Have A Wonderful Day: Austrian German Expressions

Austrians have their own German phrases and slang for various situations, including greetings and goodbyes. While basic German words can be used in Austria, Austrians appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to understand the local language. Before 10 a.m., Austrians typically say Guten Morgen, similar to Germany. This can be shortened to Morgen, and is often pronounced as Moagn. For the rest of the day, Austrians use Grüss Gott, which translates to greet God. Guten Tag and Guten Abend are not commonly used. Informally, you can say Hallo, Servus, or Grüss dich. To wish someone a good day in Austrian German, you can say Hab einen schönen Tag!.

Greeting someone in Austrian German: Grüss Gott

Greeting someone in Austrian German involves a range of expressions, one of the most common being "Grüß Gott". This phrase is a polite greeting in Austrian German, often used to show respect, acknowledge others' presence, or convey well-wishes. It is derived from the expression "Grüß dich Gott" or "Grüße dich Gott", which means "(May) God bless (you)".

"Grüß Gott" is typically used in Southern Germany and Austria, particularly in regions such as Bavaria, Franconia, Swabia, and South Tyrol. It is the shortened form of phrases like "(Es) Grüße dich Gott" and "(Es) Grüße euch Gott", meaning "May God greet you". The phrase has been publicized by the Catholic clergy and is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious history of these regions.

The expression is quite versatile and can be used in various contexts, ranging from deeply emotional to casual encounters. While it is a common greeting, it is important to note that some individuals may prefer "Guten Tag" ("Good day") due to the religious nature of "Grüß Gott".

In addition to "Grüß Gott", there are other ways to greet someone in Austrian German. Before 10 a.m., it is common to say "Guten Morgen", which is similar to the German greeting. This can be shortened to "Morgen". For more informal greetings, expressions like "Hallo", "Servus", or "Grüß dich" are often used.

So, the next time you're in Austria or Southern Germany, feel free to greet someone with a cheerful "Grüß Gott" to show your respect and acknowledge their presence!

Informal greetings: Hallo, Servus, or Grüss dich

Informal greetings are an important part of any language, and Austrian German is no exception. While "Hallo" is a standard greeting in German, there are some variations in Austrian German that can add a bit of local flavour to your interactions.

Hallo

"Hallo" is a versatile greeting that can be used in both Germany and Austria. It is the equivalent of "hello" in English and can be used at any time of the day. This greeting is likely to be the first word you learned in German, and it is a safe choice when greeting someone in an informal setting. However, it may come across as a bit uninspired and unemotional.

Servus

"Servus" is a unique greeting used in Austria and some parts of Germany, such as Bavaria. It is a versatile greeting that can be used interchangeably as both "hello" and "goodbye". "Servus" is more likely to be used in informal settings with friends. The word originates from the Latin word for "slave" or "servant", dating back to feudal times. While it may have had humble beginnings, today it is a cheerful greeting that is sure to make a good impression.

Grüss dich

"Grüss dich" is another informal greeting option in Austrian German. While it translates directly to "greet you", it is used in a similar way to "hello" in English. This greeting is a great way to add a bit of local flavour to your interactions and show that you are making an effort to understand the local language.

Using these informal greetings can be a great way to connect with locals and demonstrate your knowledge of Austrian German. They are perfect for casual conversations and will surely bring a smile to the faces of those you meet.

Formal greetings: Guten Tag or Guten Abend

Formal greetings are an important part of German culture, and the language reflects this. When greeting someone formally in German, it is customary to use the phrase "Guten Tag", which translates to "good day" or "hello" in English. This greeting is typically used in formal situations, such as business meetings, official settings, or when meeting someone for the first time. It is considered slightly formal but can be used in most situations.

To convey a more respectful tone, it is common to address the person by their last name after saying "Guten Tag". For example, "Guten Tag, Herr Müller" or "Guten Tag, Frau Schmidt". This shows extra politeness and respect, especially when interacting with older individuals, authority figures, or strangers.

In southern regions of Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, "Grüß Gott" is also commonly used as a formal greeting. Literally translating to "greet God", this phrase is mainly reserved for traditional and conservative contexts. However, it is considered very formal and equivalent to wishing someone God bless you.

When greeting someone in the morning, it is appropriate to say "Guten Morgen", typically until around noon. As the day transitions to evening, the greeting changes to "Guten Abend", which is used from 6 pm until bedtime.

While "Guten Tag" and "Guten Abend" are widely recognised as formal greetings, there are other variations to note. "Guten Tag, Herr/Frau [Last Name]" is a respectful way to address someone formally by including their last name. Additionally, in northern Germany, particularly in coastal areas, "Moin" is commonly used as a casual greeting throughout the day.

Saying goodbye: Auf Wiedersehen or Auf Wiederschauen

When saying goodbye in Austrian German, the formal version is "Auf Wiedersehen" or "Auf Wiederschauen". While both are formal, "Auf Wiederschauen" is used mostly in southern Germany and is not considered standard German.

In informal contexts, there are several ways to say goodbye in Austrian German. "Tschüss" is commonly used among friends and family, as is "Pfiat di". "Servus" is also used as a greeting and as a way to say goodbye. "Ciao" is another informal way to bid farewell.

In Bavaria, it is common to leave out the "auf" in "Auf Wiedersehen" and instead say "Wiederschau(e)n". In more familiar contexts, Austrians might say "Pfiad di" or "Pfiad eich".

Ordering beer: Eine Halbe Bier or A Hoibe for half a litre of beer

Ordering beer in Austrian German is a fun and delicious way to practice your language skills! If you want to order half a litre of beer, you can ask for "Eine Halbe Bier" or, in dialect, "A Hoibe".

Saying "I'd like..." in Austrian German

You can use the following phrases to express your wish to order a beer:

• "Ich möchte..." (I'd like...)
• "Ich hätte gerne..." (I'd like to have...)
• "Für mich ein / eine / einen..." (For me, a...)

Picking Your Beer

When it comes to choosing your beer, there are a variety of options to choose from in Austria. Here are some popular styles:

• Pils / Pilsner / Pilsener: This type of beer is light amber in colour and has a slight bitterness from its hops.
• Berliner Weiße: A light wheat beer often served with a shot of raspberry or woodruff syrup.
• Hefeweizen: A cloudy wheat beer with a higher alcohol content and a richer colour and flavour.
• Schwarzbier: A dark lager similar to a stout.
• Kölsch: A beer similar to Pilsner but usually less bitter.
• Märzen: A golden and amber-coloured beer with a sweeter taste due to the use of caramel malts. This is the most common beer in Austria.

Specifying the Size

In Austrian bars, beers are typically served in either a Krügel (0.5 litres) or a Seidl (0.3 litres). So, if you're ordering half a litre, you're most likely asking for a Krügel.

Putting it All Together

Now that you know the phrases and styles, you can put it all together to order your beer. For example, you could say:

• "Ich hätte gerne eine Halbe Bier, bitte." (I'd like half a litre of beer, please.)
• "Ich möchte eine Hoibe, danke." (I'd like a large beer, thank you.)

So, the next time you're in an Austrian bar or brewery, don't be afraid to show off your language skills and order your beer in Austrian German!

Frequently asked questions