Despite Switzerland having four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh, many international assignees relocating there often consider language requirements to be relatively straightforward. In global business hubs such as Zurich, for example, English is often the primary working language, with meetings and other day-to-day work responsibilities conducted in English. However, our on-the-ground language experts suggest that learning the local language, typically German, isn’t just a nice-to-have but essential to ensure an enriched and successful relocation experience.
This vital truth was reinforced during my recent visit to Switzerland, where I travelled between Zurich and Zug to meet with a few of our partner schools and local language coaches. The schedule was full, with constant movement between meetings, train stations, and unfamiliar locations.
Although my German proficiency is limited, even a basic understanding proved valuable. Recognizing words such as bahnhof (train station), eingang (entrance), or wasser (water) made navigating the environment easier. Simple expressions such as danke schön (thank you) and entschuldigung (excuse me) improved day-to-day interactions and elicited more positive responses from local residents.
There were also situations where English alone was insufficient. Ordering a coffee, for example, became more complex when menus and interactions defaulted to German. While translation tools helped, they did not eliminate the uncertainty. These small moments from everyday life highlight how quickly stress can arise when navigating unfamiliar environments without the language skills to fully understand them.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at why local language skills matter, even when English might initially feel sufficient.
Even in highly international cities, much of daily life continues to take place in the local language, which is typically German. This includes scheduling appointments, visiting a doctor, interacting with service providers, navigating schools, and managing administrative tasks. Developing practical language skills can reduce stress, increase independence, and allow assignees and their families to navigate everyday situations with confidence, rather than relying on others for support.
Language plays a key role in building meaningful connections within the local community, far beyond the workplace. It enables assignees and their families to form friendships, gain a deeper understanding of their new culture, and participate in traditions, celebrations, and everyday social interactions.
This becomes even more important when employees relocate with partners or children. Industry research consistently shows that dissatisfaction among spouses and family members is a leading contributor to assignment challenges or early termination. In other words, assignment success depends on the entire household feeling settled, not only the employee.
This perspective is reinforced by our Global Talent Mobility Survey 2026, where 82% of respondents identified employee and family satisfaction, including cultural and personal adjustment, as a key measure of relocation success. Increasingly, success is defined not just by operational outcomes, but by how well individuals and their families experience life in the host location.
Children often adapt quickly to new languages; however, expectations within the local Swiss education system are high.
Schools are academically rigorous and competitive, with strong language requirements. While relocating parents may work in English, children often need a solid understanding of the German language to integrate socially, succeed academically, and access future educational opportunities, including top secondary schools and universities.
When parents also develop local language skills, they are better equipped to support their children, communicate with educators, and understand the education system. In this context, language learning becomes an investment in the success of the entire family.
At Cartus, our Language Solutions offer a tailored, global approach to training, designed to support relocating employees and their families at every stage of their journey. What sets us apart is our extensive network of expert language coaches around the world, each bringing deep local knowledge and specialized experience. This allows us to deliver high-quality, personalized training that helps individuals build confidence, communicate effectively, and feel fully supported as they transition into new environments.
One of the first questions our language coaches ask is, “What do you need German for?” The answer shapes a personalized learning journey, ensuring that training is relevant, targeted, and immediately applicable to the assignee’s day-to-day life.
Language skills can also play an important role in long-term mobility planning. In Switzerland, individuals may need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency when renewing or changing residence permits. Our language coaches are experienced in preparing learners for recognized certifications, including the FIDE exam, offering structured support when a formal qualification is required. Even when certification is not an immediate priority, building language skills early provides greater flexibility, confidence, and opportunity for the future.
While relying on English may work in the short term, it can limit confidence and independence over time. Learning the local language marks a shift from simply navigating daily life to fully engaging in it. It reflects openness, respect, and a genuine willingness to connect with the local culture. For many assignees, this is what transforms an assignment from a practical move into a more meaningful and rewarding experience.
At Cartus, we work with experienced language partners who understand both the needs of globally mobile employees and the local environments they are entering.
Let’s work together to help your employees relocate with confidence and build a strong foundation for long-term success: cartussolutions@cartus.com.
Thank you to our supplier partners across the network for sharing their valuable on-the-ground insights for this blog.
To request a technology demonstration, learn more about a specific solution, or simply speak to one of our knowledgeable subject matter experts, please fill out our form and someone will get back to you shortly.
To learn more about how our work in this space can help drive your talent mobility program to the next level, please fill out our form, and one of our knowledgeable subject matter experts will get back to you shortly!
