Living in Bern as an expat means being part of a dynamic international community while enjoying the exceptional Swiss quality of life. But many international professionals face a common challenge: how to improve your German in everyday life? In this article, we share the best places and strategies to practice your German in Bern and feel comfortable in your new home faster.
Living in Bern as an expat - a real opportunity for integration
Bern, the charming capital of Switzerland, attracts numerous expats every year with its UNESCO-protected old town, picturesque arcades and relaxed atmosphere. International organizations, embassies, research institutions and global companies create a multicultural environment in which professionals from all over the world can feel at home.
But despite the international flair and multilingualism of many Swiss, one thing remains clear: language is the key to true integration. While you may be able to get away with English in a professional environment, mastering German opens doors to authentic Swiss life - from casual chats with neighbors to a deeper understanding of the local culture.
For our course participants we offer free conversation courses in German which are perfectly tailored to the needs of international professionals. Here you can not only improve your language skills, but also make valuable contacts with other expats and locals.
Why you should use your German regularly
Many expats in Bern already know German, but rarely use it in everyday life. The typical "expat cocoon" - an English-speaking working environment, international circles of friends and digital communication in the native language - can significantly slow down language acquisition.
Regular use of your German language skills offers decisive advantages for your expat life:
- Deeper cultural integration: Understand Swiss humor, local news and cultural nuances that would otherwise remain hidden from you.
- Expanded social network: Make friends beyond the expat community and build long-term relationships with locals.
- Stress reduction in everyday life: deal with visits to the authorities, doctors and everyday situations confidently in German.
- Career benefits: Stand out from other international applicants and fully tap into the local job market.
For expats in Bern, the question now is: where can you find the best opportunities to practise your German that suit your international lifestyle? Here are our top 5 recommendations:
1. language cafés and conversation meetings
For busy expats, structured but relaxed conversation sessions are ideal for integrating language practice into a busy schedule.
ILS-Bern Conversation Courses
Our conversation courses specially designed for expats conversation courses offer you the perfect mix of structured learning and natural conversation practice. You'll meet like-minded people in small groups and practise German in a supportive environment - ideal for all language levels and perfect for integrating into your everyday expat life. As an ILS course participant, you benefit from free access to these valuable practice sessions.
GenerationHouse Bern
The GenerationenHaus on Bahnhofplatz regularly organizes language cafés that fit in well with an active expat lifestyle. After work, you can practise your German over a coffee and expand your professional and social network at the same time.
International community meetings
There are regular informal meetings of international communities in Bern, where communication is often multilingual - a good opportunity to switch between German and your native language if you are still unsure.
Our conversation courses are specially tailored to the schedules of busy expats and offer flexible evening appointments. As a participant in our language courses, you enjoy the advantage of using these conversation groups free of charge - an added value to your language course.
2. libraries & cultural centers
Cultural institutions offer expats not only language practice, but also deeper insights into Swiss culture and history.
Bern City Library
The Bern City Library is a paradise for expats who love to read. With a large selection of German-language literature at various language levels, international newspapers and regular events, it offers a quiet place to learn and network.
Kornhaus Forum
The centrally located Kornhausforum organizes exhibitions, readings and cultural events, which are often presented bilingually (German/English) - ideal for expats who want to improve their language skills.
Progr Cultural Center
In the creative heart of Bern, the Progr cultural center offers exhibitions, workshops and events that connect expats with the local art scene. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to strike up conversations with locals.
Tip for working expats: Many of these facilities are also open evenings and weekends - perfect for fitting culture and language practice into your busy schedule. After a visit, you can consolidate your new vocabulary and cultural knowledge directly in our ILS conversation courses, which are offered to our course participants at no extra cost.
3. local markets and neighborhood stores
The everyday life of an expat offers numerous opportunities to practice German - especially when shopping and in small neighborhood stores.
Bundesplatz market
The weekly market on Bundesplatz is not only a culinary highlight for expat foodies, but also an ideal place for authentic conversations. Here you can discover local products and practise your German with friendly market vendors at the same time.
Neighborhood stores in expat neighborhoods
In popular expat neighborhoods such as Kirchenfeld, Breitenrain or Länggasse, you will find charming little stores where personal service is a top priority. A regular visit to the neighborhood bakery or the local cheese store creates familiarity and opportunities for small conversations in German.
Weekly markets in various districts
In addition to the well-known market on the Bundesplatz, smaller markets are held regularly in various districts of Bern - from Breitenrain to Mattenhof. These offer a relaxed atmosphere for first attempts at the language and an insight into authentic Bernese life.
ILS-Bern: In our conversation courses we practise exactly these everyday situations so that you feel more confident the next time you visit the market or go shopping. We prepare you for typical conversations and provide you with practical vocabulary and phrases that you can use immediately. As an ILS course participant, you benefit from these conversation exercises at no extra cost.
4. clubs and leisure groups
For expats who value work-life balance, the diverse club life in Bern offers perfect opportunities to pursue hobbies and speak German at the same time.
Outdoor and sports groups
Bern's breathtaking surroundings are ideal for outdoor activities. Hiking groups, running groups or yoga in the park are popular activities among expats and offer a natural environment for conversations in German in a relaxed atmosphere.
Creative workshops for international professionals
After a demanding day at work, creative workshops offer a welcome change of pace. From ceramics courses to urban gardening - here you can be creative and practise your German in a relaxed environment at the same time.
International joint projects
In Bern, there are numerous initiatives in which locals and expats work together on projects - from urban gardening to neighborhood help. These projects not only offer language practice, but also a sense of belonging.
5. structured conversation courses at ILS-Bern
For expats with busy schedules, structured conversation conversation courses are the most efficient way to practise German and make valuable contacts at the same time.
Specialized expat conversation groups
Our conversation groups at ILS-Bern are specially tailored to the needs of international professionals. In small groups you practise conversations relevant to everyday life and build up vocabulary that you can use immediately in your professional and private life. These conversation groups are a free additional service for our language course participants.
Flexible scheduling
As an expat, you have a busy schedule. Our conversation courses offer flexible evening and weekend times so you can seamlessly integrate language practice into your international lifestyle.
Networking with like-minded people
In our courses, you will meet other international professionals who are facing similar challenges. These contacts are not only valuable for language practice, but can also develop into friendships and professional networks.
As a participant in our language courses, you benefit from free conversation courses as a valuable addition to your regular lessons. This combination of structured learning and practical application significantly accelerates your language acquisition and offers you a clear advantage on your path to language competence.
Conclusion: practicing German is the key to successful expat life
Living as an expat in Bern means being at home in one of the most liveable cities in the world. With a better knowledge of German, you will not only gain a deeper insight into Swiss culture, but also considerably expand your professional and social opportunities.
Integrating language practice into your international lifestyle may seem challenging at first, but with the right strategies and support services, it will become an enriching part of your expat life. Whether you're shopping at the market, hiking in the Alps or taking one of our specialized conversation courses, every opportunity to speak German will bring you closer to your goal.
Your next step as an expat in Bern
Register for a German course at ILS-Bern and benefit from our conversation courses as a free additional offer for course participants. Practice German in an international group, expand your network and soon feel at home in your new adopted country. Our experienced language teachers create a relaxed atmosphere in which you can speak without pressure and build your self-confidence - perfectly tailored to the needs of international professionals.
