“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!

“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!

"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!

“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!

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!

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!

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