Being Austrian: A Guide To Culture And Customs

Austria is a modern country with a rich history and unique culture. From their love of dairy and potatoes to their obsession with punctuality, Austrians have a distinct way of life. Acquiring Austrian citizenship can be done through various means, including descent, award, extension of an award, or naturalization. The process involves fulfilling requirements such as language proficiency, knowledge of the country's history and democratic system, and residency duration. Austria also offers citizenship by investment, recognizing the contribution to the country's economy or extraordinary achievements in various fields. With its smoking culture and relaxed holiday norms, Austria presents a blend of traditional and contemporary lifestyles.

Embrace the language: German, but not quite

Austria is a modern country with a rich history and a unique culture. If you want to embrace Austrian culture, one of the most important things to do is to learn the language. While Austrians speak German, there are some distinct differences between Austrian German and standard German. For example, a potato is called a "Kartoffeln" in standard German, but Austrians say "Erdäpfel". Similarly, German apricots are "Aprikose", while Austrian ones are "Marillen". So, while learning German is a great start, be prepared to encounter some unique Austrian words and phrases.

To truly embrace the Austrian language, consider enrolling in a language course that specifically teaches Austrian German. This will help you learn the local dialect and improve your communication skills with Austrians. Additionally, try to immerse yourself in Austrian media, such as watching Austrian television shows or listening to Austrian music. This will help you pick up on nuances and slang that you might not find in a textbook.

Another important aspect of the Austrian language is its connection to the country's history and culture. Austrians take pride in their history, and understanding the language can give you a deeper appreciation of their traditions and values. Learn about Austria's rich history, including its time as a powerful empire and its role in both World Wars. This knowledge will not only help you navigate the language better but will also give you a deeper understanding of Austrian culture and people.

Finally, language and culture are closely intertwined in Austria. Austrians value their traditions and customs, and many of these are reflected in their unique language. Join in on their beloved dairy-based dishes, their punctuality, and their love for the outdoors and you will find yourself embracing the Austrian way of life in no time. Learning the language is just the start of your journey towards becoming Austrian!

Be on time: early, even

Austrians are sticklers for punctuality. Being on time is a must, and arriving early is even better. In Austria, being 5 minutes early is considered being on time. So, if you want to be Austrian, you need to get used to being early for everything. Set your watch a few minutes ahead if that helps you.

This applies to all areas of life, from social engagements to business meetings. If you're meeting a friend for coffee, make sure you arrive first. If you're attending a job interview, give yourself plenty of time to get there and account for any possible delays. Being late is simply not an option. Austrians take punctuality very seriously, and being late is considered rude and disrespectful. If you're not on time, expect some disapproving looks and perhaps even some stern words.

Planning is key to being on time. Always check the travel situation before you set off, allowing for any delays or unexpected hold-ups. If you're relying on public transport, make sure you know the timetable, and have a backup plan in case of cancellations or delays. If you're driving, check for road closures or traffic jams, and give yourself extra time to find parking. It's always better to arrive at your destination early and have time to spare than to be late.

Being punctual is a sign of respect in Austria. It shows that you value the other person's time and that you are reliable and organized. So, if you want to fit in with Austrian culture, make sure you're always early, even if it means waiting around for a few minutes. It's better than keeping people waiting for you! Being punctual will also help you in your daily life, ensuring you're organized and prepared, and giving you a sense of control over your schedule.

Love dairy: cheese, milk, butter, cream, and more

Austria is a country with a rich dairy history and culture. If you want to be Austrian, embracing dairy products is a must. From cheese and milk to butter and cream, Austrians enjoy a wide variety of dairy products in their daily lives.

Cheese is a beloved part of Austrian cuisine, with its varying flavours, textures, and aromas. It is a versatile ingredient used in many dishes, from salads to sauces. Austrians also invented a drink made from leftover cheese juice called Latella, which is worth trying if you're adventurous.

Milk is also a staple in Austrian diets, providing essential nutrients and supporting health. It is often used in combination with other dairy products, such as in creamy sauces or spreads. Butter, made from milk, is another simple yet essential part of Austrian cuisine, enhancing the flavour of other foods.

Cream is also a favourite in Austria, used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It adds richness and flavour to meals, and is often used in desserts and pastries. Mayonnaise, a creamy spread, is also commonly used in Austrian salads.

In addition to these dairy staples, Austrians also have a unique relationship with pork. It is a staple in their diet, often served with potatoes, and is considered to be life for Austrians. From schnitzel to cordon bleu, pork is a common ingredient in many dishes, even appearing at breakfast as a spread.

Pork is life: schnitzel, cordon bleu, and breakfast spread

Austrians love their pork, and it is a staple of the country's diet. The obsession with pork is such that it is said that "pork = life" in Austria. The country's most famous dish, Wiener Schnitzel, is made with veal, but Austrians also enjoy a pork version, Schweineschnitzel. To make this, pork chops are pounded until they are 1/4 inch thick, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. The Schnitzel is then fried immediately in hot oil—enough so that the Schnitzel can "swim". The result is a beautifully crispy coating with a juicy interior.

Austrians also enjoy Cordon Bleu, which can be seen as a "luxury" version of Wiener Schnitzel. This is made in a similar way to Schnitzel but is then stuffed with cheese and ham and fried until golden brown. It is often served with potato salad or boiled potatoes with parsley.

Pork also makes its way into Austrian breakfasts, which are known for their simplicity and focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients. Austrians typically eat bread with a variety of spreads, and pork fat is made spreadable and served on bread. Breakfast may also include cold cuts, or "Wurst", which can be salami, ham, or sausage. The most famous of these is the "Würstchen", a small, delicate sausage served with bread and mustard.

Austria is known for its dairy production, and cheese is another essential element of breakfast. Austrians often eat a mild, slightly salty cheese called "Käse" with their bread. Dairy is a significant part of the Austrian diet, and it is said that "the diet of Austria is built on the back of a pig—always served with generous helpings of potatoes".

Smoke: it's cheap and legal at 16

Austria has been slow to adopt smoking laws, and the country has a strong smoking culture. Smoking is cheap, with super-cheap packs of cigarettes available for as little as €4. It's also legal to smoke from the age of 16, which means that half of the population is addicted by the age of 17.

While smoking is banned in public places like transport, schools, offices, airports, museums, hospitals, shopping malls, stores, fitness centres, theatres, and cinemas, it is still common to see people smoking outside, such as at bus stops or outside coffee houses.

In the past, bars and restaurants were required to provide a separate non-smoking area, but this was typically the main room, and very small locations were exempt. In 2019, a blanket ban was introduced, making it illegal to smoke inside pubs, restaurants, and similar venues.

Austria's smoking culture is so prevalent that it barely rates a mention, and it is normal to see people of all ages smoking in public swimming spots and sunbathing topless or nude beside lakes and the Danube.

If you want to fit in with Austrian smoking culture, you can expect to buy cheap cigarettes and smoke from the age of 16, but be aware that smoking inside is now banned, and the locals still love their cigarettes outside.

Frequently asked questions