Gebrauchsanweisung für die Schweiz

by Thomas Küng

Hier ist alles ein bisschen schöner – die Seen, Berge und Städte, die Menschen, die Läden und die in der Schweiz, dem viersprachigen Alpenland zwischen Kunst, Käse und Kanton, Idylle und Industrie­nation. Thomas Küng kennt nicht nur die Schoko­la­denseiten seiner Heimat, die weltberühmt ist für ihre Präzisionsprodukte. Mit Wortwitz und Ironie schreibt er über Mentalitäten, Geschäftsusancen und die Riva­lität der Städte, nimmt uns mit nach Zürich, Luzern und Genf, zur Basler Fasnacht und in die Hauptstadt Bern, wo 1954 für Deutschland ein Wunder geschah. Er verrät, warum kein Schweizer Müsli isst und wie Sie sich in all dem Chrüsimüsi zurechtfinden. Und dass tschute und Fußballspielen ein und dasselbe sind.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Johanna Elsener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Kühn’s Gebrauchsanweisung für die Schweiz (Manual for Switzerland) is a witty and insightful travelogue that provides an insider’s guide to Swiss culture, society, and peculiarities. Kühn, who has lived in Switzerland, shares his observations about the country’s traditions, quirks, and contradictions, offering readers both practical advice and cultural understanding. Here are the key takeaways:

Summary of Key Findings

1. The Swiss Mentality
• Reserved and Polite: Swiss people value privacy and discretion, often coming across as reserved or overly polite.
• Precision and Punctuality: Punctuality is deeply ingrained in Swiss culture, reflecting the national obsession with order and reliability.
• Neutrality and Compromise: Switzerland’s famed political neutrality is mirrored in everyday life, where compromise and harmony are highly valued.

2. Language and Regional Differences
• Multilingualism: Switzerland’s four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) lead to distinct regional identities, each with its own cultural flair.
• German-Swiss Peculiarities: The Swiss-German dialect (Schweizerdeutsch) dominates in the German-speaking regions, and it’s a source of pride, though confusing for outsiders.
• Cultural Divide: The differences between French-speaking Romandy, Italian-speaking Ticino, and the German-speaking regions create a fascinating blend but also subtle tensions.

3. Swiss Organization and Efficiency
• Infrastructure: The country’s public transport system is a marvel of efficiency, with trains, buses, and even ferries running on time to the minute.
• Cleanliness: Streets and public spaces are immaculately clean, reflecting Swiss respect for order and the environment.
• Rules and Regulations: Swiss society runs on strict rules, from recycling protocols to noise restrictions, which ensure smooth coexistence.

4. Love for Nature and Outdoors
• Mountains and Lakes: Switzerland’s landscape is integral to its identity, with outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and climbing being national pastimes.
• Environmental Awareness: The Swiss take great care to protect their natural surroundings, balancing development with conservation.

5. The Swiss Approach to Money
• Banking and Wealth: Switzerland’s reputation for banking secrecy and wealth is explored, along with the understated way in which many Swiss approach wealth.
• Frugality and Quality: Swiss people prioritize quality over quantity, which is reflected in everything from their food to their consumer goods.

6. Food and Drink
• Cheese and Chocolate: Fondue, raclette, and high-quality chocolate are national staples.
• Regional Specialties: Each canton has its own culinary traditions, such as Basler Läckerli (spiced cookies) or Ticino’s polenta.
• Wine and Beer: Swiss wine is often underrated but worth exploring, while local beers also have a strong following.

7. Humor and Self-Perception
• Dry Humor: Swiss humor tends to be understated and self-deprecating, with a focus on irony.
• Sense of Identity: While fiercely proud of their country, the Swiss also poke fun at their own stereotypes, such as their obsession with punctuality and neutrality.

Main Message and Learnings
1. Understanding Swiss Values:
• The Swiss cherish order, neutrality, and discretion, traits that shape both their personal interactions and national policies.
2. Balancing Tradition and Modernity:
• Switzerland manages to preserve its traditions while embracing modernity, creating a society that feels timeless yet forward-thinking.
3. Regional Diversity:
• To truly understand Switzerland, one must appreciate its regional and linguistic differences, which make it a microcosm of European cultures.
4. Practical Advice:
• Kühn offers tips for navigating Swiss life, such as respecting local customs, embracing public transport, and learning a bit of Schweizerdeutsch.
5. A Gentle Critique:
• While admiring Swiss efficiency and beauty, Kühn doesn’t shy away from gently critiquing the rigidity and occasional insularity of Swiss society.

Conclusion

Thomas Kühn’s Gebrauchsanweisung für die Schweiz provides a delightful mix of humor, cultural analysis, and practical insights, making it a valuable read for anyone curious about Switzerland. The book celebrates the country’s uniqueness while inviting readers to embrace its quirks and contradictions.

[Rudolf]

Very entertaining, with a good dose of humour by this self-reflective Swiss author, who does not take it all too seriously, nevertheless manages to paint an accurate and well researched image of a very interesting country.