Travel

In Switzerland, You Are Free to Buy A Weapon, But You Can’t Vacuum at Any Time

Every country has its unique customs

My Work ⋆ Canzler Photography, Government building in Aarau

I used to think that Switzerland is similar to Germany because they all speak the same language. But after visiting Switzerland several times, I found myself wrong.

First of all, Swiss German is completely different from standard German. It is any of the Alemannic dialects I can’t understand at all. Fortunately, many Swiss also speak standard German. Once they noticed that you are a foreigner they talk to you in standard German.

There are four official languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The German-speaking part constitutes about 65% of Switzerland.

In addition to language, Switzerland has some unique features worth mentioning.

1. Inviolable ‘rest periods’

If you live in an apartment building, check the so-called ‘rest periods’ (Ruhezeit in German) in the house rules, before you vacuum at home.

Such quiet times are determined by the cantons and can differ slightly depending on where you live.

In principle, the following rest periods apply:

Noon rest: on weekdays from 12 pm to 2 pm