Just as you might ask fluent German speakers to help you test your spoken language skills, many expats use books and articles to assist with their German language learning to ensure they feel comfortable that they can read texts and fully comprehend the information shown.
We often recommend books to our expat students, including short stories specifically written for non-native speakers. Popular options include Swiss German Short Stories, a collection of the various dialects spoken across German-speaking Switzerland, and novels by Pedro Lenz, a Swiss writer and winner of the Swiss Film Prize.
If you’re unsure how to learn German online with certificate or want to enhance your knowledge as quickly as possible, reading German books, newspapers, articles, and blogs is a fantastic way to assist in the learning process, and gain extra confidence in your knowledge.
Is It Worth Studying German as an Expat in Switzerland?
Hundreds of students opt to learn German to a certified standard to make the transition to life in Switzerland smoother, to help make friends or socialize in the workplace or university, or simply to ensure they have the skills to communicate and connect with other residents.
Our online courses have been designed to make learning how to read, write, speak, and listen to German easier and quicker. They combine one-on-one tutor sessions, engaging interactive quizzes and lessons, and AI-enabled support to ensure you can complete your course according to your schedule.
We’ve found that video-based lessons and online exercises you can complete on any device, whether a laptop, phone, or tablet, make learning far more immersive and fun than a conventional textbook–with private lessons via video call to ensure you’re completely assured in your skills and can talk with confidence.
While many foreign nationals start by learning a few useful German phrases for beginners, it’s well worth improving your understanding, especially if you plan to live in Switzerland for the long term. For example, suppose you’re attending a gathering of friends, shopping in a supermarket, using the public transport system, applying for a Swiss driving license, or simply following directions. In that case, you’ll need a good grasp of German to navigate and communicate with ease.
Ways to Speed Up Your German Studies as a Swiss Resident
We’ve mentioned the value of independent reading, which can be incredibly valuable, just as speaking with fluent German speakers can help you find gaps in your comprehension or understand natural speech patterns and phrases.
In addition to the publications noted above, there are many options suited to every taste:
- For history fans: Billard um Halb Zehn (Billiards at Half-Past Nine) covers a day in 1958 and recalls a familial history from the 19th century through the two world wars. It is published in Standard and Swiss German.
- For parents: If you’ve relocated to Switzerland with children, reading a book like Bin ich Chlii? (Am I Small?) is a good starting point. This children’s picture book is great for bilingual or expat families and has been translated into over 200 languages.
- For new expats: Café in Berlin was written in Standard German for learners and tells the funny story of an Italian expat struggling to integrate in Berlin with very little German–something many expats can relate to!
Not an avid reader, or need more time alongside your studies with The German Academy Zurich? Most titles are available as audiobooks–a good way to pass your commute or relax in the evening while augmenting your learning simultaneously!
