Luzern or Lucerne: Are They The Same Thing?

lucerne or luzern

If you have seen the words Luzern and Lucerne and wondered what the difference is, you are not alone.

Lucerne vs Luzern

Lucerne is French name for the city, whereas Luzern is the German name. In English, the French name of Lucerne is used.

So, in essence, there is no difference between the names. It only depends on who you hear (or read) using them. They are both used to refer to the city and canton of Lucerne in the center of Switzerland.

Is Luzern or Lucerne Used More Often?

Because Lucerne is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, it is more common to see the Luzern spelling. Especially in the city itself.

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You will also hear the locals using it as well. It has more of a strong “tz” kind of sound to it.

Whereas the French/English version is a lot softer. Just like you would expect in those languages.

Header image courtesy of Mr G on Flickr

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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