English In Austria: How Widespread Is It?

Austria's official language is German, but do Austrians speak English? Well, it turns out that they do. In fact, Austria ranks third on the EF English Proficiency Index, which is based on test results from 113 countries and regions. Almost all Austrians learn German at school, and around 97% to 98% of the population speak it. However, English is the second most spoken language in the country, with over 40% of Austrians speaking it and around 70% of the country being able to converse in English.

English is the second most spoken language in Austria

German is the official language of Austria, with roughly 97% to 98% of people in the country speaking it, and a little over 93% calling it their mother tongue. German is used in the media, in schools, and for official publications and announcements. Austrian German differs from the German spoken in Germany, with a softer pronunciation and some variations in terminology. For example, the word for "bread" in Germany is "Brötchen", while in Austria it is "Semmel".

In addition to German, individual Austrian regions recognize the languages of various autonomous ethnic groups as official languages. These include Burgenland Croatian, Romani, Slovak, Slovenian, Czech, and Hungarian. Austria has a history of linguistic and cultural diversity, with many languages still spoken in the country today due to its previous status as part of the multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire. Immigration has further diversified the languages spoken in Austria, with guest workers from Turkey and Yugoslavia bringing their languages and cultures to the country in the 1960s and 1970s.

While English is the second most spoken language in Austria, it is worth noting that there are many other languages spoken in the country as well, reflecting its rich cultural and historical diversity.

Austrians are eager to practice their English

English is widely spoken in Austria's major cities and tourist areas, and you can expect most well-educated young Austrians to be fluent in English. Austrians are often eager to practice their English with foreign visitors, and you may find yourself being addressed in English simply because of your accent. This can sometimes make it challenging to practice your German, but Austrians are usually happy to switch back to German if you ask.

While Austrians are generally eager to practice their English, it's important to remember that this is a German-speaking country, and it's considered rude to assume that everyone speaks English. Learning a few basic German phrases, such as "Bitte" (please), "Danke" (thank you), and "Guten Tag" (good day), can go a long way towards showing respect for the local culture. Additionally, Austrians tend to be more reserved and quiet than Americans, and may find loud and boisterous behaviour offensive.

Austrians start learning English from the age of seven

English is introduced as a foreign language in the third year of primary school, and it is widely taught in Austrian schools. In fact, 73% of the population can converse in English to some level, making Austria one of the most proficient non-native English-speaking countries globally.

The high level of English proficiency in Austria can be attributed to the country's strong emphasis on language education. English is taught regularly from the age of seven, and Austrians of all ages have access to English-language tuition. The Austrian education system also allows schools to offer courses that focus on students' interests and talents, including foreign languages.

In addition to the education system, external factors contribute to Austrians' English skills. The younger generation improves their English through streaming services, social media, and online interactions. Austria's popularity as a tourist destination also means that English is prevalent in many public spaces, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.

Austrians are more reserved than Americans

Austrians tend to be more reserved than Americans. While Americans are used to knowing a bit about their coworkers after a couple of weeks, Austrians take their time to open up. It can take a while for Austrians to open up, and there is a clear separation between being a colleague at work, an acquaintance, and a friend. Many Austrians consider it polite to not be intrusive or demanding towards someone they have just met.

Austrians may seem unfriendly to Americans, but this has nothing to do with a person's nationality. Austrians are just as reserved with other Austrians. This reserved nature may pose a problem for Americans as it means that if they unwittingly commit a mild social faux pas, their colleagues and acquaintances are unlikely to speak up about it and explain it to them.

Another difference is that chatting for fun while standing in line or waiting for the bus with strangers is highly unusual in Austria. However, asking a stranger on the street for directions or for help is very acceptable and does happen occasionally.

In general, Austrians are definitely much more reserved than most Americans and appear unfriendly. However, there are, of course, many Austrians who open up much sooner and are easier to talk to right from the start.

Austrians appreciate it if you make an attempt to learn some German words

If you're going to Austria, it's worth knowing that Austrian German differs from German as spoken in Germany. It has its own phrases and slang, and the spirit of the language is different. Austrians tend to sound more vague and ambiguous, and Austrian German is more ironic, which occasionally leads to small misunderstandings with Germans.

• Grüß Gott: "God's greeting," used to make a good impression on the older generation.
• Servus: a charming greeting that works better with younger Austrians.
• Grüss dich: your best choice when hiking or outside the city.
• Auf Wiedersehen or Auf Wiederschauen: the formal version of "goodbye."
• Pfiat di: the informal "goodbye" used among friends and family.
• Ein Verlängerter: ordering just a "Kaffee" (coffee) in Austria will get you confused looks; you need to specify the type of coffee, and a Verlängerter is a black coffee.
• Jause: a snack or a small, cold dinner.
• Schmarrn: baked goods, but can also be used to insult a product, statement, or work of art.
• Zach: a word used by young people to describe something unpleasant, like tough labour.
• Haberer: particularly popular in Vienna, this word means boyfriend, friend, or just man.

If you're going to Austria, it's worth learning some basic German phrases and trying to understand the local language. Austrians will appreciate your effort, even if you only pick up a few words and phrases.

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