What is Znüni in Switzerland?
Znüni is the Swiss mid-morning snack, eaten at about nine. The word comes from “zu nüni”, at nine; the Duden calls it a second breakfast. Its afternoon partner is the Zvieri, at about four.
Ep. 10 · Ueli's Word · 71 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
Swiss German names snacks by the clock: Znüni at about nine in the morning, Zvieri at about four. It is a real habit, not a joke; schools even hand out Znüni tips. As a newcomer at work, expect the office to pause mid-morning, and join in: the Znüni break is a small, easy way to get to know colleagues.
Blüemli's verdict: Ding. Real word. Znüni: the morning snack. Swiss schools have handed out Znüni tips for years.
ZNÜNI: literally: “what you eat at nine”; really: the mid-morning snack Ueli's Word
Be like Ueli. Eat by the clock.
Learn more: The real rules of Swiss work culture
The rule, explained
Swiss German names meals by the clock. Znüni, from “zu nüni” (at nine), is the snack in the middle of the morning; the Duden lists it as a morning snack or second breakfast. Zvieri, “at four”, is the afternoon snack. Around them sit Zmorge (breakfast), Zmittag (lunch, usually at twelve) and Znacht (dinner, usually around half past six). Znüni is serious business: SRF reported that Swiss schools have handed out Znüni recommendations for years. If your colleagues stop at nine, join them.
Sources: Duden, Znüni and Zvieri; SRF Wissen, Der Znüni-Streit, 11 December 2015
Questions people ask
What does Zvieri mean?
The afternoon snack, at about four. From “zu vier”, at four (Duden).
What are the Swiss words for meals?
Zmorge (breakfast), Znüni (mid-morning), Zmittag (lunch), Zvieri (afternoon), Znacht (dinner).
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