English In Austria: Is It Widely Spoken?

English is very widely taught and spoken in Austria, with around 73% of the population being able to converse in English to some level. This makes it one of the most proficient non-English-speaking countries in the world. In larger cities like Vienna and tourist destinations, you will be able to get by with English, as English-speaking staff are common due to the high numbers of English-speaking tourists. In these areas, you will also often find road signs in English. English has been widely taught in Austrian schools since World War II, with several years of English lessons being standard, so anyone under the age of 60 or 70 will likely be able to speak English to some degree.

English is widely spoken in Austria

English is very widely spoken in Austria, with around 73% of the population being able to converse in English to some level. This makes Austria one of the most proficient non-English-speaking countries in the world. English has been taught in Austrian schools since World War II, so anyone under the age of 70 will likely be able to speak at least some English. In practice, this means that tourists should have no problems using English in Austria, especially in larger cities and tourist destinations.

English is particularly prevalent in Vienna, where it is estimated that 90-95% of the population can speak English. One source notes that in over five years of living in Vienna, they have only encountered a couple of instances where a random stranger could not speak English. Another source states that everyone in Vienna under the age of 50 that you will encounter as a tourist speaks great English.

English is also widely spoken in other Austrian cities such as Salzburg, Zell am See, Innsbruck, and Linz. In these cities, you will often find English-speaking staff in shops, bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Additionally, road signs and ticket machines often have an English option.

While Austrians are happy to help out tourists and converse in English, they do not like people who expect or feel entitled to have someone converse with them in English. It is always a good idea to be polite and respectful, and using a few German phrases is appreciated.

German is the official language of Austria

English has been taught in Austrian schools since World War II, with students receiving several years of English education as standard. As a result, nearly everyone under the age of 60 or 70 speaks basic English. In larger cities like Vienna and other tourist destinations, the ratio of English speakers is even higher, with some estimates placing it at 90-95% in Vienna.

While Austrians are happy to help out tourists and converse in English, they appreciate it when visitors are polite and respectful and make an effort to speak some German. Knowing some basic German phrases can be helpful when visiting Austria, especially when interacting with older individuals who may not speak English as fluently as the younger generations.

It is worth noting that the German spoken in Austria does differ slightly from the German spoken in Germany. The Viennese Wienerisch dialect, for example, has some distinct differences in pronunciation and vocabulary from standard German. However, these differences are generally minor, and most Austrians will be able to understand and communicate in standard German if needed.

Austrians are happy to help tourists

In larger cities such as Vienna, and in tourist destinations, you will have no problem communicating in English. In these areas, road signs are often in English, and many restaurants have English menus. Tourist attractions, such as museums, will have brochures and programs in English, and audio guides are usually available in English, too. Even the public transport system is easy to navigate as a non-German speaker, with English options on ticket machines and signage.

Austrians are happy to switch to English if they can, and they will often correct your German first, in a playful way, before doing so. It is always good to learn some basic German phrases, though, and Austrians will appreciate the effort. They are proud of their language and will happily help you improve, but they will also be glad to converse in English if that is easier for you.

Austrians are known for their helpfulness and will go out of their way to assist a polite tourist. They are less likely to be so forthcoming if you are loud, rude, or expect them to speak English. However, if you are respectful and friendly, you will find Austrians very welcoming.

So, while you can get by with English in Austria, particularly in cities and tourist spots, it is always good to learn some basic German phrases, such as "please" and "thank you", and to try to converse in German first, before falling back on English. This will ensure you have a positive experience communicating with Austrians, who are known for their helpfulness and eagerness to practice their language skills.

Austrians are proud of their language

Austrian German has its own unique words and phrases that set it apart from German German. For example, Austrians use the greeting "Servus," which is only used when addressing someone on a first-name basis. They also have their own way of saying "goodbye," such as "Pfiat di / Pfiat eich (euch)" which comes from the phrase "may God watch over you." In addition to these dialectal differences, Austrians also place importance on titles when addressing people.

The Viennese Wienerisch dialect is particularly distinct from standard German, with notable differences in pronunciation. Another distinct dialect is Alemannic, spoken in the Vorarlberg area, which is closer to Swiss German. These dialects showcase the rich linguistic diversity within Austria.

Austrians take playful enjoyment in correcting the grammar and accent of those speaking German, only to switch to English themselves. This pride in their language and unique dialects is evident in their literature and daily conversations.

While English is widely spoken in Austria, particularly in tourist areas, Austrians appreciate it when visitors make an effort to use some German phrases and respect their language and culture.

English is widely spoken in Vienna and other major cities

English is particularly prevalent in the country's major cities and tourist destinations, where you will often find road signs in English, and staff in shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, museums, and tourist attractions will usually be able to speak English. English-language menus and brochures are also commonly available. Even the public transport system is English-friendly, with English options at ticket machines and on signage.

However, Austrians generally prefer it if visitors attempt to use a few German phrases, such as 'please' and 'thank you', and try to learn some key phrases like 'do you speak English?' and 'where is the toilet?'. While Austrians are usually happy to help out tourists and converse in English, they do not like people who expect them to speak English or who are loud, boisterous, or arrogant.

Frequently asked questions