English In Austria: How Widespread Is It?

Austria is a German-speaking country, and it can be considered rude to assume that people will speak English. However, English is widely spoken in Austria, especially in Vienna and other large cities and tourist areas. Austrians are also taught English in school from the age of seven, and Austria ranks highly on the English Proficiency Index.

English is widely spoken in Austria

The younger generation, in particular, also improves its use of the language through Netflix and other streaming services, as well as through social media and online interactions. Austrians under the age of 50 that you will encounter in the tourist circuit speak great English.

However, it is worth noting that Austria's national language is German, and Austrians may be offended by the assumption that they should speak English. It is, therefore, a good idea to learn some basic German phrases, such as "Bitte" (please), "Danke" (thank you), and "Gruss Gott" (good day).

Additionally, while English is widely spoken in Austria's major cities and tourist areas, it may be more difficult to find English speakers in rural areas.

Austrians appreciate it when you attempt to speak German

Learning some basic German phrases will help you get by in Austria. For example, "Guten Tag" or "Grüss Gott" are common daytime greetings, while "Guten Abend" is used in the evening. "Bitte" means "please", "Danke" means "thank you", and "Enschuldigung" means "excuse me".

However, Austrian German is quite different from standard German, so be prepared for some variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. For instance, ordering a "Kaffee" in Austria will get you a confused look—you need to specify the type of coffee you want, such as "Verlängerter" for black coffee or "Melange" for a cappuccino.

Additionally, Austrians tend to be more reserved and dressy than Americans, so be mindful of your volume and attire when visiting the country.

Austrians are more reserved than Americans

In general, Austrians are more withdrawn and reserved than Americans, and it takes a while for them to open up. They are also more polite and less intrusive, and will not speak up if a mild social faux pas is committed. They are also more private and respect each other's "personal bubble".

The service industry in Austria is quite different from that in America. Waiters tend to leave customers alone unless they are specifically asked for something. This is because Austrians dislike super-friendly staff and prefer discreet service. Tipping is also not a big driver of the service provided, and typically, customers round up to the nearest euro or two.

Austrians also have a different concept of work-life balance. They value their leisure time and keep their private lives and work life separate. They also tend to plan more, as stores are not open on Sundays, and businesses close early and sometimes in the middle of the day.

Austrians are proud of their academic titles

The use of titles is more prevalent among older generations, and in some social circles, it is considered strange to use official titles. However, Austrians are quick to correct those who get their titles wrong or fail to use them at all. Titles are particularly important in academic and professional contexts.

The importance of titles in Austria is such that they are considered part of one's name. Austrians will go to great lengths to ensure that their titles are used correctly, and there are even rules for writing titles when addressing someone in a letter or email. The order of titles is significant, and the use of titles can vary between Austria and Germany, which can cause confusion.

The use of titles in Austria is so ingrained in the culture that it can be challenging to get rid of them, even in workplaces that attempt to do so. Austrians will insist on their titles being used, and companies have to accommodate this to avoid offending their employees.

While the younger generation may be less concerned with titles, they still appreciate and take pride in their academic achievements.

Austrians are direct

Austrians tend to be reserved and find loud and boisterous behaviour offensive. They are also very respectful of personal space and privacy, and it is considered rude to touch someone's dog without permission. Austrians are direct and straightforward in their communication and questions and being clear and honest is highly valued.

When it comes to socialising, it is considered polite to greet people when entering a shop or market. Austrians also place importance on academic titles and it is considered an insult to omit them. Punctuality is also highly valued, and it is considered rude to arrive late or cancel at the last minute.

In terms of conversation topics, Austrians enjoy talking about their regional diversity and their home region. They also have a love for acquiring knowledge and learning, so it is a good idea to engage in enriching conversations and show an interest in topics they are passionate about. However, it is important to be sensitive when discussing WWII, especially with older individuals, as a feeling of collective responsibility still troubles some Austrians of the older generations.

Frequently asked questions