Eidgenössisch

Eidgenössisch is a German adjective with roots in the Old High German word "Genoß," meaning companion or associate. In modern Swiss German, it is most commonly used to denote something related to the Swiss Confederacy, the federal republic of Switzerland. It translates to "federal" or "confederate" in English, but carries a specific connotation of Swiss national identity and governance.

The term "Eidgenössisch" is frequently encountered in official contexts. For instance, "Eidgenössische Volksabstimmung" refers to a federal popular vote, a cornerstone of Swiss direct democracy. Similarly, "Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule" (ETH Zurich) is a prestigious federal institute of technology. The Swiss national flag, the white cross on a red background, is also sometimes referred to as the "Eidgenössische Flagge." Beyond official usage, it can describe aspects of Swiss culture, sports, or traditions that are broadly representative of the nation. The adjective emphasizes a sense of collective belonging and shared responsibility within the Swiss federal system.