Germany and Switzerland are neighbour countries and have a long history of exchanging cultural and scientific issues especially - because of the common language - with the German speaking part of Switzerland (about 66% of the population). Both are federal states and laws for psychiatric patients are mainly task of the member cantons / states. However, large differences regarding the “liberal” history between both countries may be the reason for differing attitudes and regulations to involuntary admissions and guardianships. Examples will be given, especially concerning demented patients.