Lost in Translation: Weird Swiss German Words That Sound Like Spells (and When to Use Them on Your Trip)

Welcome to the enchanting world of Swiss German, a dialect that sounds like a fantasy novel being read through a mouth full of Toblerone.

You’ve just landed in Zurich. The mountains are crisp, the air smells like cheese and expensive watches, and then—someone hits you with a Grüezi mitänand!

Wait... what?

Welcome to the enchanting world of Swiss German, a dialect that sounds like a fantasy novel being read through a mouth full of Toblerone. It’s not quite German, definitely not English, and 100% something you’re going to hear everywhere.

Here are some of the weirdest, funniest, most spell-worthy Swiss German words and phrases—and how (or if) to use them while you’re adventuring through Switzerland.

1. “Chuchichäschtli” (hoo-kee-kesht-lee)

Literal meaning: Kitchen cupboard 

What it sounds like: A wizard’s spell to summon cookware from another dimension. 

Use it when: You want to impress locals by surviving the ultimate pronunciation challenge. This word is legendary for being impossible to say for non-Swiss. 

Tourist Tip: If you do manage to say it, someone owes you a beer.

2. “Gopferdammi” (gohp-fer-DAH-mee) 

Literal meaning: ...Let’s just say it’s a swear. A light one. 

What it sounds like: A frustrated wizard whose potion exploded. 

Use it when: You miss your train by 30 seconds, drop your fondue fork, or realize you ordered mineral water with gas. 

Tourist Tip: Don’t overdo it—it’s mild, but it’s still a Swiss-style swear.

3. “Blöterliwasser” (bler-ter-lee-vah-ser) 

Literal meaning: Sparkling water 

What it sounds like: A bubbly charm cast at brunch. 

Use it when: You're ordering drinks and want to avoid that surprise carbonation. 

Tourist Tip: If you don’t want bubbles, ask for still water—or say “ohne Blöterli.”

4. “Äxgüsi” (ex-GOO-zee) 

Literal meaning Excuse me / sorry 

What it sounds like: A polite sneeze in spell form. 

Use it when: You bump into someone, ask for directions, or want to interrupt without causing an international incident. 

Tourist Tip: Throw in a sheepish smile and you’re golden.

5. “Lismete” (LISS-meh-teh) 

Literal meaning: A cozy knitting group 

What it sounds like: A gentle summoning circle in a mountain chalet. 

Use it when: Talking to someone’s grandma. Or describing that café in Lucerne where time slows down and it’s always Sunday. 

Tourist Tip: Lismete isn’t just about knitting—it’s about connection, slowness, and gossiping with style.

6. “Gfrörli” (g-FRUR-lee)

Literal meaning: Someone who is always cold 

What it sounds like: A frost spell cast by a mildly dramatic person. 

Use it when: You meet that one friend who brings a jacket in July. 

Tourist Tip: If you’re always freezing, wear the badge with pride. The Swiss will get it.

7. “Schnäderfräss” (SHNA-der-fress) 

Literal meaning: Someone picky with food 

What it sounds like: A curse placed on your palate by a disappointed chef. 

Use it when: You’re traveling with someone who refuses to try raclette, rösti, or anything that didn’t come from home. 

Tourist Tip: The cure to being a Schnäderfräss? A bite of warm alpine cheese.

So, why does this matter?

 Because language is culture, and in Switzerland, the language is full of character. Learning these local gems isn’t just funny—it’s a way to connect, charm, and maybe even surprise a local or two. You don’t need to be fluent in Swiss German (honestly, no one outside Switzerland is), but having a few of these “magic words” in your pocket makes the whole experience richer—and a lot more fun.

One last spell for the road: 

 “Merci vilmal!”

(Thank you very much.)  Use it often. Say it with a smile. And watch the magic unfold!

Traveling with us means hearing these words in action—whether it’s your tour guide saying “Äxgüsi” after bumping your suitcase or a cow mooing mysteriously in dialect. Either way, we’re here to translate the weird and wonderful parts of Switzerland, one enchanted word at a time.

JOURNEYS