How to Get a Swiss Library Card in German: The Bibliotheksausweis Conversation
Swiss libraries cost about 20 francs a year and give you books, audiobooks and free language tandems. Here's the German for getting your card — and for the overdue-book conversation.
Swiss libraries are one of the best deals in the country. For 20–40 francs a year, you get access to books, e-books, audiobooks, language-learning resources, films, magazines — and in many cities, free integration courses and language tandems. The catch: you need to register in person, and the conversation happens in German.
For a FIDE candidate this is close to a perfect practice situation. It's short, it's predictable, the stakes are low, and it's the same shape as a dozen exam tasks: state what you want, hand over documents, ask about price and rules.
This lesson gives you the phrases for that first visit — and for the awkward second visit, when your books are late.
Key phrases to know
- Ich möchte einen Bibliotheksausweis beantragen. – I would like to apply for a library card.
- Was kostet der Ausweis pro Jahr? – How much does the card cost per year?
- Welche Dokumente brauche ich? – Which documents do I need?
- Ich habe nur meinen ausländischen Pass. – I only have my foreign passport.