Austria Vs Germany: Exploring Cultural And Historical Differences

Austria and Germany are neighbouring countries with a shared history and culture. However, there are some notable differences between the two nations. Both countries speak German, but there are distinct dialects and vocabulary differences. Austria and Germany also have different approaches to communication and decision-making in business, and their work cultures vary in the degree of separation between professional and personal lives.

Geography: Austria is mountainous, Germany is flatter

Austria and Germany are neighbouring countries with a shared history and a border of 818 kilometres. While the two countries have many similarities, there are some notable differences. One of the most striking differences is the geography of the two countries. Austria is a mountainous country, with a large proportion of its territory covered by the Alps. In contrast, Germany is relatively flatter, with some exceptions.

Austria's mountainous terrain has shaped its history, culture, and economy. The Alps have served as a natural barrier and influenced the development of distinct regional cultures within Austria. The mountains also provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking, which are an important part of Austrian culture and a significant draw for tourists. In addition, Austria's abundant water resources have been harnessed for hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the country's energy supply.

On the other hand, Germany's flatter landscape has also played a significant role in its history and development. The central position of Germany in Europe, along with its accessible terrain, has made it a crucial transportation and trade hub. The country's extensive network of rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe, has facilitated navigation and commerce. Germany's landscape also includes lowland areas, such as the North German Plain, and upland regions, like the Central German Uplands, which offer a mix of rolling hills and plateau-like features.

The differences in geography between Austria and Germany have influenced their economies and agricultural practices. Austria's mountainous regions provide grazing land for livestock and support dairy farming. The varied terrain has also led to regional specialisations in agriculture, with crops and produce varying across different areas. In contrast, Germany's flatter regions are more conducive to large-scale farming and have allowed for greater agricultural standardisation. Germany has a strong focus on crop production, with wheat, barley, and sugar beets being significant crops.

In summary, the geographical contrast between Austria and Germany, characterised by mountains and flatter land respectively, has had a profound impact on the distinct characteristics of each country. From cultural traditions to economic pursuits, the topography of these nations has helped shape their identities and continues to influence their trajectories.

Food: Austria has friendlier people and better food

Austria and Germany share a lot of similarities, from their language to their geography and history. However, there are some key differences between the two countries, including the food and the friendliness of their people.

Food

Austrian cuisine is known for its hearty and traditional dishes, such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Apfelstrudel. While Germany also has its fair share of delicious dishes, like Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, pretzels, and Black Forest cake, Austrian food is considered by some to be more diverse and influenced by Eastern European and Italian cooking. For instance, when ordering apple strudel, you would ask for Schlagobers in Austria and Sahne in Germany if you wanted cream.

Friendlier People

Austrian people are generally regarded as more outgoing and cheerful than Germans, who can be more formal and distant upon first meeting. Austrians are also more likely to address others with the informal "du", whereas Germans tend to use the more formal "Sie". This informality extends to their language of greeting; Austrians may say "Servus", "Griaß di", or "Grüss Gott", all of which are more casual ways of saying hello than the standard German "Guten Tag".

In conclusion, while both countries have their unique characteristics and similarities, Austria stands out for its friendly people and diverse, delicious food.

Language: Austrians use more words, Germans are concise

Austrians and Germans can understand each other, as they both speak German, but there are some differences in their languages. Austrian German is influenced by Austro-Bavarian dialects and the country's history, including the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy.

Austrian German has a softer sound, with certain vowels pronounced differently, and a melodic lilt. It also has a wide array of dialects, influenced by the Bavarian dialect and Slavic languages like Slovenian and Czech. In contrast, the German spoken in the northern regions of Germany has a sharper, clearer pronunciation.

Austrian German also has unique terms influenced by regional dialects and a shared history with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. For example, "Paradeiser" for tomato, "Marille" for apricot, and "Erdapfel" for potato. In contrast, standard German vocabulary is more uniform across Germany and is used in formal and written communication, as well as in education.

Austrian German also has a preference for using constructions with the dative case or prepositional phrases instead of the genitive case, which is used more consistently in standard German. Additionally, Austrian German tends to have more variations in sentence structure, especially in casual conversation, which may be influenced by regional dialects.

Business: Germany has clear hierarchies, Austria is more relaxed

Austrians and Germans may speak the same language, but their business cultures are quite distinct. While Germans prefer clear hierarchies and strict decision-making processes, Austrians are more relaxed and fluid in their approach. In Germany, business meetings are held in designated rooms, maintaining a clear boundary between work and social life. Austrians, on the other hand, are comfortable with a more casual approach, often opting for business lunches in cafes.

The differences in decision-making processes between the two countries are notable. Germans favour a structured approach, with clear hierarchies and efficient processes. In contrast, Austrians take a more relaxed view, and decision-making may take longer. However, the outcomes are similar, as both cultures ultimately achieve the same results.

Austria's more relaxed business culture is reflected in their communication style. Austrians convey things more elaborately, packing a subtle insulting jab into their words, but ensuring it sounds mild. They are also more likely to address people directly by their first names, creating a sense of familiarity. In contrast, Germans tend to maintain an emotional distance, using more formal forms of address.

Austria's business culture is heavily influenced by its history and geography. The country's mountainous terrain and diverse landscapes may contribute to a more relaxed and informal approach to business. Additionally, Austria's history as a powerful empire has shaped its culture, with a strong desire for independence and a unique national identity.

Germany's business culture, on the other hand, reflects its reputation for efficiency and structure. German companies tend to have well-defined hierarchies and processes, which can make decision-making more straightforward. This clarity in structure and communication style may be influenced by Germany's diverse landscape and numerous states, each with its own distinct culture and traditions.

Despite their differences, both countries share a common language and close historical ties. Their business cultures, while distinct, can be equally successful, highlighting the importance of adapting to cultural nuances in international business.

History: Austria was once part of Germany

The history of Austria and Germany is closely intertwined, with German being the official language of both countries. The Germanic Baiuvarii (ancient German Bavarians) were the ancestors of the Austrians. In the early history of the Baiuvarii, they established the Duchy of Bavaria, which was ruled by Francia of West Germanic Franks from 555 to 843 and included the March of Pannonia that would become Austria in c. 970.

Bavarian Austria was under the rule of East Francia (Kingdom of Germany) from 843 to 962. It then separated from the Duchy of Bavaria to become a sovereign state in 1156, and from 1156 to 1806, Austria (excluding its non-German lands) and other German states under the Kingdom of Germany were parts of the Holy Roman Empire, which was officially a German polity from 1512 and mostly led by Austria itself.

From 1815 to 1866, Austria led the German Confederation, and in 1866, Austria was separated from Germany for the first time. In 1867, the multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire was established and led by Austria, while the Kingdom of Prussia led the North German Confederation from 1866 to 1871. Although Austria and Germany were separate entities, they were allies at the time.

In 1918, after World War I, Austria briefly renamed itself the Republic of German-Austria in an attempt to unite with Germany. However, this union was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles, and Austria and Germany remained separate and distinct entities during the Interwar period. In 1938, Nazi Germany, led by Austrian-born Adolf Hitler, annexed Austria into Germany in what was known as the Anschluss.

After World War II, Austria again became an independent republic in 1955, and since then, it has developed a separate national identity from Germany.

Frequently asked questions