Zwitser

Zwitser is the Dutch demonym for a person from Switzerland. In Dutch, a Swiss person is commonly referred to as een Zwitser, and the country is Zwitserland. The term is etymologically linked to the German Schweizer and corresponds to the English Swiss and the French Suisse in referring to people or things from Switzerland. In Dutch usage, Zwitser is a neutral designation for an individual from Switzerland, while Zwitsers refers to Swiss people collectively.

Zwitser also appears as a surname in Dutch-speaking regions, though such use is relatively rare and not tied to any particular occupation or region.

Historically, Dutch writers in the early modern and modern periods used Zwitser to denote Swiss travelers, merchants, or officials, similar to terms in other languages. Today, Zwitser remains understood, but in English-language texts the demonym Swiss is preferred, and in Dutch contexts the surname Zwitser may be encountered. Related terms include Schweizer in German and Suisse in French, reflecting the cross-linguistic names for Switzerland and its people.