How Swiss Are You? A Quiz

The process of integrating into Swiss life is a slow one. However, it can really sneak up on you. One day you´re telling stories about crazy Swiss rules, and then you wake up a few years later and find yourself passionately following and defending those same ´crazy´ rules.  

Beyond the usual indicators of integration (language, local friends, local hobbies), here is a fun short quiz you can take to see just how far you have fallen into ´Swissness´:

Question 1

An announcement comes over the speaker at the train platform, announcing that the train is running 4 minutes late. You think to yourself:

1. 1. 1. 1. Why would they make an announcement about that? Back in (insert home country), four minutes would be practically classed as early!
         2. Oh, that’s odd – you don’t see late trains very often here in Switzerland
         3. Are you kidding me? This is ridiculous – now I could miss my perfectly timed 90-second changeover at the station and might not be a full 10 minutes early to my scheduled meeting. Lift your game, SBB.

Question 2

You are out in public with an empty PET bottle, and the only rubbish bins you can see are for general rubbish. What do you do?

1. 1. 1. 1. Throw it in the bin.
         2. Carry it around with you for a few blocks, in the hope you spot a recycling bin, but when you don’t, you throw it in the next bin.
         3. Put it in your bag and take it home, to add to your own PET recycling.

Question 3

You receive an invite from some Swiss friends for a dinner in eight months time. Your response is:

1. 1. 1. 1. To wonder whether they have got the date wrong – surely weddings are the only events that can justifiably be planned so far in advance.
         2. To respond saying you can attend and then hope to god you remember about it when it finally rolls around. 
         3. To respond saying you won’t be able to attend, as you already have a full and complete calendar for the coming eight months – and then to provide some alternative dates for 10 months into the future.

Question 4

What does Z’Nüni mean to you?

1. 1. 1. 1. How do you even pronounce that?
         2. It’s the snack we have to prepare for the kids to take to school each day, isn´t it?
         3. It’s a lovely institution of Swiss daily life; a chance for everyone, from students to builders to office workers, to pause in their day and connect with each other – usually over some yummy Swiss bread.

Question 5

What is your opinion on the fact that shops are all closed on Sundays?

1. 1. 1. 1. So ridiculous in this busy & connected world, where the weekends are the only chance for many people to run errands and enjoy some shopping.
         2. Hard to adjust to at first, but now you can appreciate a day where it’s impossible to feel guilty for not running errands.
         3. Love having a day that is dedicated to family and nature and look forward to joining the thousands each Sunday out on the hiking paths.

Question 6

For how many of the two-letter canton signifiers on Swiss number plates do you know the canton?

1. 1. 1. 1. The one you live in, and maybe Zurich …. or is ZH Zug? In any case, not many.
         2. At least 10 (get those fingers out right now and start listing them in your head)
         3. All 26 – and you even know enough about the geographic location of the cantons, so that if bored on a road trip, you can comment on how far they are from home and speculate on what they might be doing.

Question 7

Your reaction when you see ´Wurstsalat´ on a menu?

1. 1. 1. 1. Sausage salad? Surely this is a misprint, that cannot be a real thing that people eat.
         2. Again! It is incredible how often this is on the menu, and how often Swiss people order it. Maybe it´s time to give it a try.
         3. Oh, excellent – I haven’t had one for a few days. I will ask if I can get it ´garniert´and ´mit Käse´.

Question 8

A non-Swiss person says to you that Switzerland is boring.

1. 1. 1. You nod along.
      2. You understand how they could believe that, but you have got lists full of beautiful places you still can´t wait to visit.
      3. You inwardly feel defensive; what are they talking about – the country is brimming with stunning places, rich culture and interesting people. However, you don’t say any of this, and just passive-aggressively nod & smile.

Answer key:

• If you answered with mostly A’s: Either you have arrived fairly recently or you are doing a very good job at resisting the peer pressure of the Swiss culture.
• If you answered mostly B’s: The Swiss are getting under your skin – watch out, you’ll be Swiss before you know it!
• If you answered mostly C’s: Uh oh – you’ve transitioned. Whether or not you have the passport, you are well and truly Swissified!