Language and Integration

All residents must respect the Swiss Constitution (for example, equality of men and women) and the law. Residents are expected to be economically independent as far as possible.

Foreigners are also encouraged to learn the local language as quickly as possible. 

The Confederation, cantons and municipalities provide foreigners with fair access to economic, social and cultural life.

In return, foreigners are expected to take responsibility for their own integration and to make use of available programmes if needed.

Joining a club is an excellent way to become part of Swiss society. Attending community festivities and events is also a way to meet people.

Meeting new people may not always be easy. Not all residents are equally open to other cultures. Therefore patience and perseverance may be necessary.

In Canton Zug, various contact points are available to newcomers:

• The first point of contact is usually the municipality of residence. 
• The Information and Advice Centre for Migrants in Zug (FMZ) provides information about life in Switzerland and answers specific questions. FMZ also offers counsel and information in several other languages.

Links: 

FMZ / New in Zug

Numerous programmes help foreigners to meet people and become part of Swiss society. These include discussion groups, leisure activities, talks and courses. 

The Information and Advice Centre for Migrants in Zug (FMZ) or the municipality of residence can provide information on available programmes. 

Many municipalities also organize events welcoming new residents, which are a good way to gain an initial overview.

Links:

FMZ / New in Zug

Many residents in Canton Zug are members of a club (Verein). There are clubs for a wide range of interests. 

Even small municipalities have sports, cultural and other clubs, which are an excellent way of meeting people. 

Most clubs are open to everyone. Information about clubs can be found on municipal websites.

Links: 

FMZ / Zug clubs

Canton Zug / Municipalities of Zug

Immigrants have founded various clubs based on a common language, country of origin or religion. 

Many of these clubs offer integration or advisory services that support their members when arriving in Switzerland and in Canton Zug.

Links:

FMZ / Migrant Clubs

In Canton Zug, many recreational opportunities are available for young people to meet their peers. Most municipalities run youth programms and provide meeting points with a variety of activities. Youth work offers youg people a supervised space where they can contribute their own ideas and implement projects (Jugendarbeit). Most programms are free. 

Youth clubs also offer outdoor activities with peers. These opportunities are provided by clubs, municipalities or regional churches and are open to all young people. The municipality of residence can provide further information.

Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romance. 

German is the official language in Canton Zug. High German (Hochdeutsch) is different than Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch). High German is used in schools and on certain radio and television programmes. In everyday life, people speak Swiss German. Swiss German is a dialect that can be difficult to understand, even for people with good German skills. 

Foreigners are not expected to speak Swiss German. It is always acceptable to ask Swiss people to speak High German.

Links:

Kanton Zug / German courses

Swissworld / Further information

Newcomers are not expected to speak or understand German immediately. However, there are situations in which communication is essential. Many ask family members or friends to interpret. 

For complicated, personal or confidential conversations, a professional interpreter may be required. Intercultural interpreters also take cultural characteristics into account when interpreting. 

The Information and Advice Centre for Migrants in Zug (FMZ) offers support with understanding or writing letters, completing forms and dealing with tax returns.

Links:

Caritas Dolmetschdienst Zentralschweiz / Agency for intercultural interpreters in Canton Zug

FMZ / Administration, translation and tax returns

There are courses for different groups of people in Canton Zug. Some providers are commercial, others are charitable or public institutions. 

People who are not familiar with the Latin alphabet or have difficulties reading or writing may take a literacy course (Alphabetisierungskurs). 

Before enrolling, participants should be aware of the different types of courses and their costs.

There are also courses designed for mothers and their children (MuKi-Deutsch) and courses that offer childcare.

The Information and Advice Centre for Migrants in Zug (FMZ) or the municipality of residence can provide information about available courses.

Links: 

FMZ / Information about learning German

German language skills are often assessed according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The six progressive levels range from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency). 

Levels A1 and A2 represent basic knowledge of German. For official vocational education, levels B1 or B2 are usually required. Levels C1 and C2, for advanced learners, are generally required by universities.

Links:

Graphic "Levels According to GER" (DE)

In general, German courses must be paid for by the participants. Costs vary, therefore it is advisable to compare options (cost per lesson). 

Some courses are subsidised by the Canton of Zug or municipalities, helping to reduce costs for participants.

Children who do not speak German should meet German-speaking children as soon as possible. Playgroups or special programmes for parents and children are ideal opportunities.

Links: 

Letter to parents "How Can Our Child Learn 2 Languages, German and Our Own Language?"

Pamphlet "Talk to me and listen to me!"