Mastering Austrian: A Guide To Learning The Language Efficiently

Austrian German, or Österreichisches Deutsch, is a form of the German language spoken in Austria. It is largely similar to Standard German, with small changes in vocabulary, grammar, and phrases. The pronunciation also does not differ too much, although the accent can be hard to understand for those who have learned German in the North. The standardisation of Austrian German goes back to the 18th century when mandatory school attendance was introduced in 1774, and the government created administrative language standards.

Austrian German is officially recognised by the European Union and is the only pluricentric language (a language with several standard, official variations) that is. It is also spoken in some parts of Northern Italy and in Bavaria, Germany.

If you're looking to learn Austrian German, one of the best ways to do so is through immersion. This can be done by travelling to Austria, or by consuming Austrian media such as movies, TV shows, and radio.

Learn the basics: Austrian German is the official language of Austria and over 98% of the population speaks it

Austrian German, or Österreichisches Deutsch, is the official language of Austria and over 98% of the population speaks it. It is also spoken in South Tyrol. While Austrian German is very similar to Standard German, there are some key differences to note if you're looking to learn the basics.

First, a bit of history. Austrian German has its roots in the mid-18th century when compulsory schooling was introduced by the Habsburgs. The written standard at the time was Oberdeutsche Schreibsprache (Upper German written language), which was influenced by the Bavarian and Alemannic dialects of Austria. However, the Habsburgs decided to adopt the already-standardised chancellery language of Saxony, which was based on the administrative language of the non-Austrian area of Meißen and Dresden. This became known as Austria High German (not to be confused with the Bavarian Austrian German dialects).

In 1951, the Österreichisches Wörterbuch ("Austrian Dictionary") was published, which prescribed spelling rules that defined the official language. This standardised form of Austrian German is used by the government and in schools.

Austrian German is influenced by and uses some words from Bavarian and Alemannic dialects, which are traditionally spoken but rarely written in Austria. It is also influenced by Southern German dialects.

When it comes to vocabulary, there are some distinctively Austrian words. For example, "Marillen" for apricots, "Sackerl" for a small bag, and "Erdapfel" for potatoes. There are also some false friends between Austrian German and Standard German, such as "Kasten", which means wardrobe in Austrian German, but box in Standard German.

In terms of pronunciation, Austrian German is quite soft, with certain vowels pronounced differently. There is also a melodic lilt to the way Austrians speak.

When it comes to verb conjugation, there are some differences to note. For example, in Austrian German, you might say "ich bin gesessen" (I am sat) instead of the Standard German "ich habe gesessen" (I have sat).

Vocabulary differences: Learn the unique vocabulary of Austrian German, such as Semmel for bread roll and Erdapfel for potatoes

Vocabulary Differences in Austrian German

Austrian German has a unique vocabulary that differentiates it from Standard German. Here are some key vocabulary differences to be aware of:

Semmel vs. Brötchen

In Berlin, you would typically ask for a sandwich on a "Brötchen" (bread roll). However, in Austria and Bavaria, these rolls are known as "Semmel". So, if you're ordering a sandwich in Austria, remember to ask for it on a "Semmel" instead of a "Brötchen".

Erdapfel vs. Kartoffeln

When it comes to potatoes, there is a regional difference in terminology. In Berlin, potatoes are called "Kartoffeln", while in Austria, you'll find them labelled as "Erdapfel", which literally translates to "apples of the earth", similar to the French "pomme de terre". So, if you're shopping for potatoes in an Austrian market, be sure to ask for "Erdapfel".

Paradeiser vs. Tomate

Another interesting food-related vocabulary difference is the word for tomatoes. In Austria, tomatoes are called "Paradeiser", while in Germany, they are referred to as "Tomate". So, if you're a tomato lover, make sure you know the right word depending on which German-speaking region you're in.

Klo vs. Toilette

In Germany, bathrooms are typically labelled as "Toilette" or "WC". However, in Austria, the word for toilet is "Klo". So, if you're out and about in Austria and need to find a restroom, look for signs that say "Klo".

Mahlzeit vs. Guten Appetit

When it comes to mealtime etiquette, there is a slight difference in the standard greeting. In Berlin, it is common to say "Guten Appetit" before digging into a meal. However, in Salzburg, the equivalent expression is "Mahlzeit". Knowing these niceties will help you fit in with the locals.

Sackerl vs. Tüte

If you're at a grocery store in Germany, you would typically ask for a "Tüte" to carry your purchases. However, in Austria, the equivalent word is "Sackerl". So, if you need a bag for your groceries in Austria, ask for a "Sackerl".

These vocabulary differences may seem subtle, but they can make a big difference in your ability to communicate effectively in Austrian German. By familiarising yourself with these unique words and phrases, you'll be well on your way to mastering the language and navigating daily life in Austria like a local.

Grammar: Understand the grammatical differences, like the use of habe and bin with certain verbs

When it comes to grammar, Austrian German has some differences from Standard German. The verb "to be" is conjugated differently in Austrian German. The Austrian version uses a shortened form of the Standard German verb or a new structure. For example, "ich bin" (I am) is used instead of "ich habe" (I have) with certain verbs. This is because the verb "sein" (to be) is irregular and its conjugations do not follow standard patterns.

In Austrian German, the final "e" in plural forms is often dropped, and the Perfect tense is typically used to form the past, similar to Standard German. However, Austrian German often uses a different auxiliary verb for individual expressions. Additionally, Austrians rarely use the simple past tense.

Another grammatical difference lies in the use of articles. Austrians tend to "overuse" articles, such as using "der" before a person's name (e.g., "der Hans" instead of just "Hans").

Pronunciation: Practice the distinct Austrian accent, characterised by long and broad vowels

The Austrian accent is heavily influenced by the German spoken in the country, which differs from standard German in its vocabulary, grammar, and phrases. The accent is particularly challenging for German speakers from the North to understand, as the vowels are long and broad, and the cadence sounds more Swedish.

If you want to practice the Austrian accent, it's a good idea to immerse yourself in the language. You can do this by listening to Austrian radio, or by using a language-learning program like FluentU, which uses authentic videos such as music videos, movie trailers, and news clips to help you learn.

Some examples of the differences between Austrian German and standard German include:

• The greeting "Grüß Gott" (May God greet you) is used in Austria and Bavaria, whereas in Germany, "Guten Tag" (Good day) is more common.
• In Austria, bread rolls are called "Semmel," while in Berlin, they are known as "Brötchen."
• Tomatoes are called "Paradeiser" in Austria and "Tomate" in Germany.
• Austrians use the word "Klo" for the toilet, while Germans typically use "Toilette" or "WC."
• When wishing someone a good meal, Austrians say "Mahlzeit," whereas Germans say "Guten Appetit."

In addition to these differences, Austrians also tend to emphasise specific vowel sounds and leave out certain parts of words, which can make it challenging for speakers of standard German to understand.

Immersion: Immerse yourself in Austrian media, culture, and interactions with native speakers to improve your language skills

Immersion is one of the best ways to learn Austrian German. Here are some tips to help you immerse yourself in Austrian media, culture, and interactions with native speakers:

• Listen to Austrian radio stations. This will help you get used to the unique sounds and accents of the country.
• Watch Austrian movies and TV shows. Look for productions that feature the Viennese dialect, such as "Kaisermühlen Blues" and its spin-off series, "Kaisermühlen Blues."
• Listen to Austrian music. Explore both classical composers like Mozart and Schubert and modern genres like electronic, pop, and rock.
• Read Austrian literature. Discover unique narrative voices such as Stefan Zweig, Elfriede Jelinek, and Peter Handke.
• Engage with Austrian art. Explore the works of artists like Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Koloman Moser, who were part of the Vienna Secession movement.
• Sample Austrian cuisine. Try dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Kärntner Kasnudeln, and Salzburger Nockerl. Don't forget to indulge in the country's famous pastries and sweets!
• Explore Austrian customs and traditions. Learn about the country's rich history, including its time as part of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg monarchy. Understand the importance of family values, social etiquette, punctuality, and work-life balance in Austrian culture.
• Interact with native speakers. If you can't travel to Austria, use language learning apps or online platforms to connect with native Austrian speakers.

Remember that Austrian German has regional variations, so be prepared to encounter different dialects and accents as you immerse yourself in the language and culture.

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