Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| Ich heiss | followed by your name |
| Mis Name isch | followed by your name, closer to the English wording |
Swiss speakers introduce themselves with Ich heiss followed directly by their name, for example Ich heiss Lea. Mis Name isch matches the English wording more closely but is heard less often in speech.
What does it mean word for word?
heiss is the Swiss German form of the verb 'to be called', dropping the final e that Standard German heiße keeps. Mis Name isch breaks down literally as 'my name is'.
Which one should you use?
Ich heiss is the natural way to give your name in conversation. Mis Name isch sounds a touch more deliberate, closer to writing or a careful introduction.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Swiss German keeps the same self-introduction for anyone, whether you are talking to a child or to your new boss.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The verb ending stays heiss across most of German-speaking Switzerland, though some eastern dialects soften the final sound slightly.
How does it change in a sentence?
No separate word for 'my' is needed with Ich heiss, the name simply follows the verb directly.
How do you pronounce it?
The ei in heiss and Name is a single clear diphthong, pronounced roughly like the English word 'eye'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Learners sometimes copy English and say Ich bin heiss, which actually means 'I am hot'. Just say Ich heiss.
Did you know?
- Swiss German drops the final e that Standard German keeps in verbs, so heiße becomes heiss and mache becomes mach.
- Because Swiss German has no fixed spelling, heiss also turns up written as heisst or heiß depending on who is writing it.
Examples in context
- Ich heiss Lena, und du?My name is Lena, and you?
- Hallo, ich heiss Simon.Hello, my name is Simon.
- Wie heissisch?What is your name?
Example conversation
Nora meets a new neighbour, Timo, in the stairwell of their building.
- NoraHoi, ich heiss Nora.Hi, my name is Nora.
- TimoHoi Nora, ich heiss Timo.Hi Nora, my name is Timo.
- NoraWohnsch du jetzt da?Do you live here now?
- TimoJo, sit letzte Wuche.Yes, since last week.
