Damon Mcknight
Greeting someone in Austria is dependent on the situation, time of day, and level of formality. Austrians tend to be more reserved and formal in social situations, especially in business meetings. In these formal situations, it is common to greet people with a handshake and professional titles such as Doktor or Herr. Basic German greetings such as Guten Morgen (good morning), Guten Tag (good day), or Guten Abend (good evening) are often used. However, Austrians also have their own phrases and slang. The religiously inspired Grüß Gott (Greet God) is a traditional, formal greeting commonly used throughout the day. Servus is an informal greeting that can also be used to say goodbye. When greeting friends and family, Austrians may use Hallo (hello) or Tschüss (bye).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formal greeting | Grüß Gott, Guten Morgen, Guten Tag, Guten Abend |
| Informal greeting | Servus, Hallo, Grüss dich, Hi |
| Formal goodbye | Auf Wiedersehen, Auf Wiederschauen |
| Informal goodbye | Priat di, Pfiat di, Tschüss |
| Greeting with titles | Doktor, Herr, Frau |
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What You'll Learn
Greeting someone in a business setting
When greeting someone in a business setting, it is common to shake their hand and maintain eye contact. It is considered courteous to shake hands with everyone present, including men, women, and children. You should shake hands with women before men, and shake hands again when leaving. The higher-ranking or older person usually extends their hand first. Kissing a lady's hand is also still seen in Vienna, but it is considered outdated and possibly shocking.
In terms of verbal greetings, it is best to stick to formal phrases such as "Guten Morgen" (good morning), "Guten Tag" (good day), or "Guten Abend" (good evening), depending on the time of day. Austrians appreciate polite greetings, and these are appropriate in formal settings, although they are also often used casually between acquaintances. "Grüß Gott" is another formal greeting, meaning "God greets you" or "God bless you", and is common in Catholic, German-speaking areas like Austria and Bavaria. It is generally used by older people or those in rural areas. "Servus" is also a common greeting, although it is more informal and is often used by teenagers. "Hallo" is a neutral greeting that is always acceptable and means "hello".
When answering the phone in a business setting, it is customary to state your name and the company's name, along with a greeting like "Guten Morgen".
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Greeting someone in an informal setting
In informal settings, such as between friends and family, Austrians may greet each other with a light hug or two light air kisses on the cheek. Verbal greetings are also used, such as "Hallo" (hello) or "Servus" (hi). "Grüß dich" is also used informally. The traditional greeting "Grüß Gott" (meaning "greet God"), is still commonly used as a formal greeting, but it is becoming old-fashioned. However, in informal settings, it is acceptable to use "Grüß dich Gott" as a more casual version of this greeting. When saying goodbye, "Servus" can also be used, as well as "Tschüss" and "Pfiat di", which are used among friends and family.
It is important to note that Austrians have their own German phrases and slang, so there are some differences between German greetings in Germany and Austria. For example, "Guten Tag" and "Guten Abend" are not commonly used in Austria, unlike in Germany. Additionally, Austrians tend to be more ironic in their use of language, which can lead to misunderstandings with Germans.
When greeting someone in an informal setting in Austria, it is also important to consider the time of day. Before 10 am, Austrians typically say "Guten Morgen" (good morning), which can be shortened to "Morgen". Throughout the day, they use "Grüß Gott" or its informal version, "Grüß dich Gott".
In terms of titles, Austrians tend to use formal titles such as "Herr" (Mr) and "Frau" (Mrs or Ms) with last names when referring to people directly. Academic titles, such as "Doktor", are also commonly used. First names are generally only used with friends, family, and people you know well.
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Greeting someone in a formal setting
When greeting someone in a formal setting in Austria, it is customary to use formal verbal greetings such as "Guten Morgen" (good morning), "Guten Tag" (good day), or "Guten Abend" (good evening). These phrases are the same as those used in Germany. "Grüß Gott," which translates to "greet God" or "May God greet you," is also a formal greeting that is commonly used in Austria and other German-speaking Catholic regions. It is similar to "Pfiat di Gott," which comes from "Behüt dich Gott." "Grüß Gott" is also similar to the Swiss greeting "Grüezi." "Grüß Gott" is still used by religiously-inclined, conservative people and those in rural areas.
When greeting someone in a formal setting, it is important to use titles such as "Herr" (Mr.) or professional titles like "Doktor" where possible. This is especially important in business meetings. First names are generally reserved for friends, family, and people you know well.
In a business setting, it is customary to include German translations on business cards. When answering the phone, state your name, company, and offer a greeting like "Guten Morgen." At a business lunch or dinner, business is only discussed if the host brings it up. Introductions are important in Austrian business culture, so try to get an introduction from a mutual contact.
When greeting someone in a formal setting, it is customary to shake hands. The handshake takes priority over verbal greetings. When shaking hands, there is an order of priority based on seniority or age, where you first shake hands with the eldest or most senior person.
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Greeting someone in a shop
Greeting someone with a handshake is very common in Austria, regardless of age and gender. It is considered courteous to shake hands with everyone present in a business or social setting. Direct eye contact is also important when greeting someone with a handshake.
When greeting someone in a shop in Austria, it is important to greet the sales staff when entering and leaving. In general, Austrian customer service is decent and delivered in an aloof manner. Service is usually included, so you should only need to tip minimally. Austrians tend to follow a formal style of communication, and you should always greet Austrian people with titles. This is especially true in business meetings. Try and use professional titles, such as "Doktor" or "Herr" (Mr). First names are only used with friends, family, and people you know well.
In terms of verbal greetings, you could say "Guten Morgen" (good morning), "Guten Tag" (good day), or "Guten Abend" (good evening). "Guten Tag" is a more formal and polite way to greet someone, especially in professional or formal contexts. It translates to "have a good day" and is often used when meeting someone for the first time or when addressing someone in a position of authority. You could also say "Grüß dich" or "Grüß Gott" (God bless you), which is a formal greeting often used in southern Germany and Austria. "Grüß Gott" is a respectful way to address someone, especially in rural areas or when meeting elders. It is considered a polite and humble greeting, showing deference and appreciation. "Servus" is also a popular greeting in Austria and Bavaria, used similarly to "Ciao" in Italian. It is a colloquial way to greet people you know well, especially friends, and is also widely used by teenagers.
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Greeting someone with a handshake
When greeting someone with a handshake, it is customary to use a verbal greeting as well. Formal greetings that accompany handshakes include 'Guten Morgen' ('good morning'), 'Guten Tag' ('good day'), and 'Guten Abend' ('good evening'). 'Grüß Gott' ('God bless you' or 'May God greet you') is also used as a formal greeting, although it is considered old-fashioned. If you are greeting someone before 10 am, 'Guten Morgen' or the shorter 'Morgen' are also options.
In more casual settings, such as among friends and family, people may use greetings such as 'Hallo', 'Servus', or 'Hi' for younger people. 'Servus' is a popular greeting in Austria and can be used to say both hello and goodbye. It is derived from the Latin word 'servus', meaning 'slave' or 'servant'. So, when someone greets you with 'Servus', they are essentially saying 'I'm your servant' or 'At your service'.
It is important to note that the use of first names is generally reserved for close friends, family, and among the youth. In Austria, people are often referred to by their titles or academic degrees, such as 'Herr' or 'Frau', followed by their last names. For example, 'Herr Österreich' or 'Frau Doktor'.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians tend to be quite formal, so a handshake is common. You should also use professional titles, such as "Herr" (Mr). A formal verbal greeting such as "Guten Morgen" (good morning), "Guten Tag" (good day), or "Guten Abend" (good evening) is also appropriate.
Austrians often use "Grüß dich" or "Grüß Gott" (God bless you), which is a more traditional and religious greeting. "Servus" is another popular greeting, used to say both hello and goodbye.
To greet multiple people, you can say "Griass di" for plural, or "Griass enk" for a regional variation from Tyrol.
"Doktor" is a formal title that can be used to greet someone in Austrian. "Auf Wiedersehen" or "Auf Wiederschauen" are also formal ways to say goodbye.
Informally, Austrians may lightly hug or give two light air kisses on the cheek. "Hallo" or "Servus" are also informal verbal greetings.
