Which of these is an official national language of Switzerland?

French is one of the four national languages. It is spoken in western Switzerland, the Romandie.

Common mistakes

B: English

English is widespread at work, but it is not a national language.

C: Portuguese

Many immigrants speak Portuguese, but it is not a national language.

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.

Switzerland at a glance · The four national languages

Sources

• zh.ch
• stadt-zuerich.ch
• fedlex.admin.ch

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.