Married Swiss and Finally Understands Züridütsch – Katsiaryna

How did you meet your Swiss partner?

Through Tinder 🙂

How did you decide (or not) to call Switzerland home? Was that before or after getting together?

Despite studying in Switzerland before meeting my husband, I only really started to feel at home in Switzerland recently. The turning point for me was a trip back to Belarus in July 2020, where my once home country felt foreign to me.

How do you deal with two languages at home? How do you encourage the “minority” language?

In the beginning, I spoke only English was the common language between my husband and me. But during COVID, we switched to Swiss-German, and now we flip between both depending on the conversation. I am also trying to teach him some Russian by making him learn one word a day. I also speak Russian to my cats, haha!

What have been some challenges?

It has been getting used to a different point of view, and finding a compromise has been a challenge.

What is your favourite thing about being married Swiss?

Having a soulmate.

Your families favourite meal:

Dumplings 😀

What’s something from your home culture that you’ve introduced into your multicultural relationship?

We have adopted my family’s ritual of always bringing and picking up each other at the airport. So whenever I travel, my husband waits for me with a balloon, flower or piece of paper with my nickname on it. Waiting at the airport is something that my family has always done, and now I bring this meaningful tradition to our family.

(In non-pandemic times) Do you get to go back “home” often?

Usually twice a year.

What is the first thing you grab/eat when you arrive back Belarus? And when you return to Switzerland?

In Belarus, I always eat quark pancakes called Syrniki (Сырники) or cherry dumplings called Vareniki (Вареники). In Switzerland, usually before heading somewhere else, I always grab a butter pretzel from Bretzel & König.

Has being married Swiss-made integrating easier?

Yes, because just by marrying my husband, I automatically become part of his family and friends. They have all be welcoming.

Marriage is about compromise, especially when blending two cultures. Can you think of a good story of when you have had both compromises because of your two different cultures?

Honestly, I do not think we ever had a situation where both of us would end up compromising as we have an amazing understanding and respect for each other.

Any humous misunderstandings?

Once my husband was exhausted from carrying stuff for our wedding, he made a noise, which sounded like Hooooyyyee. His pronunciation made it sound exactly like a Russian word penis. My parents and all the people who understood Russian were greatly confused, whereas he did not understand why we were all staring at him.

2 Duvets or 1?

2 from the start. I found it so weird and old at first, but now I’m glad as it is very convenient not to fight over a blanket.

How do you deal with the question of Samichlaus/Santa Claus /Christkindli/Christmas or other cross-cultural traditions applicable to your relationship?

As both of us are not that religious, we only celebrate and acknowledge the holidays of our liking.

Is Switzerland now home?

Yes, it definitely is the closest thing to home to me.