Du or Sie at a Swiss office?
Traditionally Sie, until the more senior person offers the Du. That is changing: more and more Swiss companies use Du for everyone. When the Du is offered, the Swiss call it Duzis machen.
Ep. 22 · Ueli's Word · 64 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
German has a polite you (Sie) and a familiar you (Du). In traditional Swiss offices people use Sie until the more senior person offers the Du, a moment the Swiss call Duzis machen. Many companies now use Du for everyone. As a newcomer, start with Sie if unsure, and wait for the offer.
Blüemli's verdict: Ding. Traditionally. Sie until the senior person offers the Du. Many big firms now use Du for all.
DUZIS: really: switching from Sie to Du; Swiss: “Duzis machen” Ueli's Word
Be like Ueli. Wait for the Du. Then say yes.
Learn more: The real rules of Swiss work culture
The rule, explained
German has two words for you: Sie, the polite one, and Du, the familiar one. In a traditional Swiss office you start with Sie. The switch to Du, called Duzis in Switzerland, is offered, not taken: HR Today explains that rank comes before age, and age before gender, when deciding who offers it. The old ritual, raising a glass first and then making Duzis, is hardly common anymore. SRF reported that more and more company bosses introduce Du for the whole firm. If you are unsure, start with Sie and wait for the offer.
Sources: Duden, Duzis; HR Today, 8 February 2013; SRF Kassensturz, 18 June 2019
Questions people ask
Who offers the Du in Switzerland?
Traditionally the more senior person: rank before age before gender (HR Today).
What does Duzis mean?
Switching from Sie to Du. The Swiss say: Duzis machen.
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