Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| Merci | |
| Merci viumau | Bernese |
The word is said constantly, often on its own, and in Bern it is sometimes heard as Merci viumau, where an l before a consonant turns into a u sound.
What does it mean word for word?
Merci is borrowed from French and used on its own as a complete, casual thanks, without needing 'vielmal' or any addition.
Which one should you use?
A bare Merci fits small, everyday thanks, such as being handed change at a shop. For something bigger, Swiss speakers add vielmal, 'many times'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Merci alone is casual and extremely common. It stays polite even in more neutral settings, such as with a bus driver or a cashier.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Merci viumau is a distinctly Bernese pronunciation, reflecting how Bernese dialect changes certain l sounds into u.
How does it change in a sentence?
Merci does not change with the person being thanked.
How do you pronounce it?
Swiss speakers stress Merci on the first syllable, 'MER-ci', unlike the French stress on the second.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Thinking Merci alone is too casual for public situations is a mistake. It is said constantly, from shops to buses, without sounding rude.
When do people say it?
Swiss people often say Merci several times in a single short exchange, such as thanking a bus driver both when boarding and when getting off.
Did you know?
- Merci is used constantly on its own in Swiss German, often without any word for 'much' or 'very' attached to it.
- Bernese dialect turns an l before a consonant into a u sound, which is how vielmal becomes the distinctive viumau.
Examples in context
- Merci, das isch nett.Thanks, that is nice.
- Merci viumau für alles.Thanks a lot for everything.
- Merci, chönnt ich s Rückgäld ha?Thanks, could I have the change?
Example conversation
Anja thanks a bus driver, Köbi, as she gets off in Bern.
- AnjaMerci, en schöne Tag!Thanks, have a nice day!
- KöbiMerci viumau, glich glich.Thanks a lot, same to you.
- AnjaChunnt de nächst Bus bald?Is the next bus coming soon?
- KöbiJo, in zäh Minute.Yes, in ten minutes.
