With his Biergarten, Zurich may have a little air in Germany, but the differences with the big neighbors in the North are present.
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Migration between Germany and Switzerland seems simple at first glance. However, misunderstandings and stereotypes can complicate new start and integration into the neighboring country.
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Why German emigrate to Switzerland – and vice versa
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Move with weapons and luggage in the neighboring country in the space of four weeks. It may seem ambitious. However, in the context of the migration from Germany to Switzerland, it is not so unusual, as shown by the doctoral thesis of the ethnologist Natascha Bregy.
For five years, Natascha Bregy – who left Switzerland to study in Hamburg – studied the migratory experiences of German and German people living in the neighboring country.
The two groups have several common points: they are generally very qualified, speak a similar language and their cultures are not very different. In theory, nothing should therefore hinder their integration into the neighboring country. Finally, in theory …
According to the Federal Office for Swiss StatisticsExternal linkat the end of 2023, 323,600 people of German nationality lived in Switzerland. This represents 3.6% of the total population. In the opposite direction, 101,000 Swiss abroad live in Germany, or 0.12% of the total population. After France, Germany is the country where the most Swiss from abroad.
But there are differences. The fact that the two countries work differently in some respects is already manifested before moving, in emigration motivations. “The Germans settled in Switzerland for economic or professional reasons, while among the Swiss, these are individual reasons such as the taste for adventure or the love that prevails,” explains Natascha Bregy. And when professional motivation is still present in them, it is generally a question of personal accomplishment.
The various reasons that push to start a new life in another country have an unexpected effect. Anyone who emigrated must take care of a long list of steps, ideally before departure. Pension funds, banks, schools, health insurance, search for housing. It goes without saying that it is necessary to plan enough time for that.
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Some people only reserve these preparations for four weeks. “What surprised me is how many people settle in the neighboring country without real preparation,” explains Natascha Bregy. This is particularly striking in those interviewed who migrate from Germany to Switzerland, which is explained by the reasons for their emigration.
In 2010, Natascha Bregy left Berne for Hamburg to continue his studies there. She wrote a thesis on the theme of migration between Switzerland and Germany. This work will be published at the end of 2025 or early 2026.
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“Among the people from Germany that I interviewed for my thesis, the new employer sometimes took care of a large part of the paperwork.” Due to the (supposed) similarity between the two countries and their geographic proximity, many emigrants do not expect to meet big obstacles to their migration.
In addition, stereotypes are. The image of Switzerland as an idyllic country like “Heidiland”, with its pastures, mountains and cows, influences the expectations of German migrants, which and can lead to an underestimation of the necessary preparations, underlines the researcher.
Prejudices influence integration
Once the move has been carried out, a new difficulty arises – in particular for a certain group. “German migrants are often perceived negatively in Switzerland, as arrogant and unlikely to adapt. However, this image hardly corresponds to reality, ”underlines the researcher. This complicates their integration: it is more difficult for the Germans to settle in Switzerland and to build friendships.
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The perception of the Swiss emigrants in Germany is quite different. Their good reputation is based on positive stereotypes associated with their country of origin. “Switzerland is associated with money, success, punctuality and politeness,” explains Natascha Bregy. Attributes which are often automatically transferred to the Swiss themselves. They benefit from favorable prejudice, even before they have to prove themselves.
Obstacles to integration
A common point between the two groups studied: they all hope to improve certain aspects of their lives in their new country of residence.
“This can result in a better balance between professional and private life, a higher salary, proximity to his partner or the opportunities offered by a big city like Berlin,” notes Natascha Bregy.
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However, this personal renewal is sometimes slowed down by obstacles to integration. “The distancing mechanisms and the identity speeches that we observe with regard to non -European migrants or people with a refugee journey also exist in other dimensions,” said Natascha Bregy.
Intra-European migration therefore does not always go smoothly. “The groups of populations that integrate more easily are the result of social, cultural and historical developments.” For the researcher, one thing is certain: successful integration requires efforts on both sides.
Text reread and verified by Balz Rigendinger, translated from German using AI/OP
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