Introduction: How to Make Swiss German Friends (Or Die Trying)

If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’re an expat trying to fit in, a Swiss person curious about cultural differences, or someone who has asked themselves: Why is it so hard to make Swiss German friends?

Four years ago, I arrived in Lucerne for my bachelor’s degree, thinking making friends would be easy. I’d heard Swiss people were more reserved, but I assumed that, as a naturally quiet Latina, I’d fit right in. Spoiler: It wasn’t that simple.

Swiss people are polite, friendly, and welcoming – but turning that into an actual friendship? That’s another story. While I’ve struggled to form close Swiss German friendships, I’ve somehow ended up surrounded by Swiss Italian (Ticinese) and Swiss French (Romand) friends instead.

Why? Is it a cultural thing? A language thing? Or do we all just love reggaeton more than Swiss Germans? (let’s be honest, nothing builds a cultural bridge quite like bonding over a Bad Bunny song).

Or… is it the opposite? Maybe Swiss Germans see Latinos as too different? Too spontaneous, too emotional, too late to everything? Who knows?

How Friendships Form

Latin America vs. Switzerland

At first, I thought my struggle to make Swiss German friends was just Covid’s fault. But after deep-diving into Reddit forums, expat groups, and chats with Ticinese and Romands, I realized – this is a shared experience. The way friendships form here is just… different.

1. Friendship Speed: Instant vs. Gradual

In Latin America, friendships happen fast – meet someone at a party or in line for coffee, and you could be hanging out by the weekend. In Switzerland? Not so much. People take their time, observe, and build trust before calling someone a real friend. Expats often describe feeling stuck as acquaintances for years.

2. Social Circles: Open vs. Closed

Latin America is all about mixing friend groups – bring a new person along, and they’re immediately part of the crew. In Switzerland, friendships are lifelong but exclusive – many people stick to the same group they’ve had since childhood. As one Ticinese friend put it, “Swiss Germans don’t make friends quickly, but once they do, they’re loyal for life.”

3. Spontaneity: Last-Minute Plans vs. Google Calendar Required

A casual “Let’s get coffee?” in Latin America means right now. In Switzerland, it means “How’s your schedule three weeks from now?” Socializing is structured, and planned, and spontaneous invites? Risky. Expats often feel like friendships are appointment-based rather than naturally evolving.

4. Small Talk: Daily Ritual vs. Unnecessary Distraction

Latin Americans chat anywhere, anytime – small talk is how you connect. Swiss Germans? Not so much. Conversations here serve a purpose, and people value efficiency over social fluff. It’s not personal – it’s just cultural. As a Romand friend reassured me, “They’re not rejecting you. It just takes longer.”

What This Means for My Challenge

This leads me to the big question: Why has it been so hard to find Swiss German friends? And more importantly – can I actually find a way in, and form an actual friendship?

To answer this, I’ve decided to challenge myself to befriend Swiss Germans and document the journey in 8 different blog posts, each tackling a different cultural roadblock – from social norms and small talk to food, language, and even history.

Each blog will be a step-by-step experiment, from research and observation to testing real-life strategies—because if I’m going to debunk (or confirm) this Swiss German friendship myth, I’m going all in. To keep things fair (and fun), I’ll have a Swiss mentor, a friend from Ticino or Romandy, who will rate my success (or failure) in each challenge and give their honest feedback. Wish me luck!

Disclaimer: Take This Lightly!

Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight – this is a personal experience, not a universal truth. Of course, not all Swiss Germans are reserved, and not all Latinos are loud. I’ve met incredibly open and warm Swiss German people, just as I know quiet and introverted Latinos. But for the sake of storytelling (and a little fun), I’ll be generalizing. So, take this with a grain of Fleur de Sel – or a chunk of Gruyère, if you prefer.

Next Blog Teaser: “Swiss Social Barriers – What No One Tells You”

Before I can even think about making Swiss German friends, I need to understand the invisible rules that shape social interactions in Switzerland. What are the unspoken expectations? And what happens when you unknowingly break them?

• Why do Swiss Germans avoid small talk?
• What are the unwritten social rules?
• How do Swiss Germans actually make friends?

Stay tuned – understanding these rules might be the key to cracking the Swiss social code.