What are the official languages of Switzerland?

Switzerland has four official languages. German (Swiss German) is the most widely spoken, followed by French, Italian, and Romansh. Romansh, an ancient language with broad similarities to Italian, is the least widely spoken. Most Swiss citizens are able to speak two or three of these languages, but very few people actually speak Romansh.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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55 Comments

William Laughlin

Stunned by how many thought Belgian was a language!

Joe Mangan

Here is an example of the proper spirit in which to participate, and the appropriate degree of humility. From another question: Abbey Downton Katiejane: "Didn't get this one. But always learning." Bravo, Abbey Downton Katiejane. It's only a bit of fun for goodness' sake.

earlepg

Since Switzerland is surrounded by Germany, Austria (which speaks German), France, and Italy, I started with those languages. Even though I imagine that many of the Swiss speak English, I knew that the fourth official language is Romansh; Romansh being based on Latin (and spoken in the Vatican as well). German being spoken in the areas adjacent to Germany and Austria, Franch being spoken near France, Italian spoken north of Italy, and Romansh holding sway near where Italy and Austria meet. This info was primarily gleaned from reading about previous questions concerning Switzerland and its surrounding neighbors.

Helga U. Williams

Christopher J Voce, I have never heard off a vegetable named Bern! 🙄

Angel Palacios Zea

And the explanation?

Caroline Cannon

What is Romansh?????

Darlene White

Had to strain my brain to remember but I did. ( blush)

Jan Taylor

Missed it

Debi Presley Ogle

Sonia Ackhurst, its a dyliect of theRomanian language which is in many way close to Italian. In the most north eastern part of Italy their dyliect is of a German decent.