Exploring Austria: How Are Locals And Their Culture?

If you're planning a trip to Austria, it's a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Austrian German. While English is widely understood and spoken by those in the tourism industry, German is spoken by 98% of the Austrian population. So, if you want to fit in with the locals, you might want to try greeting people with a Grüß Gott (literally God's greeting), or a simple Servus. And if you want to ask someone how they are, you can say Wie geht's?.

Greeting phrases

Greeting people in Austria is considered an art form. It is customary to greet everyone in a social or business setting, regardless of age and gender. The most common and courteous greeting is the handshake, accompanied by direct eye contact. When greeting someone verbally, it is important to consider the time of day and the level of formality.

Formal Greetings

• Guten Morgen ("good morning") – used before 10 am. Can be shortened to Morgen.
• Guten Tag ("good day") – used during the day.
• Guten Abend ("good evening") – used in the evening.
• Grüß Gott ("greet God") – a more formal way to say hello, often shortened to 'sgott. This is also used as an informal and polite way to acknowledge someone in passing on the street.
• Grüß Sie – a formal greeting used among friends and acquaintances.
• Auf Wiedersehen or Auf Wiederschauen ("see you again") – the formal way to say goodbye.

Informal Greetings

• Hallo or Servus ("hi") – casual greetings used among friends and family.
• Hi – a simple, informal greeting used by younger people.
• Tschüss and Pfiat di – informal ways to say goodbye to friends and family.

In addition to these phrases, it is customary to use titles such as Herr ("Mr") and Frau ("Mrs" or "Ms") with last names when greeting acquaintances and strangers. First names are reserved for close friends, family, and among the youth.

Formal titles

In Austria, professional and formal titles are important during introductions. For example, addressing someone as 'Doktor Wagner' (Dr Wagner) if they are a doctor. Among acquaintances and strangers, people will use titles such as ‘Herr’ (Mr) and ‘Frau’ (Mrs or Ms) with last names. The use of first names is reserved for close friends, family, and young people.

Austria has an impressive list of 819 titles and degrees, and many people get their title or academic degree included in their passports. Most titles are used instead of a person's name when referring to them directly, for example, 'Herr Magister' or 'Frau Doktor'. In recent years, the country has also seen the arrival of Anglo-American titles such as 'MA' and 'PhD'. Most elderly Austrians are confused by these newer titles and try to translate them into the Austrian equivalent.

Manners and etiquette

Greeting People

Austrians tend to be reserved and formal, so greetings are important. A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting, and it's important to make eye contact during the greeting. Women should extend their hands first. If there are children present, shake their hands too. When leaving, shake hands again.

Some Austrian men, particularly older men, may kiss the hand of a woman. However, a foreign man should not do this, as it is not expected and may be seen as inappropriate. Women may also kiss men, but men do not kiss other men.

Punctuality

Punctuality is highly valued in Austria, so always be on time. Being late is considered rude, and you will only be given a grace period of about five minutes. If you are going to be late, let the person know.

Dress Code

Austrians tend to dress conservatively and elegantly, and they take pride in their appearance. Even when dressed informally, they are neat and conservative; their clothes are never ostentatious. When leaving the house, even if it's just to hang out with friends, Austrians tend to dress up. Shorts, yoga pants, and cargo shorts are not common.

Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette is also important. Table manners are Continental—the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'Mahlzeit' or 'Guten Appetit'. Cut your food with your fork as much as possible, as this compliments the cook by indicating that the food is very tender. Finish everything on your plate. When you are finished, place your knife and fork side by side on your plate at the 5:25 position, with the handles facing to the right.

The host gives the first toast, and everyone raises their glasses, makes eye contact, and says 'Prost', 'Prosit', or 'Zum Wohl' ('to your health'). An honoured guest may offer a toast of thanks to the host at the end of the meal.

Gift-Giving

When invited to someone's home, bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolates, or alcohol. If giving flowers, give an odd number, as even numbers mean bad luck. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Common slang

Australian slang is informal and often abbreviated. Here are some common slang phrases and their meanings:

• G'day – a common greeting, similar to "hello".
• G'day, mate – a general greeting, used instead of "hello", both day and night.
• How ya goin'? – the ultimate Aussie greeting, a combination of "How are you?" and "Where are you going?".
• Arvo – short for "afternoon".
• Thongs – flip-flops.
• Barbie – short for "barbecue", a popular Australian pastime.
• Cheers – Aussies use this in a number of instances: to say thank you, in celebration, when drinking, and to say hello and goodbye.
• No worries – used to mean everything from "you're welcome" to "relax".
• Togs – swimsuit or swim trunks.
• Esky – an insulated container that keeps drinks cold.
• Fair dinkum – used to show surprise and to ensure that a story is true.
• Good on ya – used to show approval, like "well done" or "good job".
• I'm stuffed – used to say that someone is tired or in trouble, as well as full of food.
• Bush – any place outside the major towns or cities.
• Outback – the desert areas in inland Australia.
• Bushfire – a wildfire.
• Bottle-o – a liquor shop or a place to buy alcohol.
• Chrissy – Christmas.
• Cuppa – a cup of tea.
• Servo – a service station or gas station.
• Ta – thank you.
• Uni – university.
• Hollies – holidays.
• Trackies – a tracksuit or sweatsuit.
• Devo – short for "devastated", meaning to feel an overwhelming shock or grief.
• Doco – short for "documentary".
• Sunnies – sunglasses.
• Grouse – wonderful.
• Tingle – to ring or call.
• Cheerio/Toodle-oo – goodbye.
• No drama – you're welcome.
• Chuck – to put or throw something.
• Shrimps/prawns – used interchangeably.
• Togs – a swimsuit.
• Coldie – a cold drink.
• Booze bus – a custom-built police bus to check for intoxicated drivers.
• Straya – how Aussies pronounce Australia.
• Straya Day – Australia Day, a national holiday celebrated on 26 January.
• Relos – relatives.
• Tucker – food.
• Togs – a swimsuit.
• Ripper – fantastic.
• Woop woop – the middle of nowhere.
• Sick – awesome.
• Anzac day – a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, marked annually on 25 April.
• U-ey – to make a U-turn when driving.

Ordering beer

Choosing Your Beer

Austria boasts a vibrant beer scene, with a wide variety of styles and flavours to choose from. The most popular style of beer in Austria is Märzen, a full-bodied lager with a golden or amber colour. It has a slightly sweeter taste due to the use of caramel malts and has a stronger malt character than its cross-border cousin, the Bavarian Helles. Other popular styles include Pils, offering a pale yellow colour and an aromatic hop flavour; Gold beers; Spezialbier; and Bock.

When it comes to brands, you'll find a mix of well-known national brands and regionally-made options. Some of the biggest beer brands in Austria include Gösser, Ottakringer, Stiegl, Zipfer, and Egger. However, don't be afraid to explore the many small and private breweries scattered across the country, as they often offer unique and delicious specialty beers.

Where to Order Beer

Austria has a strong beer culture, and you can enjoy a cold one in various settings. Typical pubs, known for their warm and friendly atmosphere, are always a great choice. These pubs usually have wooden tables and antique decor, adding to the charm of your beer-tasting experience. If you're looking for a heartier meal to accompany your drink, many pubs serve delicious local dishes like Schnitzel or Würstchen with a generous portion of potatoes on the side.

During the summer months, take advantage of the warm weather and head to a beer garden. Salzburg, for example, is known for its beer gardens, where you can soak up the sun while enjoying a refreshing beer.

If you're in the mood for something more unique, consider visiting a brewery. Many breweries, especially the smaller ones, offer tours and tastings, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and a chance to sample their offerings.

Ordering and Drinking Etiquette

When ordering beer in Austria, you'll typically have the option of two serving sizes:

• Krügel or grosses Bier (large beer): 0.5 litres
• Seidl or kleines Bier (small beer): 0.3 litres

It's worth noting that Austrians take a restrained approach to drinking compared to some other countries. Drunk and disorderly behaviour is rare, and drinking is generally a more low-key affair.

Pairing Your Beer

Austria also has a diverse food scene, and there are plenty of delicious options to pair with your beer. As mentioned earlier, traditional pubs often serve hearty dishes like Schnitzel or Würstchen. For a more casual option, try a classic Austrian street food like Käsekrainer, a cheese-filled sausage that goes perfectly with a cold beer. If you're looking for something to snack on while enjoying your drink, pretzels (Brezeln) are a popular choice and can be found in various flavours and sizes.

Exploring Craft Beer

If you're a craft beer enthusiast, you'll be pleased to know that the craft beer scene in Austria is on the rise. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg are becoming craft beer destinations, with an increasing number of brewpubs and craft beer bars. Look out for breweries like Alefried Bier, Bevog Brewery, and Bierol, which offer unique and innovative brews.

In conclusion, ordering beer in Austria is a delightful experience that offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. With a variety of styles, brands, and venues to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect beer to suit your taste. So, pull up a barstool, say "cheers" (prost in German), and enjoy the fruits of Austria's brewing traditions!

Frequently asked questions