every conversation with my colleagues is practice that moves me forward.
Instead of: If I make mistakes, people will think I’m stupid.
Tell yourself: People care about my message, not about perfect grammar.
Ready to reframe your mindset?
I've packed today's reflection exercises and more strategies into my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 The common experience of feeling like a child in a foreign language
00:55 Why your school days could be sabotaging your German learning
01:45 The psychology of the "Fixed Mindset" vs. "Growth Mindset"
02:30 How embarrassment blocks our brain from producing language
03:15 Reframing mistakes as signs of progress
03:50 The difference between your "study space" and your "practice space"
04:40 A simple reflection task to override the negative stories you tell yourself
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
What is one negative thought you are going to reframe after listening to this episode? I'd love to hear your mindset shifts. Share your thoughts 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!
Key takeaways:
Fixed Mindset Trap: Standardised tests taught us that mistakes mean failure. As adults, this creates a "fixed mindset" where we see mistakes as threats, causing us to give up when conversations get difficult.
Mistakes as Data: To build confidence in German, we must reframe mistakes as proof of progress and valuable data that helps our brain build new neural connections.
Real Life vs. Practice Spaces: You need a "study space" to guide your German learning, as well as a "practice space" where you try out language in real-life.
Move to a growth mindset:
Instead of: I will never be able to speak German with my colleagues.
Tell yourself: Every conversation with my colleagues is practice that moves me forward.
Instead of: If I make mistakes, people will think I’m stupid.
Tell yourself: People care about my message, not about perfect grammar.
Ready to reframe your mindset?
I've packed today's reflection exercises and more strategies into my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 The common experience of feeling like a child in a foreign language
00:55 Why your school days could be sabotaging your German learning
01:45 The psychology of the "Fixed Mindset" vs. "Growth Mindset"
02:30 How embarrassment blocks our brain from producing language
03:15 Reframing mistakes as signs of progress
03:50 The difference between your "study space" and your "practice space"
04:40 A simple reflection task to override the negative stories you tell yourself
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
What is one negative thought you are going to reframe after listening to this episode? I'd love to hear your mindset shifts. Share your thoughts 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
01.07.2026
6 Minuten
"Sandra, I need to tell you something!" That’s how one of my clients started her lesson. If the thought of dealing with Swiss authorities in German fills you with dread, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the step-by-step strategy Kate used to book her appointment, explain her problem, and resolve a tax issue without using complicated language.
Key takeaways:
Keep It Simple: You do not need overly formal or complex language for everyday transactions. Stick to expressions you are comfortable with and know how to pronounce.
The AI Trap: Be careful with language suggested by AI; it often defaults to text that feels stiff or overly formal. Real-life communication comes from using familiar, natural phrases.
Culture Matters: In Switzerland, everyday transactions follow unwritten social rules. Respecting local etiquette is just as important as the vocabulary you use.
Phrases to try:
Ich schreibe Ihnen, um einen Termin mit Frau Albrecht vom Steueramt zu vereinbaren. (I’m writing to make an appointment with Frau Albrecht from the tax office.)
Grüezi, ich bin hier, um mit Frau Albrecht zu sprechen. (Hello, I’m here to speak with Frau Albrecht.)
Ready to tackle your next errand in German?
I’ve gathered all of these phrases, plus tips for calling the hairdresser, booking your car at the garage, or talking to a workman, in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 Why my client Kate was doing a celebratory dance in her flat
00:45 Facing a Swiss tax bill when "nobody speaks English"
01:15 How to write a quick, effective email to book an appointment
02:00 The hidden etiquette of Swiss everyday transactions
02:30 Why Kate replaced AI advice with simple phrases instead
03:00 Using the easy “um… zu” to state your purpose
04:15 From "No way could I do that" to total success with everyday errands
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
Did Kate's story inspire you to tackle a local transaction 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!
Key takeaways:
Keep It Simple: You do not need overly formal or complex language for everyday transactions. Stick to expressions you are comfortable with and know how to pronounce.
The AI Trap: Be careful with language suggested by AI; it often defaults to text that feels stiff or overly formal. Real-life communication comes from using familiar, natural phrases.
Culture Matters: In Switzerland, everyday transactions follow unwritten social rules. Respecting local etiquette is just as important as the vocabulary you use.
Phrases to try:
Ich schreibe Ihnen, um einen Termin mit Frau Albrecht vom Steueramt zu vereinbaren. (I’m writing to make an appointment with Frau Albrecht from the tax office.)
Grüezi, ich bin hier, um mit Frau Albrecht zu sprechen. (Hello, I’m here to speak with Frau Albrecht.)
Ready to tackle your next errand in German?
I’ve gathered all of these phrases, plus tips for calling the hairdresser, booking your car at the garage, or talking to a workman, in my ProDeutsch Everyday Guide here.
Key moments:
00:00 Why my client Kate was doing a celebratory dance in her flat
00:45 Facing a Swiss tax bill when "nobody speaks English"
01:15 How to write a quick, effective email to book an appointment
02:00 The hidden etiquette of Swiss everyday transactions
02:30 Why Kate replaced AI advice with simple phrases instead
03:00 Using the easy “um… zu” to state your purpose
04:15 From "No way could I do that" to total success with everyday errands
Work with me
Learn more about my tailored language coaching for busy professionals at sandra-wood.com
Share your story
Did Kate's story inspire you to tackle a local transaction 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
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
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.
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