Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria is a beautiful country with a rich culture and friendly people. However, some aspects of Austrian culture may be surprising to outsiders. For example, Austrians love their coffee and cake, and will always make time for an afternoon break. They are also very relaxed, with ample annual leave and public holidays. Austrians are known for their love of the outdoors and sporting activities, especially in the mountains. They are also very dog-friendly, and it is common to see dogs in restaurants and cafes. However, some things may catch you off-guard, such as the staring, the elevator confusion, and the unique toilet design. So, if you're thinking of visiting Austria, be prepared for some unique cultural experiences!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Greeting style | Austrians greet with a kiss on each cheek, while expats go in for a full hug. |
| Social etiquette | Austrians are reserved in social exchanges with strangers. Small talk with strangers is not common. |
| Eye contact | Austrians see eye contact as a sign of attentiveness. Staring is not considered rude. |
| Hospitality | Austrians may expect to be paid back for drinks at a party. |
| Toilets | Toilets have shelves so that users can examine their waste before flushing. |
| Floor numbering | Floor numbering in elevators can be confusing. |
| Pets | Pets are allowed in most places, including offices, restaurants, and cafes. |
| Dress code | Austrians dress smartly and formally for the opera. |
| Nudity | Nudity is common in pools, saunas, and beaches. |
| Jaywalking | Austrians frown upon jaywalking. |
| Coffee culture | Austrians invented modern coffee and observe a mid-afternoon coffee and cake tradition. |
| Vacation | Austrians enjoy ample vacation time, with 5 weeks of annual leave, 14 public holidays, and 'swing days.' |
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What You'll Learn
Austrians love small talk in elevators
Austrians are known for their love of small talk in elevators, which may come as a surprise to some. While small talk in public spaces might be considered unnecessary by many Austrians, they do enjoy a friendly chat when sharing an elevator ride with someone. This can be a unique cultural experience for expats or visitors from other countries, who may be more accustomed to avoiding eye contact and keeping to themselves in such situations.
So, what makes Austrians so fond of elevator small talk? Well, it could be attributed to their friendly and open nature. Austrians are known for their hospitality and warmth, and this extends to their interactions in confined spaces like elevators. They may view these moments as opportunities to connect with others, even if it's just for a brief ride between floors.
Additionally, Austrians tend to have a relaxed and laid-back culture, with ample vacation days and public holidays throughout the year. This attitude towards work-life balance may contribute to their willingness to engage in casual conversations and connect with others during what could otherwise be a mundane or silent elevator ride.
To successfully navigate elevator small talk in Austria, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's essential to match their relaxed attitude. Avoid being too friendly or excited, as this may come across as disingenuous. Instead, aim for a calm and honest interaction. Secondly, while Austrians are known for their friendliness, it's important to respect their personal space and privacy. If someone doesn't seem open to a chat, it's best to let them be.
Lastly, some practical tips for elevator small talk in Austria include offering to push the floor button for your companion and breaking the ice with a simple greeting. Asking about the weather is always a safe topic, as it's a neutral subject that can lead to a short, pleasant conversation. So, the next time you find yourself in an elevator with an Austrian, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation and experience this unique aspect of their culture!
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Austrians are very relaxed
In Austria, it is common to bring your dog with you to restaurants and cafes, and many places supply water for the dogs. Austrians also tend to dress smartly and enjoy the opera. Austrians are generally unbothered by nudity, which is common in pools, saunas, and beaches. Austrians also enjoy small talk and socialising with others, and it is common to be greeted with a friendly 'Gruß Gott' when entering an office.
However, Austrians tend to be more reserved with strangers, and staring is not considered rude. When meeting someone, it is important to make eye contact and shake hands, and Austrians value direct eye contact as a sign of attentiveness. While Austrians may seem unfriendly towards outsiders at first, this is likely due to cultural differences and the importance of understanding how things work in Austria. Overall, Austrians are a relaxed and friendly people who enjoy the outdoors, socialising, and their unique traditions.
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Austrians are direct
Austrians are known for their directness, which can be observed in various social and cultural contexts. Firstly, Austrians value direct and honest communication, and they are not afraid to voice their opinions or provide feedback. This directness extends to their body language and eye contact, which can be quite intense for those who are not used to it. Austrians often maintain eye contact during conversations, which they view as a sign of attentiveness and respect.
In terms of social interactions, Austrians tend to be reserved and polite with strangers, avoiding unnecessary small talk. They prefer to keep a certain distance and formality with people they do not know well. However, once you get to know an Austrian, they can be very friendly and welcoming, often inviting expats to their birthday celebrations or joining them for a mid-afternoon coffee and cake, a beloved Austrian tradition. Austrians also have a unique way of greeting people, which can be a culture shock for expats. When meeting someone new, Austrians always shake hands and make eye contact. It is also common for Austrians to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek, which can be confusing for expats who are used to hugging or other forms of greeting.
Austrians are also direct when it comes to their love for the outdoors and sports. They are avid hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, and skiers, taking full advantage of their country's stunning countryside and mountains. Conversations about outdoor sports, art, and classical music are often well-received and can be a great way to connect with Austrians. Additionally, Austrians are direct in their appreciation for coffee and cake. The tradition of Kaffe & Kuchen, or coffee and cake, is sacred, and Austrians will happily take a break during the day to indulge in this treat.
Another area where Austrians are notoriously direct is their bathroom habits. Toilets in Austria are often designed with a shelf, which may be surprising to some, as it allows for a closer inspection of one's business before flushing. Austrians are also direct about their love for their furry friends, as dogs are welcome in most places, including restaurants, cafes, and even some offices. It is not uncommon to see well-behaved dogs accompanying their owners in many public spaces.
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Austrians love the outdoors
Austrians are known for their love of the outdoors, with activities like hiking, skiing, and other winter sports being very popular. Austria's natural beauty, with its stunning countryside, lends itself to these outdoor pursuits. The federal state of Styria, known as the "Green Heart" of Austria, is particularly renowned for its natural beauty, artistic treasures, and the charming lifestyle of its residents. Here, one can truly appreciate the Austrians' deep connection to nature and their commitment to sustainability.
Austria's location in the centre of Europe means that Austrians can easily holiday in Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and other neighbouring countries to enjoy their outdoors as well. Austrians are also known for their love of good food, with influences from Italian, Hungarian, and Bohemian cuisines. They are also deep environmentalists, working to preserve their pristine natural surroundings. Additionally, they value cleanliness and orderliness in their communities.
Austrians are typically conservative and value tradition, family, fairness, the environment, and a good work-life balance. They are also known for their punctuality and their politeness. In fact, being punctual is so important in Austrian culture that it is common knowledge that you should always aim to be about five minutes early to any meeting or social occasion. They are also big fans of coffee, with the tradition of Kaffe & Kuchen, or mid-afternoon coffee and cake, being an integral part of Austrian culture.
Austrians are also known for their unique sense of humour, described by the colloquial expression "Schmäh". This term describes a good-natured yet edgy rhetoric that forms the base of the country's humour. They also have a unique way of greeting people. For example, when two people meet, one might go for a kiss on each cheek, while the other might go in for a full hug.
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Austrians love coffee and cake
Austrians are known for their love of coffee and cake, or "Kaffee und Kuchen" as they call it. This tradition is said to have originated in the 1500s or 1600s when, according to folklore, the Turkish army left behind bags of coffee beans after retreating from Vienna. The beans were discovered by soldiers of the Polish-Habsburg army who granted them to one of his officers, Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki. Kulczycki learned how to roast and prepare the coffee beans, eventually opening the country's first "Kaffeehaus".
The coffee and cake tradition is deeply ingrained in Austrian culture, with coffee shops on almost every street corner in Vienna serving a variety of coffee and pastry options. Austrians often take a break around 3 pm to enjoy their coffee and cake, and it is customary for hosts to offer coffee and cake to travellers or guests when they arrive. This tradition is so important that large family gatherings are often organised on Sundays for those who cannot participate in the daily ritual.
The types of coffee and cake served vary, with popular coffee options including Kapuziner (coffee with milk and a drop of cream), Melange (regular coffee with milk), and Einspänner (black coffee served in a glass with whipped cream, also known as Viennese coffee). As for cake, Austrians enjoy a variety of pastries, pies, and strudels, such as "Topfenstrudel" (cheesecake Danish) and "Mehlspeise" (flour-based dishes).
The Austrian coffee and cake tradition is so beloved that it has spread beyond the nation's borders, with Austrian expats introducing it to other countries and even publishing cookbooks with Austrian coffee cake recipes. The tradition is also evolving within Austria, with Kaffeehaus owners offering modern decorations, Wi-Fi access, and other amenities to attract a younger crowd.
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Frequently asked questions
Invite them to your birthday party and tell them that you will "invite" them, which in Austrian means that you will treat them. Send them the bill for the beers they drank at the party.
Austrians are generally reserved in their social exchanges with strangers. Start a conversation with small talk such as "how are you doing?" or "how has your day been?"
Austrians dress smartly, especially when they go to the opera. Wear casual clothes to the opera to freak out an Austrian.
Austrians love the outdoors and getting up the mountains. Tell them you dislike outdoor activities and prefer staying indoors.
