The German name of Switzerland’s largest city is Zürich, written with an umlaut over the u. In English it is often spelled Zurich. German speakers pronounce the name approximately TSYOO-rikh, with a German ch sound at the end.
“Zurich” in German is Zürich (roughly TSYOO-rikh).
German Spelling: Zürich
The German spelling is Zürich. The letter ü is a distinct German vowel, not simply a decorative mark. If you cannot type it, ue is sometimes used as a substitute in German text, giving Zuerich, though the standard spelling uses the umlaut. For another city name whose German pronunciation differs from English, compare Cologne in German.
How to Pronounce Zürich
To make ü, shape your lips as if saying “oo” while trying to say “ee.” The final ch after a front vowel is the soft German sound heard in ich, not the English “ch” in “church.” Pronunciation varies slightly by speaker and dialect.
Meaning: I am traveling to Zurich.
Using the City Name
When saying that you are going to Zurich, German uses nach Zürich. For being in the city, say in Zürich. The city name does not take an article in these common expressions.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich wohne in Zürich. | I live in Zurich. |
| Wir fliegen nach Zürich. | We are flying to Zurich. |
| Zürich liegt in der Schweiz. | Zurich is in Switzerland. |
Useful Phrases
Der Bahnhof Zürich means “Zurich train station,” and der Flughafen Zürich means “Zurich Airport.” Zürich is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, where Swiss German dialects are common in everyday speech while Standard German is used in writing and formal contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zurich in German
Tap a question below to see the answer.
Does German spell Zurich with an umlaut?
Yes. The standard German spelling is Zürich, with ü.
How do I say “in Zurich” in German?
Say in Zürich. To say “to Zurich,” use nach Zürich.
Summary: Zurich in German
The German spelling is Zürich. Use in Zürich for “in Zurich” and nach Zürich for “to Zurich.”
