Language Battle in Swiss Schools, Will Early French Become Compulsory Nationwide?

A heated debate is unfolding in Switzerland over whether a second national language—most often French—should remain compulsory at the elementary school level. The Federal Council has announced new measures to protect multilingualism and is preparing legal drafts to ensure national languages retain their importance in Swiss classrooms.

Federal Council Proposes New Language Requirements

The Federal Council revealed on Friday that it has instructed the Federal Department of Home Affairs to prepare a consultation draft with two possible options.

• Option 1: Write the existing Harmos Concordat agreement into the Language Act, requiring that children learn two foreign languages in primary school—a second national language and English.
• Option 2: Introduce a minimum requirement, allowing cantons more freedom, but ensuring that one second national language (such as French or Italian) must be taught at least from elementary school until the end of lower secondary level, which covers compulsory education.

A Response to Growing Pushback in German-Speaking Cantons

The Federal Council’s move is seen as a direct response to efforts in German-speaking Switzerland to reduce or eliminate early French instruction at the primary school level.

In Zurich, the cantonal council voted on September 1 to abolish French in elementary schools. Under the decision, French would only be introduced from secondary school onwards, rather than from fifth grade as is currently the case.

Similarly, St. Gallen’s cantonal parliament has supported a motion to delay French lessons until later years. Supporters argue that a second national language in primary school places an additional burden on students without offering clear long-term benefits.

Federal Council Wants to Safeguard National Languages

The Federal Council stressed that its intervention is a precautionary step. If cantons respect the language strategy adopted in 2004 under the Harmos Concordat, no legal amendments will be necessary.

The Council’s official communication explained:

“If the cantons stick to the language strategy agreed in 2004 or succeed in adapting the strategy without weakening the national languages, there will be no need to amend the Languages Act.”

However, by preparing draft options now, the government is signaling its readiness to enforce stronger protections for Switzerland’s linguistic diversity if regional deviations threaten the balance.

Why Early French Matters in Switzerland

Switzerland is a country defined by its four national languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The promotion of multilingualism is central to Swiss identity, politics, and social cohesion.

Advocates for early French instruction argue that:

• Younger children learn languages more easily, making early exposure beneficial.
• Maintaining national unity requires strong knowledge of more than one official language.
• Removing early French could weaken ties between German- and French-speaking regions, undermining national solidarity.

Opponents, particularly in German-speaking cantons, argue that English has more practical value globally and that primary students are overloaded with subjects at too young an age.

Possible Impact of Zurich and St. Gallen Decisions

The Zurich and St. Gallen rulings mark a significant challenge to Switzerland’s harmonized education strategy. If more cantons follow suit, the national framework on language learning could unravel, prompting the federal government to step in with stricter legal requirements.

For now, the moratorium on changes to the Languages Act remains, but the Council has made it clear: if the cantons weaken early French, legislation will be amended to make it compulsory nationwide.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Swiss Schools?

The consultation draft will open discussions across cantons, educators, and parents. Key questions include:

• Should English and a national language remain equally important in elementary schools?
• Is delaying French instruction a temporary trend or a long-term shift?
• How can the balance between regional autonomy and national identity be maintained?

The outcome could reshape how Switzerland teaches languages, with consequences for cultural integration, student workload, and international competitiveness.

FAQs – Swiss Early French Debate

Q1. What is the Harmos Concordat?
The Harmos Concordat is an agreement among Swiss cantons, signed in 2004, to harmonize certain aspects of education, including foreign language teaching. It requires two foreign languages in elementary school: a second national language and English.

Q2. Why is the Federal Council involved now?
The Council intervened because some German-speaking cantons, like Zurich and St. Gallen, voted to delay French instruction, potentially weakening Switzerland’s national language strategy.

Q3. What are the two legal options being considered?
Option one is to enshrine the current system (two foreign languages, including a national language) into law. Option two is to require at least one national language from elementary school through the end of compulsory education.

Q4. Why is early French important?
Supporters argue it strengthens national unity, fosters cultural integration, and takes advantage of children’s ability to learn languages more easily at a young age.

Q5. Will French still be compulsory in all cantons?
If cantons stick to the Harmos Concordat, no changes will be needed. But if more cantons abolish early French, the Federal Council may enforce new legislation to make it compulsory nationwide.