Excel is one of the most valuable workplace skills you can develop. Whether you work in finance, Human Resources, project management, administration or operations, advanced Excel skills can help you work faster, analyse data more effectively and improve your career prospects.

If you work in Switzerland, there is another important question to consider.

Should you learn Excel in your native language, or should you learn Excel in English?

While learning in French, German or Italian may feel more comfortable at first, there are significant advantages to learning Excel in English, particularly if you work for an international organisation.

Switzerland Is an International Workplace

Many companies in Switzerland operate across multiple countries and employ people from a wide range of nationalities. It is common for colleagues in the same office to speak different native languages.

In these environments, English is often the language used for meetings, emails, reports and business software.

The same applies to Microsoft Excel.

Although Excel can display menus and formulas in several languages, many organisations choose to use the English version because it creates consistency across international teams.

Excel Functions Are Different in Every Language

One of the biggest surprises for many Excel users is that formulas are translated into different languages.

For example:

SUM becomes SOMME in French.

SUM becomes SUMME in German.

IF becomes SI in French.

VLOOKUP becomes RECHERCHEV in French.

This means that someone who learns Excel only in their native language may find it confusing when working with colleagues who use the English version.

Learning Excel in English helps you recognise the formulas used by professionals around the world.

Most Excel Training and Resources Are in English

If you search online for help with Excel, you will quickly notice that the majority of tutorials, forums, videos and professional guides use English formulas.

Microsoft documentation is written first in English before being translated into other languages.

Many advanced Excel courses, certification programmes and technical articles also use English function names.

Learning Excel in English gives you direct access to the largest collection of learning resources available.

Collaboration Is Easier in International Companies

International businesses rely on shared spreadsheets, templates and reports.

When everyone understands English formulas, it becomes much easier to review work, troubleshoot problems and improve existing files.

Even though Excel can automatically translate many formulas between languages, discussing formulas with colleagues is far simpler when everyone uses the same terminology.

This is particularly important in finance, reporting and data analysis where accuracy matters.

Excel Skills Open Doors Across Many Careers

Advanced Excel is no longer only for accountants.

Professionals working in finance, Human Resources, procurement, logistics, project management, administration, operations and executive support use Excel every day.

In Switzerland, many employers look for candidates who can confidently use advanced Excel alongside professional English.

The combination of technical skills and English communication is highly valued because it allows employees to work effectively in international teams.

Learning Excel in English Builds Confidence

Many people assume that learning Excel in English will be more difficult.

In reality, most formulas are short, logical and easy to remember once you understand what they do.

Learning the English names from the beginning also means you avoid having to relearn formulas later if you move into an international company.

Instead of translating functions between languages, you develop the vocabulary that employers expect in multinational workplaces.

A Skill That Travels With You

One of the greatest advantages of learning Excel in English is that the knowledge travels with you.

Whether you work in Zurich, Geneva, London, Amsterdam, Singapore or New York, English Excel skills remain relevant.

You can collaborate with international colleagues, follow global training resources and apply your knowledge across different organisations without having to learn a new set of function names.

Learn Excel for an International Career

Switzerland has one of the most international job markets in Europe. Companies expect professionals to combine technical ability with strong communication skills.

Learning Excel in English prepares you for that environment.

It gives you confidence when working with international colleagues, makes it easier to access world class learning resources and helps you build skills that are recognised wherever your career takes you.

If your goal is to work in an international office, learning Excel in English is an investment that will continue to benefit you throughout your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to learn Excel in English or my native language?

If you plan to work for an international company, learning Excel in English is usually the better long term choice. English formulas are widely used in global organisations and are the standard in most training materials and technical resources.

Do Excel formulas change in different languages?

Yes. Many Excel function names are translated. For example, SUM becomes SOMME in French and SUMME in German. This can make collaboration more challenging if colleagues use different language versions.

Why do international companies in Switzerland use Excel in English?

Many multinational organisations use English as their working language. Using English formulas and terminology makes it easier for international teams to collaborate, share spreadsheets and solve technical problems together.

Is Excel important for office jobs in Switzerland?

Yes. Advanced Excel skills are highly valued in finance, Human Resources, administration, project management, operations and many other professional roles. Combining Excel with strong Business English can make you a more competitive candidate in the Swiss job market.