capital of switzerland crossword – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "capital of switzerland crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BERNE: The de facto capital of Switzerland, known for its medieval Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent answer in many crosswords.
4 Letters
BERN: The federal city of Switzerland, serving as its seat of government and parliament. This German spelling is also a very common crossword solution.
More About "capital of switzerland crossword"
The city of Bern (or Berne) holds a unique status in Switzerland. Unlike many other nations that have a constitutionally declared capital, Switzerland does not. Bern functions as the 'federal city,' meaning it is home to the Federal Assembly and Federal Council – the country's parliament and government.
Its designation as the federal city dates back to 1848, largely due to its central location and historical significance. The decision was a compromise, avoiding the selection of larger cities like Zurich or Geneva and thus maintaining a balance of power among the cantons. For crossword enthusiasts, this subtle distinction often leads to clues that test knowledge beyond just geographical names, sometimes hinting at its 'de facto' status.
The architectural charm of Bern's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its association with Albert Einstein (who developed his theory of relativity while working there) often feature in general knowledge clues. Its bilingual nature, with both German and French widely spoken, explains the two common spellings 'Bern' and 'Berne' which are both valid answers in puzzles depending on the desired letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: For clues like "capital of switzerland," always pay attention to the number of blank squares. This immediately tells you whether the answer is BERNE (5 letters) or BERN (4 letters).
- Consider Alternative Spellings: Many geographical names, especially from multilingual countries like Switzerland, can have more than one common spelling. Be aware of these variations.
- Use Intersecting Words: If you're unsure between two possible answers, fill in the words that cross your uncertain answer. The letters that intersect will quickly confirm which spelling is correct.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes clues about capitals might not be asking for the *official* capital but rather the *de facto* or historical one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bern officially the capital of Switzerland?
While Bern (or Berne) functions as the de facto capital and federal city of Switzerland, hosting the government and parliament, Switzerland does not have an official capital designated in its constitution. Bern simply holds this role due to historical and practical reasons.
Why are there two spellings, 'Bern' and 'Berne'?
The spelling 'Bern' is the German name for the city, which is widely used in Switzerland and internationally. 'Berne' is the French spelling. Both are correct and often accepted in crosswords, reflecting Switzerland's multilingual nature.
What should I do if a crossword clue has multiple valid answers?
If a crossword clue like 'capital of switzerland' can have multiple answers (e.g., BERN and BERNE), it's best to check the letter count required by the puzzle. Also, try to fill in surrounding intersecting words first, as they will often confirm which specific spelling or length is correct for that particular puzzle.