Exploring Austria: Manners And Missteps

Manners and etiquette are extremely important in Austria, so it's worth brushing up on the local customs before your visit. Austrians are sticklers for punctuality and directness, and they value their personal space. They also have a strong sense of regional pride, so it's a good idea to learn about the unique culture and history of the region you're visiting. While Austrians are generally a friendly bunch, there are a few topics that are best avoided, particularly those relating to WWII, the Holocaust, and Austria's complex relationship with Germany.

Austrians value punctuality, so avoid being late or cancelling plans last minute

Austrians value punctuality and efficiency, so it is important to avoid being late or cancelling plans at the last minute. Being punctual is considered a basic courtesy in Austria, and lateness is considered extremely rude. To be safe, abide by the “early is on time, on time is late” rule. If you are going to be late, it is respectful to give your Austrian counterpart a warning and an apology.

Austrians plan their schedules weeks, or even months, in advance and stick to what they have arranged. They dislike wasting time and will not appreciate others being late or unprepared. In meetings, the senior person present will take charge and keep to the agenda, with little room for improvisation.

Austrians are also very direct and straightforward in their communication. They expect you to mean what you say and say what you mean. Being clear and honest is highly valued, and Austrians will not appreciate idle promises or modesty.

In addition to punctuality, manners are a big deal in Austria. It is important to be respectful, courteous, and formal. This includes greeting people with a handshake and making eye contact. When addressing people, use courtesy titles such as Herr ('Mr.') and Frau ('Mrs.' or 'Miss') followed by their surname, until invited to do otherwise. Austrians also appreciate a well-dressed person, so it is important to keep your appearance neat and tidy.

Respect personal space and privacy, and ask permission before taking photos or videos

Austrians value their personal space and privacy, especially when they are among strangers. It is important to respect this and always ask for permission before taking photos or videos of people. This also applies when entering someone's office or home—knocking is expected.

Austrians tend to be more reserved with strangers, and it is only once you have a well-established relationship with someone that it becomes more acceptable to be open in body language and to discuss personal matters.

Austrians are generally happy to talk about their home region and feel a sense of belonging to their region of birth, so this is a good topic of conversation. They also enjoy discussing their country's natural beauty and landscapes, as well as its unique culture, history, and traditions.

When it comes to manners, Austrians are very particular about punctuality. Being on time is extremely important, and it is considered rude to make people wait for you. If you are going to be late, it is courteous to give your Austrian counterpart a warning and an apology.

Be direct and straightforward in your communication, and avoid making idle promises

Austrians value honesty and straightforwardness in their communication. They expect you to mean what you say and say what you mean, so avoid making idle promises or beating around the bush. Austrians will appreciate a direct approach and clear language in your conversations with them. This directness also applies to questions—Austrians prefer straightforward and direct questions, so don't cloud your meaning out of modesty or shyness.

In Austria, it is considered rude to make people wait for you. Punctuality is highly valued, and Austrians themselves plan their schedules weeks or even months in advance. They expect the same courtesy from others and will give you a grace period of about five minutes before you are considered late.

Austrians also value respect and formality. Manners are important, and it is customary to greet people with a handshake and to make eye contact when clinking glasses for a toast. Address people using courtesy titles such as Herr ('Mr.') or Frau ('Mrs.') followed by their surname until invited to do otherwise.

Austrians are proud of their country's unique history and culture, so it is advisable to display knowledge and appreciation of these. Learn about Austrian culture, theatre, music, and art, and be sure to distinguish Austrian culture from German culture. For example, while German is the language spoken in Austria, Austrian German differs from standard German in vocabulary, idioms, and pronunciation.

When greeting people, shake hands and make eye contact; women should extend their hands first

Greeting people correctly is an important aspect of etiquette in Austria. When meeting someone new, or greeting someone you have already met, it is customary to shake hands and make eye contact. This is a widespread custom in Austria, and it is considered a basic courtesy. It is also important to note that women should extend their hands first, and it is polite to ensure that your other hand is not left in your pocket!

Eye contact is an important aspect of communication in Austria. It is a way to acknowledge the person you are interacting with and show respect. This is especially important when clinking glasses with someone, a tradition known as "prost" in Austria. It is customary to make eye contact and say "prost" to each participant when toasting.

In addition to eye contact and handshakes, titles and last names are also very important in Austrian culture. It is considered respectful to address people by their appropriate titles and last names until they invite you to use their first name. The titles "Herr" and "Frau" are used for men and women, respectively, and educational titles, such as "Doctor", are also widely used.

Greetings in Austria also vary depending on the setting. For example, when entering shops, buses, or any smaller space, it is customary to say "Guten Tag" as you enter and "Auf Wiedersehen" when you exit. This is seen as a friendly and polite gesture.

Overall, greeting people correctly and with respect is an important aspect of Austrian culture. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you make a good impression and avoid any awkward interactions with the locals.

Dress neatly and professionally, especially when in formal settings

Austrians tend to dress up when leaving the house, even if it's just to hang out with friends. They value presentation and dressing well, and even when dressed informally, they are neat and conservative. Their clothing is never ostentatious.

There is sometimes a strict protocol for dressing appropriately in different situations: formal wear for the theatre or a concert, and semi-formal wear for better restaurants. Some high-level events may have a dress code and will turn away patrons who are not dressed properly.

If you are invited to an Austrian's house, it is an honour, and you should dress conservatively and elegantly. In some houses, you may be asked to remove your shoes, although this custom is not as prevalent as it once was.

Business dress is conservative and follows most European conventions. Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses, complemented with elegant accessories.

When dining at a fine restaurant in Austria, you may want to wear a smart-casual outfit. If you are going to the opera, especially for an opening show or premiere, you may want a more formal outfit.

Frequently asked questions