Happy New Year: Greeting Austrians With Warmth And Cheer

In Austria, there are several ways to say 'Happy New Year'. The most common phrases are Guten Rutsch and Prosit Neujahr. However, depending on where you are in Austria, you might also hear Gutes Neues, Schens Neigs/Gauds Neigs, Guats Nuis/Neis, Guata Rutsch, Schians Nuis/Neis and Proscht Nuijoa(r).

‘Guten Rutsch’ is used before New Year's Eve

In Austria, there are two different greetings that are used around New Year. One is used before New Year's Eve, and the other is used on the first day of the New Year.

Before New Year's Eve, Austrians say 'Guten Rutsch' to their friends and family. This is a way of wishing them a good and healthy start to the New Year. The phrase is used to greet people in the days leading up to New Year's Eve, and it is considered important to say it before the new year begins.

'Guten Rutsch' is a German phrase that translates to 'good slide' or 'slide well'. It is believed to originate from the Yiddish word 'rutsch' which means 'slide' or 'move'. The phrase is meant to convey the idea of smoothly sliding into the new year, leaving behind any troubles or difficulties from the past year.

While the exact origins of the phrase are unknown, it is thought to have emerged from the Jewish community in Austria. Over time, it became adopted by the wider Austrian population and is now a common greeting during the New Year period.

It is important to note that 'Guten Rutsch' is not the only way to say 'Happy New Year' in Austria. There are various regional variations, including 'Guats Neigs', 'Schens Neigs', and 'Proscht Nuijoa(r).'. These phrases reflect the diverse linguistic landscape of Austria, with slight differences in pronunciation and vocabulary depending on the region.

‘Prosit Neujahr’ is used on the first day of the New Year

In Austria, there are two sayings that are used to wish someone a happy new year. The first, Guten Rutsch, is used before New Year's Eve and means you wish them a good and healthy start to the new year. The second, Prosit Neujahr, is used on the first day of the new year or when you meet your family and friends for the first time. This is the more direct way of saying 'Happy New Year' in Austria.

'Prosit Neujahr' is used specifically on the first day of the new year, or when you first meet your friends and family, to wish them a happy new year. It is a way of celebrating the new year and expressing your good wishes for the year ahead. The phrase is used to greet people and spread cheer and happiness during the festive season.

The phrase 'Prosit Neujahr' is a traditional Austrian saying that is used to celebrate the new year. It is a way of expressing joy and happiness for the new year and wishing others a prosperous and happy year ahead. The phrase is often used in conjunction with other new year traditions and celebrations, such as lead pouring, which is an attempt to predict the future.

While 'Prosit Neujahr' is the most common way to say 'Happy New Year' in Austria, there are some regional variations. For example, in Lower Austria, you can soften the 'g' in 'Schens Neigs/Gauds Neigs' to a 'ch', so it becomes 'Schens Neichs'. Further west, you might hear 'Guats Nuis/Neis', 'Guata Rutsch', 'Schians Nuis/Neis' or 'Proscht Nuijoa(r)'. These phrases all have the same meaning and are used to wish someone a happy new year.

‘Gusch deppata’ is said after the gratulation

In Austria, there are two sayings that mean the same thing but mustn't be confused: one is used in the old year and one in the new. Before New Year's Eve, you say "Guten Rutsch" to wish friends and family a good and healthy start to the New Year. On the first day of the New Year, or when you meet your family and friends for the first time, you greet them with "Prosit Neujahr", which means Happy New Year.

After the gratulation, it is very important to say "Gusch deppata". This is a little sentence that is said with a smile. It is also important to note that the way you greet someone can depend on where in Austria you are. For example, in Lower Austria, you can soften the 'g' in 'Schens Neigs/Gauds Neigs' to a 'ch' so it becomes 'Schens Neichs'. Further west, you might say 'Guats Nuis/Neis', 'Guata Rutsch', 'Schians Nuis/Neis' or 'Proscht Nuijoa(r)'.

‘Guats neigs’ is used in Lower Austria

In Lower Austria, 'Guats neigs' is used to say Happy New Year. This is a variation of 'Schens Neigs/Gauds Neigs', where the 'g' in the word 'Neigs' is softened to a 'ch' sound, becoming 'Schens Neichs'. This is a unique and light-hearted way to greet friends and family during the New Year celebrations, and it showcases the regional variations in Austrian culture.

'Guats neigs' is a playful and cheerful expression, reflecting the joyous spirit of the New Year festivities. It is a way for Austrians in this region to connect with one another and share their well-wishes for the coming year. The phrase is an example of how language can evolve and adapt to local customs and traditions, creating a sense of community and belonging.

The use of 'Guats neigs' in Lower Austria also highlights the importance of regional dialects and variations within a country. While Austria has its official language, German, there are distinct regional dialects and phrases that are unique to specific areas, such as Lower Austria. This phrase is a testament to the rich cultural diversity that exists within the country.

Additionally, 'Guats neigs' demonstrates how language can be influenced by neighbouring regions or countries. Lower Austria shares borders with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, and it is possible that the phrase has been influenced by the languages and dialects of these neighbouring countries. This showcases the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of language and how it adapts to its social and geographical surroundings.

Finally, the use of 'Guats neigs' in Lower Austria is a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating regional dialects and phrases. By embracing and promoting these unique expressions, Austrians can maintain their rich cultural heritage and foster a sense of pride and identity within their communities. 'Guats neigs' is a delightful example of how language can bring people together and create a sense of shared history and tradition.

‘Guata Rutsch’ is used in the west

In Austria, there are two sayings that mean the same thing but mustn't be confused: one is used in the old year and one in the new. Before New Year's Eve, you say "Guten Rutsch" to wish friends or family a good and healthy start to the New Year. On the first day of the New Year, or when you meet your family and friends for the first time, you greet them with "Prosit Neujahr", which means Happy New Year.

'Guata Rutsch' is a variation of 'Guten Rutsch' and is used in the west of Austria. It is one of several variations of the phrase, including 'Guats Nuis/Neis', 'Schians Nuis/Neis' and 'Proscht Nuijoa(r)'.

'Guten Rutsch' is also used before New Year's Eve in Lower Austria, where the 'g' in 'Schens Neigs/Gauds Neigs' can be softened to a 'ch' to become 'Schens Neichs'.

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