Daig (Switzerland)

[1] For centuries the Daig was the social, political and economic elite of Basel, becoming a quasi city aristocracy, although always remaining judicially part of the bourgeois class.

However, it was not until 1500 that the townsmen were finally able to get rid of their feudal ruler, forcing him to move his residence out of Basel, which enabled the city to join the Eidgenossenschaft as its 11th canton.

The former residences of knights and other noblemen that had left with the Prince-Bishop were largely acquired by wealthy families, in some cases noble themselves,[4] that over time became a quasi city aristocracy.

At the turn of the 19th century this caused growing discontent among the 'Baselbieter' (the citizens of the surrounding municipalities), escalating into armed conflict between Basel and the 'Baselbiet' in 1830.

Nonetheless, seats in the Grand Council of Basel-Stadt as well as other important positions in both public service and industry are still routinely held by individuals with family names indicative of Daig affiliation, such as Vischer, Sarasin or Merian.

In daily life, the Daig's disposition to distinguish itself from any kind of 'outsiders' results in numerous instances of what is called "der feine Unterschied", roughly translated as 'the subtle distinction.'

This concerns the kind of shops and restaurants frequented, whom one associates with, apparel and leisure time activities, most of which are rather unobtrusive, as the open display of wealth is frowned upon among Daig families.

In early Swiss films, most of which were produced in Zürich, it was for many years a common stylistic device to have the 'villain' speak Basel German, usually of the Daig variety and with a high, nasal voice.