English is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. In fact it’s the third most native-spoken language after Chinese Madarin and Spanish. That means that you are more than likely to travel anywhere you like and be able to have some form of conversation in English. But does that mean that we should rely on this when we’re on our holidays?
ES operates across Switzerland and France, meaning German and/or French will be the main languages spoken around the mountain when you arrive in resort.
The locals love it when we make the effort and often will be even happier to help if you speak a little of their first language! So here are a few useful phrases one can use to impress whilst you’re out and about on your next ES ski holiday.
Good morning/Good evening.
German: Guten Morgen/Guten Abend.
French: Bonjour/Bonsoir
Thank you very much.
German: Vielen Dank
French: Merci Beaucoup
Sorry/excuse me.
German: Tut mir Lied/Entschuldigung
French: Pardon/Excusez-moi
How much does it cost?
German: Wie viel kostet es?
French: Combien ça coûte?
I would like a… please.
German: Ich möchte ein… bitte
French: Je voudrais un(e)… s’il vous plait
Where are the toilets?
German: Wo sind die Toiletten?
French: Où sont les toilettes ?
Where is the pharmacy?
German: Wo ist die Apotheke?
French: Où est la pharmacie ?
Can you help me please?
German: Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
French: Pouvez-vous m’aider s’il vous plaît?
Do you speak English?
German: Sprechen Sie Englisch?
French: Parlez-vous Anglais?
So there you have it, if you have just a few of those phrases in your back pocket you will be away to a flying start on your next visit to the mountains!
Want to practice your language skills out on the slopes? Why not book ski/snowboard lessons with ES and one of our experienced instructors will show you the best spots on the mountain to do so! Get in touch HERE. Bis Bald/A bientôt!/See you soon!