Glossary
From balayage to sous-vide to heat pumps — technical terms across all industries explained, with costs in CHF, examples and price comparisons.
Food & Dining
Cordon bleuA cordon bleu is a thin, pounded cutlet stuffed with ham and cheese, breaded and pan-fried until golden. It is traditionally made from veal or pork, and the melted cheese runs out when you cut into it.Zurich-style veal ragoutZurich-style veal ragout (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) is a Swiss classic of thin strips of veal in a creamy sauce with white wine and mushrooms. It is traditionally served with rösti and is one of the best-known dishes of Zurich cuisine.Cheese fondueCheese fondue is a Swiss national dish of melted cheese kept warm in a caquelon (earthenware pot) over a small burner. You dip cubes of bread on long forks into the creamy cheese – a sociable meal shared together at the table.RisottoRisotto is a creamy Italian rice dish in which short-grain rice is gradually topped up with hot stock while being stirred constantly. The rice releases starch and turns velvety, yet stays slightly firm at the core.CarpaccioCarpaccio is an Italian starter of paper-thin slices of raw beef, dressed with olive oil, lemon, Parmesan and rocket. It is served cold and is regarded as a light, elegant opening to a meal.CevicheCeviche is a Latin American dish of raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice (usually lime). The acid 'cooks' the fish until it turns opaque and firm on the outside – it is served fresh, cold and tangy.Beef tartareBeef tartare is raw, finely chopped or scraped beef, seasoned with condiments, egg, onion, capers and herbs into a savoury mixture. It is served cold – usually with toast or fries – and is a classic of both fine and traditional dining.Sous-videSous-vide (French for «under vacuum») is a cooking method in which vacuum-sealed food gently cooks in a precisely temperature-controlled water bath. Because the temperature is held exactly, the food never overcooks – the result is evenly tender and juicy.Dry AgedDry Aged refers to meat – usually beef – that matures unwrapped on the bone for weeks at cool temperatures and controlled humidity. In the process the meat becomes more tender and develops an intense, nutty, buttery flavour.FermentingFermenting is a preservation and flavour technique in which microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria or yeasts transform food. Cabbage becomes sauerkraut or kimchi, milk becomes yoghurt – more durable, more digestible and more intense in flavour.ConfitConfit means cooking food slowly and gently in plenty of fat or oil at a low temperature (usually 60–90 °C). The classic is the duck leg «confit de canard», but garlic, tomatoes or fish can also be confited – tender, aromatic and long-lasting.BlanchingBlanching is briefly scalding vegetables (or other food) in vigorously boiling water, followed by immediate shocking in ice water. This preserves colour, bite and vitamins, removes bitter substances and makes peeling easier – a basic professional-kitchen technique.FlambéingFlambéing means dousing a dish with high-proof alcohol and briefly setting it alight. The flame burns off part of the alcohol and leaves fine roasted aromas – known from crêpes Suzette, flambéed bananas or café brûlot.SmokingSmoking is a preservation and flavour technique in which food is exposed to the smoke of smouldering wood. Fish, meat, cheese or sausage gain flavour, colour and longer shelf life – depending on temperature one distinguishes cold, warm and hot smoking.À la carte«À la carte» (French for «from the card») means guests freely choose individual dishes from the menu and pay for each course separately. Unlike a set menu, you compose your own meal – whether just a main course or three courses.Menu du jour (dish of the day)The menu du jour (French for «menu of the day») is a daily-changing, usually affordable lunch offer of one or more courses at a fixed price. In Switzerland it is the classic restaurant lunch served in bistros, restaurants and staff canteens.Amuse-boucheAn amuse-bouche (French for «mouth amuser») is a small, complimentary bite from the kitchen served before the actual starter. It sets the tone for the meal and showcases the chef's signature – you neither order nor pay for it.Mise en placeMise en place (French for «put in place») refers to the complete preparation in the kitchen before service begins: ingredients chopped, sauces started, stations stocked. It is the foundation that lets a restaurant cook fast and consistently during the rush.Tasting menuA tasting menu (French «menu dégustation») is a set sequence of many small courses composed by the chef to showcase their signature and the season. Instead of large portions, you taste your way through five, seven or more courses of the kitchen's craft.BrasserieA brasserie is a relaxed, mostly French-style eatery with all-day hot food and classic dishes. The word originally means «brewery» – historically, brasseries were places that served their own beer alongside simple, hearty food.Table d'hôteTable d'hôte (French for «host's table») refers to a fixed menu at a flat price where the host decides what is served. It is the counterpart to à la carte: no picking from a large menu, but a set multi-course meal for everyone.
Beauty
BalayageBalayage is a freehand colouring technique in which the stylist paints lightener onto selected strands of hair (French balayer = to sweep), creating a soft, sun-kissed gradient that runs from darker roots to lighter ends. Unlike classic foil highlights, the lightener is not applied at the roots, so the grow-out is barely visible and the result looks especially natural.OmbréOmbré is a colouring technique in which the hair stays dark at the roots and gradually becomes lighter towards the ends – a soft, seamless transition from dark to light. The name comes from the French «ombré» («shaded») and refers to exactly this flowing dark-to-light gradient along the lengths.Foil highlightsFoil highlights – called «Mèches» in French – are a lightening or colouring technique in which individual, precisely sectioned strands of hair are coated with bleach or colour and then wrapped in aluminium foil. The foil isolates each strand so it develops in a controlled way and lifts more strongly than the surrounding hair – the result is targeted light (or dark) accents with visible depth and dimension.Root colourA root touch-up (Ansatzfärbung) is the targeted re-colouring of only the regrown roots – the first one to three centimetres at the scalp – so the fresh growth blends seamlessly back into the already-coloured lengths. It is the maintenance treatment for colour-treated hair, needed as soon as the natural or grey regrowth becomes visible.BleachingA blondierung (hair bleaching) is a chemical lightening process in which the natural or artificial pigment (melanin) in the hair is oxidatively broken down using a mixture of bleaching powder and hydrogen peroxide. Unlike a colour, it does not add a tone but removes it – the hair lightens in stages, from red-brown through orange and yellow to pale blonde.OlaplexOlaplex is a professional hair treatment that uses a patented active ingredient (Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate) to re-link the broken disulfide bonds inside the hair, strengthening chemically or mechanically damaged hair from within. Unlike a conventional mask that only conditions the surface, Olaplex repairs the internal structure of the hair.Toner / glossingA toner or gloss (Tönung / Glossing) is a gentle, low- or no-ammonia hair colour that coats only the outside of the hair and gradually washes out – it does not lighten, but adds colour, shine and reflection. Glossing is the more modern, usually clear or lightly tinted version that focuses on brilliance and mirror-like shine.Keratin straighteningA keratin smoothing treatment is a semi-permanent hair service in which liquid keratin is worked into the hair and sealed with a hot flat iron to reduce frizz, smooth the hair and add shine. Unlike a chemical permanent straightening, it does not restructure the hair for good but lasts roughly two to five months depending on the formula and aftercare.PermA perm (permanent wave) is a chemical treatment that gives straight hair lasting waves or curls. The hair is wound onto rods, softened with a waving solution and then set into its new shape – the curls stay for several months until they grow out.UndercutAn undercut is a haircut in which the sides and back are shaved short or cut very close, while the hair on top is left noticeably longer. Its appeal comes from the sharp contrast in length between the short lower section and the long top.Fade haircutA fade is a haircut technique in which the hair on the sides and neck is tapered seamlessly from very short (often down to the skin) to longer towards the top, with no visible line. The result is a soft, «fading» gradient that cleanly separates the top hair from the short sides.FringeA fringe (American English «bangs», German «Pony») is the section of hair cut short over the forehead so that it falls down from the front of the head. The hairdresser separates a triangular section of the crown hair and shortens it – straight, layered, textured or swept to the side, depending on the look.Layered cutA layered cut (Stufenschnitt) is a cutting technique in which the hair is cut at several graduated lengths so that the top sections are shorter than the sections beneath them. This creates movement, volume and a soft, flowing shape instead of a single blunt line.BobThe bob is a classic short-to-medium haircut in which the hair is cut roughly to chin or jaw length and kept about the same length all around. Its defining features are the clean outline and even cutting line, which give the hair body and a well-groomed shape.Pixie cutA pixie cut is a very short, feminine hairstyle in which the hair at the nape and sides is cut markedly shorter than on top – often just a few centimetres long. The slightly longer top section can be styled with texture, a side part or a small quiff, giving the cut its signature bold, playful look.Hair extensionsHair extensions are additional strands of real or synthetic hair worked into your own hair to add length, thickness or volume. Depending on the method, the strands are attached with keratin bonds, micro-rings, tape wefts or a sewn-in weft and last – with proper care – several weeks to months.Wet shaveA wet shave is a shaving technique that uses warm water, shaving soap or cream and a sharp blade (straight razor or safety razor) to remove facial hair. At the barber it refers to the classic straight-razor shave with hot towels, delivering an exceptionally close yet gentle result.Beard line-upA beard contour (Bartkontur) is the clearly defined outline of a beard: the barber cleans up the edges along the cheeks, neck and sideburns so the beard takes on a groomed, precise shape. In short, the beard contour «frames» the beard and accentuates your facial features.ShellacShellac is a semi-permanent nail polish that cures under a UV or LED lamp, staying glossy and chip-free for two to three weeks. Originally a CND brand name, the term is now used colloquially for almost any cured gel polish.Nail enhancementNail enhancement refers to artificially building up or extending the nails with gel or acrylic to shape length, form and stability. Unlike Shellac, a firm, mouldable layer is sculpted onto the natural nail or a form.MicrobladingMicroblading is a semi-permanent technique in which fine hair-like strokes are drawn into the upper skin layer of the eyebrow with a small blade tool and filled with pigment. The result looks like natural, denser eyebrow hairs.Permanent make-upPermanent make-up (PMU) is the lasting insertion of colour pigments into the skin to subtly define eyebrows, eyeliner or lips – a kind of long-lasting, smudge- and waterproof make-up. It is a form of cosmetic tattooing and fades over the years.Eyelash extensionsWith eyelash extensions, individual synthetic lashes or small fans are glued onto your own natural lashes with a special adhesive to add length, volume and curl. The result lasts several weeks depending on the growth cycle and needs no mascara.MicroneedlingMicroneedling is a cosmetic treatment in which fine needles create countless tiny channels in the skin to stimulate the body's own collagen and elastin production. The aim is a smoother complexion, reduced scars and fine lines, and firmer skin.Cover-up tattooA cover-up tattoo is a new tattoo that conceals an existing, unwanted or faded design. A new, usually larger and darker design is created so the old tattoo disappears within it.
Health
Dental hygieneDental hygiene (DH) is a professional teeth cleaning carried out by a trained dental hygienist. It removes tartar, plaque and stains that a toothbrush and floss cannot reach at home, and so helps prevent cavities and gum inflammation.Root canal treatmentA root canal treatment is the removal of the inflamed or dead nerve from inside a tooth. The dentist cleans and disinfects the root canals and then seals them tightly, in order to save the natural tooth instead of extracting it.Dental implantA dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium (rarely ceramic) that is placed into the jawbone and carries a replacement tooth – such as a crown, bridge or denture. It replaces one or more missing teeth firmly and permanently.Teeth whitening (bleaching)Bleaching (teeth whitening) lightens discoloured teeth with a peroxide gel. The active ingredient – hydrogen or carbamide peroxide – penetrates the enamel and breaks down colour pigments, so the teeth become several shades lighter.Tooth decay (caries)Caries (tooth decay) is the destruction of the hard tooth substance caused by bacteria. Bacteria in the plaque turn sugar into acid, which decalcifies the enamel and later the dentine – forming a hole in the tooth.Dental crownA dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely encloses a badly damaged tooth and restores its shape, function and appearance. It is cemented onto the ground-down tooth – or onto an implant.Wisdom tooth removalThe wisdom teeth are the rearmost molars (third molars), which usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Because there is often not enough room in the jaw, they frequently have to be extracted or surgically removed.Manual TherapyManual therapy is a specialised branch of physiotherapy in which the therapist uses only their hands to assess and treat restricted joints, muscles and nerves. The goal is to restore mobility and relieve pain – without machines or medication.Trigger Point TherapyA trigger point is a small, hardened knot in a tense muscle that hurts under pressure and often refers pain to other parts of the body. Trigger point therapy releases these knots specifically through pressure and stretching – treating the cause rather than just the symptom.Dry NeedlingDry needling is a treatment technique in which a thin, sterile acupuncture needle is inserted directly into a painful muscle knot (trigger point) to release the tension. 'Dry' means the needle delivers no substance – the stimulus of the needle alone produces the effect.AcupunctureAcupuncture is a core method of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which fine needles are placed at defined points in the skin to relieve complaints and support well-being. According to TCM, this regulates the flow of energy ('Qi') in the body.Fascia & Fascia TherapyFascia is the web-like connective tissue that wraps every muscle, every organ and the whole body like a continuous suit. Fascia therapy treats adhesions and hardening in this tissue to improve mobility and relieve pain.OsteopathyOsteopathy is a manual form of treatment in which the osteopath uses only their hands to feel and release movement restrictions throughout the body – in joints, muscles, organs and connective tissue. The core idea is that the body forms a unit and that complaints often arise somewhere other than where they show up.Manual Lymphatic DrainageManual lymphatic drainage is a gentle grip technique that stimulates the drainage of lymph fluid in the tissue and thus reduces swelling (oedema). With circular, rhythmic and light-pressure movements, fluid is shifted out of the tissue towards the lymph nodes.Craniosacral TherapyCraniosacral therapy is a very gentle, manual method from the field of osteopathy, in which the therapist works with fine hand contacts – mainly on the skull (cranium), spine and sacrum. The aim is to release tensions and support the body's self-regulation.Progressive lensesProgressive lenses combine several focal powers in a single lens – distance vision at the top, reading at the bottom and a smooth transition for intermediate distances in between. This means you no longer have to switch between distance and reading glasses.Eye testAn eye test checks your visual performance, measuring visual acuity and refraction. It shows whether and how much you are short- or long-sighted and what prescription for glasses or contact lenses you need.Contact lens fittingA contact lens fitting is the professional selection and adjustment of contact lenses for the individual eye. It determines not only the prescription but also assesses the cornea, tear film and how the lens sits, so the lenses give sharp vision and are well tolerated.Blue-light filter glassesBlue-light filter glasses have lenses that reduce part of the short-wave blue light from screens and LED lamps. They aim to reduce glare during long screen work and improve visual comfort – with or without a prescription.GenericsA generic is a copy medicine with the same active ingredient, dosage and effect as the original branded drug, but usually much cheaper. It reaches the market once the original's patent protection has expired.Blood pressure measurementBlood pressure measurement determines the pressure with which blood pushes against the vessel walls – given as two values (systolic/diastolic, e.g. 120/80 mmHg). It helps detect high blood pressure early, which often goes unnoticed and is a risk for the heart and blood vessels.Vaccination at the pharmacyVaccination at the pharmacy means that trained pharmacists may administer certain vaccinations – for example against flu, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) or COVID-19 – directly and without a prior doctor's appointment. This makes getting vaccinated simple and local.Pharmacy emergency serviceThe pharmacy emergency service (on-call service) ensures that a duty pharmacy is reachable at all times, including at night and on Sundays and public holidays. This way you can get urgently needed medicines even outside normal opening hours.Airflow dental cleaningAirflow is a gentle cleaning method in dental hygiene that uses a fine jet of air, water and a very fine powder to remove stubborn deposits and stains from the teeth. It complements or partly replaces classic polishing and is especially gentle on the gums and tooth enamel.Dental prophylaxisDental prophylaxis – commonly called «professional teeth cleaning» – is a preventive dental treatment that removes plaque, tartar and stains you cannot reach at home with a toothbrush and floss. Its goal is to prevent cavities, gum inflammation and periodontitis before they develop.Teeth whiteningTeeth whitening (also called bleaching) is a cosmetic dental treatment in which discolouration of the tooth enamel is reduced using a whitening agent – usually based on hydrogen or carbamide peroxide – so the teeth appear lighter. It does not change the tooth substance itself but lightens existing stains.Dental bracesDental braces are an orthodontic appliance that corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. They move teeth into the desired position through gentle, continuous pressure applied over months or years.InvisalignInvisalign is a method of straightening teeth using clear, removable plastic trays (called aligners) instead of fixed metal braces. The trays gradually move misaligned teeth into position and are almost invisible in everyday life.RetainerA retainer is a small dental appliance worn after braces or aligner treatment to keep the corrected teeth in their new position. It prevents the teeth from gradually drifting back to where they were before (known as relapse).Skin cancer screeningSkin cancer screening is a preventive examination in which a doctor systematically inspects moles and skin changes to detect skin cancer at an early stage. The goal is to identify suspicious spots before they become dangerous.Vertebral blockageA vertebral blockage is a painful, functional restriction in the movement of a spinal joint: the joint temporarily cannot move freely in a certain direction, although nothing is actually dislocated or broken. Those affected usually feel a sharp, localised pain and a sense of stiffness in the neck or back.Medical foot careMedical foot care is the professional, hygienic treatment of the feet and nails to prevent and relieve pathological changes. Unlike purely cosmetic care, its focus is health: calluses, corns, ingrown or thickened nails and athlete's foot are treated in a specialised, controlled way.Ingrown toenailAn ingrown toenail (medical term: unguis incarnatus) occurs when the edge of a nail grows sideways into the surrounding skin and injures it. It almost always affects the big toe and causes pressure, pain and often inflammation of the nail fold.Nail fungusNail fungus (medically onychomycosis) is a contagious fungal infection of the finger- or toenails that thickens, discolours and weakens the nail. Toenails are affected most often, usually caused by dermatophytes (thread fungi).Hearing aidA hearing aid is a small electronic device that amplifies sound and makes it audible again for people with reduced hearing. It is individually fitted and worn in or behind the ear to help perceive speech and everyday sounds more clearly.AudiogramAn audiogram is the graphical result of a hearing test: it shows how quiet tones at different pitches (frequencies) can be while you can still just hear them. This reveals whether and in which range a hearing loss exists.Basic vs. medical home careBasic care (Grundpflege) covers help with everyday activities such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating and mobility, while medical care (Behandlungspflege) refers to doctor-prescribed treatments like wound care, medication management or injections. In short: basic care supports daily life, medical care carries out medical orders.
Trades & Construction
PrimerA primer is the first, colourless or lightly pigmented coat applied to a wall, ceiling or floor before the actual finish. It binds dust, regulates the absorbency of the substrate and ensures that the subsequent paint or covering adheres and covers evenly.Non-woven wallpaperNon-woven wallpaper is wallpaper based on a tear-resistant non-woven backing of cellulose and textile fibres. It is hung using the paste-the-wall method: the adhesive goes directly onto the wall, not the wallpaper, which makes hanging considerably easier and more accurate.Sealing parquetSealing parquet means coating the wooden floor with a transparent lacquer or oil layer that protects the wood from moisture, dirt and abrasion. The sealant forms the actual wear layer you walk on and determines the appearance and maintenance requirements of the parquet.Screed (subfloor)Screed – in Switzerland usually called the subfloor (Unterlagsboden) – is the load-bearing, level floor layer applied over the structural slab that forms the base for the floor covering. It levels out unevenness, bears loads and often encases the pipes of underfloor heating.Filling / skimmingFilling (skimming) refers to applying and smoothing a paste-like filler to level out holes, cracks, joints and unevenness and create a flat surface. It is the central preparation step before a wall is painted or wallpapered or a floor is covered.Tinting paintTinting means giving white wall paint a desired shade by adding coloured pigments (tinting colour or full-tone). This turns a base paint into individual wall colours – from a delicate pastel to a strong accent colour.Impact sound insulationImpact sound insulation is a thin insulating layer laid under the floor covering to reduce footstep noise and sound that would otherwise be transmitted as impact sound into the room below. It makes walking on laminate, parquet or vinyl quieter and more pleasant.Move-out cleaning with handover guaranteeA move-out cleaning with handover guarantee is the professional final cleaning of a flat when you move out, where the cleaning company guarantees the property will pass the official handover. If the landlord objects, the company re-cleans free of charge.Deep cleaningA deep cleaning is a thorough intensive clean that goes far beyond daily maintenance cleaning and also removes hard-to-reach areas as well as stubborn dirt, grease and limescale. It restores a hygienically flawless baseline condition.House clearance / declutteringA house clearance is the professional emptying and disposal of furniture, household goods and waste from a flat, cellar, attic or entire property. In the end the property is empty and broom-clean.Shell construction (structural shell)The shell construction is the load-bearing basic structure of a building — foundation, walls, ceilings and roof — without interior fit-out and building services. It is complete when the building stands wind- and weatherproof.Plaster / render (interior & exterior)Plaster (render) is the coating of walls and ceilings with plaster mortar that creates a smooth or textured, protective and decorative surface. A distinction is made between interior plaster (a smooth finish for living spaces) and exterior render (weather protection for the façade).Maintenance cleaningMaintenance cleaning is the regular, recurring cleaning of a property — such as an office, stairwell or practice — that keeps it clean over time. It follows a fixed schedule, for example daily, weekly or monthly.Flat handover / acceptanceThe flat handover is the appointment where the tenant returns the flat to the property manager and the condition is jointly inspected and recorded in a protocol. It determines any defects and the return of the rental deposit.Furniture lift (outdoor hoist)A furniture lift is a mobile outdoor hoist that lifts furniture and moving goods up the façade directly to a window or balcony on a given floor. It replaces the tedious carrying through narrow stairwells when moving in or out of upper floors.Heat pumpA heat pump is a heating system that extracts ambient heat from the air, the ground or groundwater and, using a small amount of electricity, raises it to a usable temperature. Depending on the system, one kilowatt-hour of electricity yields roughly three to five kilowatt-hours of heat – with no oil or gas burned on site.Silicone jointA silicone joint is an elastic seal made of silicone that seals where rigid materials meet – for example between a bathtub and the wall, at the shower or the sink. It keeps water out and absorbs small movements of the components without cracking.Burst pipeA burst pipe is a sudden leak in a water or heating line from which water escapes uncontrolled. Because the water often runs inside walls, floors or ceilings, even a small crack can cause major moisture damage – acting quickly is crucial.Water heater descalingWater heater descaling is the removal of limescale deposits from a hot-water tank (boiler). Over the years, dissolved lime from the water settles on the heating element and the tank floor, making the boiler inefficient and shortening its life – descaling restores performance and efficiency.Drain blockageA drain blockage is a partial or complete obstruction of a wastewater pipe, so that water drains only slowly or not at all. Typical signs are gurgling noises, unpleasant smells and water backing up in the sink, shower or toilet.Toilet cisternThe toilet cistern is the water tank of the toilet that collects the flush water and releases it into the bowl when triggered. At its core it consists of a fill valve that refills the tank and a flush valve that releases the flush – the most common bathroom repair jobs.Water softenerA water softener is a device that removes lime from the tap water, turning hard water into soft water. It is installed centrally after the main water connection and protects pipes, the boiler, fittings and appliances from scaling.PlasteringPlastering is the process of applying a plaster coat (a mortar of binder, sand and water) onto walls and ceilings to create a smooth or textured, load-bearing surface ready for paint, wallpaper or tiles. The plaster protects the masonry, evens out irregularities and, on interior walls, also helps regulate humidity in the room.Drywall constructionDrywall construction (known in Switzerland mostly as «Rigips») is the building of non-load-bearing walls, ceilings and cladding from gypsum boards that are screwed onto a supporting frame of metal or timber profiles. Unlike masonry work it uses almost no water or mortar, so the structure is assembled «dry» and can be used quickly.Venetian blindsVenetian blinds are sun- and privacy-protection systems made of narrow horizontal metal slats that tilt continuously and can be raised completely. In Switzerland the term usually refers to the exterior aluminium blinds fitted to windows and façades, which allow light and heat to be regulated precisely.External venetian blindsA Raffstore (external venetian blind) is an exterior sun-shading system made of horizontal, adjustable metal slats that can be raised, lowered and tilted in front of a window. This lets you control sunlight, glare and heat gain steplessly without fully darkening the room.AwningAn awning is a retractable sun and weather cover made of fabric, mounted on a facade, terrace or balcony, that can be extended or retracted over a frame as needed. It shades the outdoor area, reduces heat in the rooms behind it and offers protection from sun and light rain.Flat roofA flat roof is a roof with very little slope (usually under 5 degrees) that closes off a building almost horizontally. Instead of tiles, a waterproof sealing membrane protects the building from rain and snow.Roof renovationA roof renovation is the comprehensive repair or renewal of an existing roof to restore its water-tightness, insulation and structural integrity. It ranges from re-covering individual areas to fully renewing the covering, sub-roof, insulation and metalwork.Porcelain stonewarePorcelain stoneware is an especially dense, hard-fired ceramic tile made from fine clays, feldspar and quartz fired at very high temperatures. It is considered the most robust type of tile and is used for floors and walls both indoors and outdoors.Insulating glassInsulating glass is a glazing unit made of two or three panes of glass separated by an air- or gas-filled cavity and hermetically sealed at the edge. This construction significantly reduces heat loss while also improving sound insulation.Safety glass (ESG/VSG)Safety glass is specially treated glass that poses far less injury risk when it breaks than ordinary window glass. The two common types are ESG (toughened safety glass), which shatters into small, blunt granules, and VSG (laminated safety glass), which holds together even when broken thanks to a tough interlayer.Combustion inspectionA combustion inspection (Feuerungskontrolle) is the legally required, periodic check of heating systems (oil, gas, wood) for their flue-gas and emission values, carried out by an official inspector or chimney sweep. It verifies whether the system meets the limits of the Swiss Clean Air Ordinance (LRV), burns cleanly and operates safely.PhotovoltaicsPhotovoltaics (PV) refers to the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity using solar cells. A PV system on your roof generates power that you can use in your own household or feed into the grid.Solar thermal energySolar thermal energy is the use of sunlight to generate heat: collectors mounted on the roof capture solar radiation and convert it into heat, which is used for domestic hot water and to support the heating system. Unlike photovoltaics, it does not produce electricity but heat that can be used directly.Kilowatt-peak (kWp)Kilowatt-peak (kWp) is the unit of measurement for the rated power of a photovoltaic system under standardised test conditions. It indicates how much peak electrical power the solar modules can deliver under ideal circumstances.Home battery storageA home battery storage system is a rechargeable battery for the household that stores surplus electricity – usually from your own solar (photovoltaic) system – and releases it later when little or no solar power is being produced. This lets you use your self-generated electricity in the evening and at night instead of feeding it into the grid.
Business & Real Estate
Condominium ownershipCondominium ownership (Stockwerkeigentum) is a special form of co-ownership of a property: you own your apartment exclusively (special right), while at the same time holding a proportional co-ownership share of the whole plot and the communal parts such as roof, stairwell and facade.Change of ownership (property transfer)A change of ownership (Handänderung) is the legal transfer of ownership of a property from one person to another – typically when buying or selling real estate. It only becomes legally valid with the entry in the land register, not already with the signing of the purchase contract.Service charge statementThe service charge statement (Nebenkostenabrechnung) is the annual reckoning with which the landlord settles the actually incurred ancillary costs (e.g. heating, hot water, caretaker) against the tenant's advance payments. It shows whether you owe money or get some back.Building right (ground lease)A building right (Baurecht) is the right to build or keep a building on someone else's land without owning the ground. The land stays with the landowner, while the building-right holder owns the building and pays an annual ground rent (Baurechtszins) for it.RentRent (Mietzins) is the payment a tenant makes to the landlord for the use of an apartment or business premises. It usually consists of the net rent (the actual rental price) and the separately stated ancillary costs.Land registerThe land register (Grundbuch) is the official, public register recording all properties of a region with their ownership and rights. It shows bindingly who owns a property and which rights and encumbrances (e.g. mortgages, easements) rest on it.Real estate capital gains taxReal estate capital gains tax (Grundstückgewinnsteuer) is a tax on the profit you make when selling a property – that is, on the difference between the sale proceeds and the investment costs (purchase price plus value-enhancing investments). It is generally owed by the selling party.VAT return (Swiss VAT)The Swiss VAT return is the periodic filing to the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) in which a business declares the VAT it collected, deducts the input tax it paid on purchases, and settles the difference. In Switzerland, VAT liability generally starts at an annual turnover of CHF 100,000.Annual financial statementsThe annual financial statements are the summarised picture of a business's financial position at the end of the financial year, consisting at minimum of a balance sheet and an income statement. They form the basis for the tax return, profit distribution, and assessment by banks, investors, and authorities.Pillar 3aPillar 3a is the tax-privileged, restricted private pension provision within the Swiss three-pillar system. Anyone earning an income can pay in a limited amount each year, deduct it from taxable income, and thus save for retirement while lowering taxes at the same time.Payroll accountingPayroll accounting is the correct calculation, settlement, and booking of wages including all social-security deductions and employer contributions. It produces the monthly payslip, the annual salary certificate, and the reports to the AHV compensation office, pension fund, and accident insurer.Withholding tax on income (tax at source)Withholding tax (tax at source) is the income tax that, for certain employees, is deducted directly from salary and remitted to the tax authority by the employer. In Switzerland it mainly affects foreign employees without a C settlement permit as well as cross-border commuters.Imputed rental valueThe imputed rental value is a notional income that owners of an owner-occupied property in Switzerland must tax, as if they were renting their own house or flat to themselves. It corresponds to the amount one could collect in rent if the property were let.Swiss anticipatory (withholding) tax on capital incomeThe Swiss anticipatory tax (Verrechnungssteuer) is a federal tax of 35 % that the federal government levies directly at source on capital income such as interest, dividends, and lottery winnings. Anyone who correctly declares this income on their tax return gets the anticipatory tax fully refunded or credited against their own tax.NotarizationNotarization (notarielle Beurkundung) is the official authentication of a legal transaction by a notary: the contract is read out, verified and confirmed with a public deed. It creates legal certainty and is mandatory by law for certain transactions, such as buying real estate.Inheritance contract & willA will and an inheritance contract are legal instruments for determining what happens to your assets after your death. A will is a one-sided disposition you can change on your own at any time, whereas an inheritance contract is a binding agreement between you and another person.Tax returnA tax return is the official form used by individuals and companies in Switzerland once a year to declare their income, assets and deductions. Based on this, the federal government, canton and municipality calculate the taxes owed.
Digital & Marketing
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)SEO (Search Engine Optimization) covers all measures that help a website rank higher in the unpaid results on Google and other search engines. The goal is to be found for the right search terms and win more relevant visitors without paying per click.Responsive DesignResponsive design describes a website that automatically adapts to any screen size – from a large desktop monitor to a tablet to a smartphone. Content, images and menus rearrange flexibly so the site stays readable and usable everywhere.Corporate DesignCorporate design is a company's consistent visual identity – logo, colours, fonts and imagery used uniformly everywhere. It ensures a business is instantly recognizable across its website, business cards, vehicles and social media.Conversion (Conversion Rate)A conversion is a desired action a visitor takes on a website – for example a purchase, an enquiry, a newsletter sign-up or a phone call. The conversion rate indicates what share of visitors actually completes that action.Content MarketingContent marketing means publishing useful content such as guides, blog articles, videos or how-tos that genuinely interest a target audience, instead of pure advertising. The goal is to build trust and visibility and thereby win customers over the long term.DomainA domain is a website's internet address, for example «mybusiness.ch». It is the name you type into the browser to open a page – comparable to a street address under which you find a company online.Google Ads (SEA)Google Ads is Google's advertising system that lets companies place paid ads at the very top of the search results. You usually pay per click – the ad appears instantly for the chosen search terms as soon as someone searches for them.
Auto & Mobility
First Aid Course (Nothelfer)The Nothelfer course is a first aid course that everyone in Switzerland must complete before applying for a learner's permit for a car or motorcycle. It teaches life-saving emergency measures at accident scenes and is mandatory to register for the theory exam.Theory Exam (Basic Theory)The theory exam – also called the basic theory test – is the computer-based road knowledge exam at the road traffic office that you must pass to obtain the learner's permit. It tests traffic rules, signals, right of way and correct behaviour in traffic.Learner's PermitThe learner's permit is the official authorisation that allows you in Switzerland to practise driving under supervision (car) or independently with conditions (motorcycle). It is the prerequisite for learning to drive at all and an intermediate step towards the definitive driving licence.VKU (Traffic Awareness Course)The VKU (traffic awareness course) is a mandatory classroom theory course you must complete in Switzerland before the practical driving test. It raises awareness of hazards, correct perception and cooperative behaviour in traffic.Practical Driving TestThe practical driving test is the final on-road exam in which an examiner from the road traffic office assesses whether you can drive a vehicle safely, lawfully and independently in real traffic. After passing, you receive the probationary driving licence.WAB & Probationary LicenceThe probationary driving licence is the time-limited licence that new drivers receive for three years after passing the practical test. The WAB (further training) is the mandatory additional course you must attend during this probation period to obtain the definitive, unrestricted licence.Motorcycle Basic TrainingThe motorcycle basic training (also called the basic course) is the mandatory practical riding training you must complete in Switzerland after obtaining the motorcycle learner's permit, before you may practise independently and take the practical test. It teaches safe control of the motorcycle under supervision.Vehicle inspection (MFK)The MFK (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle) is the official, periodic roadworthiness test carried out by the cantonal road traffic office. It checks safety, emissions and the technical condition of your vehicle – only if everything passes does the car stay road-legal.Major service (inspection)The major service is the comprehensive, scheduled maintenance of your car according to the manufacturer's specifications. Unlike a small oil service, it additionally checks and replaces filters, spark plugs, operating fluids and wear parts.Brake discs & brake padsBrake discs and brake pads are the central wear parts of a disc brake: the pads are pressed against the rotating disc to slow the wheel. Both wear down over time and must be replaced so that braking performance stays safe.Timing belt replacementThe timing belt synchronises the crankshaft and camshaft and thus controls the precise opening and closing of the valves. A timing belt replacement is the preventive renewal of this belt at the manufacturer's interval – if it snaps, catastrophic engine damage can result.Wheel alignmentA wheel alignment checks and corrects the geometry of the wheels – above all toe and camber. If these angles are off, the car pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits crooked or the tyres wear unevenly.Air conditioning serviceAn air conditioning service is the maintenance of the vehicle's climate system: the refrigerant is renewed, the system is checked for leaks and the cabin filter is often replaced at the same time. This restores reliable cooling and gets rid of musty smells.Oil changeIn an oil change the old engine oil is drained and replaced with fresh oil, usually together with a new oil filter. Fresh oil lubricates, cools and cleans the engine – the oil change is the single most important regular maintenance there is.Tyre changeA tyre change is the seasonal switch from summer to winter tyres (and back) or the fitting of new tyres. In Switzerland the rule of thumb is 'O to O' – from October to Easter you drive on winter tyres.E-bike vs. bicycleE-bike vs. bicycle describes the comparison between an electrically assisted bicycle (e-bike) and a classic bike without a motor. The key difference: an e-bike supports your pedalling via an electric motor, while a classic bicycle runs purely on your own muscle power.Bike fittingBike fitting is the individual measurement and adjustment of a bicycle to suit the rider's body. The goal is an ergonomically optimal riding position that improves comfort, efficiency and injury prevention.
Fitness & Leisure
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is a training method that alternates short, very intense effort phases with brief recovery periods. The goal is to challenge the cardiovascular system and muscles maximally in little time.Personal TrainingPersonal training is individual one-on-one training guided by a qualified personal trainer. The trainer builds a plan tailored to your goals, fitness level and any complaints, and coaches every session in person.Fascia TrainingFascia training covers exercises that specifically target the connective tissue (the fascia) that wraps around muscles, tendons and organs. The aim is a more supple, elastic fascia structure, better mobility and fewer tensions.Vinyasa YogaVinyasa yoga is a dynamic, flowing style of yoga in which the postures (asanas) flow into one another in the rhythm of the breath. Its hallmark is continuous movement – the transition matters as much as the posture itself.Hatha YogaHatha yoga is a calm, body-focused style of yoga in which individual postures (asanas) are held longer and statically – combined with conscious breathing (pranayama). It is considered a good, accessible entry point into yoga.Functional TrainingFunctional training is an approach that trains everyday- and sport-relevant movements across multiple joints and muscle chains, rather than isolating single muscles. The goal is functional strength that is genuinely useful in daily life and sport.PilatesPilates is a holistic body-training method that specifically trains the deep core muscles, posture, mobility and breathing. Its controlled, precise exercises strengthen the body's centre – the so-called "powerhouse".
Everyday & Family
Dry cleaningDry cleaning is a textile cleaning method that uses a liquid solvent instead of water. It is designed for delicate fabrics and garments that would be damaged by ordinary washing.Childcare subsidy voucherA childcare subsidy voucher (Betreuungsgutschein) is an income-based contribution from your municipality of residence that goes directly to parents and lowers the cost of external childcare (daycare centre, childminder, after-school care). Instead of funding individual facilities, the municipality funds the family – so the voucher «follows» the child.Burial vs. cremationBurial and cremation are the two most common forms of interment in Switzerland: with a burial, the coffin holding the deceased is laid to rest in a grave, whereas with a cremation the body is cremated at a crematorium and the ashes are then placed in an urn. Both lead to a dignified final resting place – the differences lie mainly in the procedure, the timeframe and the choice of grave.Funeral flowersFuneral floristry is the floral design of arrangements for farewells, burials and memorial services – from casket sprays and wreaths to smaller condolence bouquets. It helps make appreciation, comfort and remembrance visible.