Swiss Compliment Culture: Too Much, Too Soon?

They say compliments are free but in Switzerland? It sometimes feels like they come with a hidden tax.

Coming from Latin America, where compliments are practically a form of social currency, this took some serious adjustment. Back home, we compliment everyone – friends, family, and strangers in the supermarket. If someone walks into a room and looks good, we say something. It’s normal. Expected. Kind.

One of my favorite examples? My dad. He’s the kind of guy who will go out of his way to tell a young couple how cute their baby is. It’s sweet, it’s harmless, it makes people smile. At least it did until he came to my bachelor’s graduation in Lucerne in 2023. He tried to do the same thing at the train station, walked up to a family, and complimented their kids. The response? Confused glances. Polite smiles. He turned to me, baffled: “Did I say something wrong?”

No, Papa. You didn’t say anything wrong, just something they’re probably not used to hearing from a stranger.

Let’s Talk Compliment Culture

In Latin America:

• Compliments are icebreakers, bonding tools, and sometimes just filler for a conversation.
• “Omg I love your outfit, where did you get it from?!” is not just normal, it’s a whole genre of social interaction.
• If we like something, we say it. Enthusiastically. With feeling. Probably with a facial expression and a hand gesture.

• And the best part? People respond the same way, with excitement, a story, or a laugh. One compliment might even turn into a whole conversation, or the start of a friendship.

In Switzerland (as per what my Swiss friends have mentioned):

• Compliments exist, but they’re rare, subtle, and usually saved for big milestones or very close relationships.
• The idea of bonding over someone’s shoes in a supermarket aisle? A bit foreign.
• Compliments in public? Maybe… when drunk. I’ve received more enthusiastic style compliments at 2am during Fasnacht (carnival season) than I have in broad daylight.

As one Redditor perfectly put it:

“I feel like you could actually be on fire, and a Swiss person may hesitate to warn you about it.”


Another added:

“Swiss culture values trust, modesty, and privacy. Too much attention can feel uncomfortable or intrusive.”

Which, honestly? Checks out.

This Week’s Challenge

Can Compliments Build Bridges in Switzerland?

For this blog, I decided to put Swiss compliment culture to the test. Could being a little more me , enthusiastic, expressive, and quick with a compliment, help me connect with people? Or would I just come across as suspiciously friendly?

I decided to test what I’m used to: full-on, expressive Latina compliments.

Big smile, big energy, no holding back.

• “I love your jacket, you look amazing!”
• “Your dog is the most adorable thing I’ve seen all day”

I complimented people on their headphones, hairstyles, and their tote bags.

Reactions? Some people smiled. A few looked a little startled but grateful.

 My Swiss German mentor’s review?

• Enthusiasm: 10/10
• Tact: 6/10
• Swiss compatibility: “Maybe don’t compliment people in the Coop cheese aisle. It’s weird.”

Final Thoughts

Too Much, Too Soon?

I get it now. Compliments in Switzerland are more subtle,  less about enthusiasm, more about timing and context. You don’t throw them around casually; you offer them gently, like a quiet gesture.

Still, I’m not giving up my compliments. If I like your shoes, I’ll probably say something. Maybe not with full telenovela flair, but somewhere between a soft smile and “OMG WHERE did you get those?”

Because in the end, maybe compliments can build bridges,  just one thoughtful “So herzig!” at a time.

The journey isn’t over! Here are more stories from the series:

• Part 1 – Introduction: How to Make Swiss German Friends (Or Die Trying)
• Part 2 – Swiss Social Rules: A Guide for the Socially Confused
• Part 3 – Speaking German in Switzerland: A Plot Twist I Didn’t See Coming
• Part 4 – Too Sofía Vergara for Switzerland? The Emotional Gap Between Cultures
• Part 5 – Swiss Compliment Culture: Too Much, Too Soon? – You are currently HERE
• Part 6 – Swiss Dinner Diaries: Applesauce From a Can and Other Confessions