Published on 25 March 2025

Language

The official languages of the Armed Forces are German, French and Italian. Depending on the function, the basic training courses of the Armed Forces take place in one or more of the official languages. Whenever possible, the functional training is carried out in the first language of the members of the Armed Forces. Language skills can influence the assignment to functions.

• I do not speak any of the official languages (well enough), can I still do military service?

  To be fit for military service, you must have a good enough command of one of the official languages – German, French or Italian. Your language skills will be assessed during recruitment.

  Superiors should use the official languages of their subordinates whenever possible. In multilingual units, they should use the written or standard language. (Language law art. 5; link in English; Reg. 51.002 Service Regulations of the Armed Forces art. 57; links available in German, French, and Italian)

• I speak mainly German, what functions are open to me in the military?

  All training courses, functions and services can currently be learned and performed in German. (As of 01.01.2025, link available in German, French, and Italian).

• I speak mainly French, what functions are open to me in the military?

  Most training courses, functions and services can currently be learned and performed in French. There are resource-related limitations: for example, signals intelligence operator, pontoon engineer and tank mechanic currently cannot be trained or served in French. (As of 01.01.2025, link available in German, French, and Italian).

• I speak mainly Italian, what functions are open to me in the military?

  Only some training courses and functions can be learned and performed in Italian in certain types of service. Possible functions for Italian speakers include: e.g. Infantry Soldier, Unit Cook and Rescue Soldier. (As of 01.01.2025, link available in German, French, and Italian)

  Infantry Soldier,

• I speak mainly Romansh, what functions are open to me in the military?

  Romansh is a national language, but not an official language in Switzerland. To be eligible for military service, good knowledge of one of the official languages – German, French, Italian – is required. (Language law art. 5)

• May / Can / Do I have to serve in the military in another national language?

  Members of junior ranks (recruits, private E-1, private E-2, private First Class) are not required to have a command of any other official language if they are assigned to a function that is offered to them in their official language. Senior officers have the oral and written knowledge of a second official language that is necessary for the performance of their function or, as superiors, can communicate in the official languages of their subordinates. (Ordinance on Military Service art. 72, link available in German, French, and Italian)

  Military service offers the opportunity to actively use the different official languages and thus improve one's language skills

• Is gender-inclusive language used in the Armed Forces?

  Yes, the Armed Forces use gender-inclusive language. The guidelines for gender-inclusive wording regulate the use of inclusive language in federal texts. See also the Federal Administration's terminology database, TERMDAT [links available in German, French, and Italian].

Contact

Specialised Service for Women in the Armed Forces and Diversity (WiAD)

Swiss Armed Forces
Training and Education Command
Papiermühlestrasse 14
CH - 3003 Berne

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Telephone: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

In urgent cases