What are the national languages of Switzerland?
Was sind die Landessprachen der Schweiz?
Correct answer: B
- A French, Italian, English, GermanFranzösisch, Italienisch, Englisch, Deutsch
- B French, Italian, Romansh, GermanFranzösisch, Italienisch, Rätoromanisch, Deutsch
- C French, Italian, cantonal dialects and RomanshFranzösisch, Italienisch, Dialekte der Kantone und Rätoromanisch
- D German, French, ItalianDeutsch, Französisch, Italienisch
Why
The Federal Constitution names four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh.
Common mistakes
- A: French, Italian, English, German
- English is spoken often, but it is not a national language. Romansh is missing.
- C: French, Italian, cantonal dialects and Romansh
- The dialects are not separate national languages, and German is missing from this list.
- D: German, French, Italian
- Romansh, the fourth national language, is missing here.
Topic
German, French, Italian, Romansh
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. This is written in the Federal Constitution. English is not a national language, even though many people speak it at work. Portuguese or Spanish are not national languages either, although many immigrants speak them.
- German
- French
- Italian
- Romansh
Map data: BFS, BAFU, swisstopo
Switzerland at a glance
The four national languages
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 63 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.