What does it mean word for word?
Schöne means 'nice' or 'happy' here, and 1. Auguscht names the date, the first of August.
Which one should you use?
There is no separate formal version. The same simple wish is used by everyone, from neighbours to officials giving a speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is warm and casual, fitting for greeting neighbours, friends and family on the day.
Is it said differently in some regions?
National day celebrations and the greeting itself are shared across all of Switzerland, in every language region.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase does not change with the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
Auguscht is the Swiss form of 'August', with the final t pronounced clearly and the u sounding like 'oo'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Calling it simply 'national day' without naming the date can sound less natural than the traditional 1. Auguscht phrasing.
When do people say it?
August 1st is marked across Switzerland with bonfires on hills, called Höhenfeuer, along with fireworks and bread baked with a Swiss cross on top.
Did you know?
- Hilltop bonfires, called Höhenfeuer, are lit across Switzerland on the evening of August 1st as a traditional way to mark the national day.
- Special bread stamped with a Swiss cross is a common August 1st treat sold in bakeries in the days before the holiday.
Examples in context
- Schöne 1. Auguscht euch allne!Happy Swiss national day to all of you!
- Gönd ihr Höhenfeuer luege?Are you going to watch the hilltop bonfires?
- Mir gseh Feuerwerk vom Balkon.We will watch the fireworks from the balcony.
Example conversation
Patrick greets his neighbour Vreni on the morning of August 1st.
- PatrickSchöne 1. Auguscht, Vreni!Happy Swiss day, Vreni!
- VreniMerci, der au en schöne!Thanks, happy Swiss day to you too!
- PatrickGönd ihr hüt Abig use?Are you going out tonight?
- VreniJo, mir schaued s Feuerwerk.Yes, we are watching the fireworks.
