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Making friends in a new country can be challenging, especially when facing language barriers and unfamiliar social norms. Austrians tend to be reserved and cautious when meeting new people, but once a bond is formed, it is typically strong and long-lasting. To make friends with Austrians, it is important to understand and respect their culture, be open-minded and adaptable, and actively participate in social groups and local activities. Learning some basic German can be helpful, and expat communities can provide a supportive network. Joining clubs, groups, or sports teams based on shared interests is a great way to meet Austrians, as is attending cultural events, volunteering, or using apps like Bumble and Meetup. Being patient, persistent, and direct in your communication will also increase your chances of making meaningful connections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Social customs | Austrians tend to be reserved and cautious when meeting new people, but once a bond has formed, it's typically strong and long-lasting. |
| Social norms | Austrians tend to be quite friendly and laid-back, although this may depend on where you are in the country. For example, there is a stigma that Austrians in Vienna are unfriendly towards outsiders. |
| Eye contact | Austrians see eye contact as a sign that you are being attentive. |
| Greetings | Always shake hands when introducing yourself or when being introduced. Shake hands again when you leave. If you’re a woman, don’t be surprised if someone kisses your hand instead! |
| Fashion | Austrians like to dress smartly, particularly when attending the opera, a popular pastime in Vienna. |
| Staring | Staring isn’t considered rude in Austria. |
| Conversation topics | Any conversation about outdoorsy sports will generally be well received. Other topics that are likely to be a hit include art and music – particularly classical music and opera. |
| Dating apps | Online dating apps are prevalent in Austria, but using them to make friends may not be ideal. |
| Friendship apps | Apps like Boo allow users to filter by personality type, interests, and values, promoting authentic friendships. |
| Social activities | Austrians are very family-oriented and value close-knit relationships, making it easy to make friends through social activities. |
| Language barrier | Although many Austrians speak English, particularly in urban areas, learning some basic German can show respect for the local culture and help with making connections. |
| Expat communities | Platforms like Meetup.com offer a variety of groups for expats in Austria, from social events and language exchanges to professional networking groups. |
| International clubs and societies | Many Austrian cities have international clubs and societies that organize regular social events, cultural outings, and sports activities. |
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What You'll Learn
- Austrians value directness and honesty, so communicate openly
- Learn some basic German to show respect for the local culture
- Participate in local activities such as hiking, skiing, cycling, or yoga
- Attend cultural events like classical concerts, opera, and theatre
- Be adaptable and willing to integrate into Austrian culture and customs
Austrians value directness and honesty, so communicate openly
Austrians tend to be reserved and cautious when meeting new people, but once a bond has formed, it is typically strong and long-lasting. They value directness and honesty, so it is important to communicate openly and avoid coming across as insincere.
When meeting someone for the first time, always shake hands and make eye contact. Austrians see eye contact as a sign of attentiveness. Shaking hands is also customary when leaving. If you are a woman, be aware that it is not uncommon for Austrian men to kiss your hand instead. Austrians also tend to dress smartly, so be sure to dress formally when attending the opera, a popular pastime in Vienna.
To make friends with Austrians, it is important to understand and respect their culture. Learn some basic German phrases to show respect for the local culture and to connect with native speakers. Engage in local activities and sports, such as hiking, skiing, cycling, or yoga, to meet Austrians with similar interests. Austria offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, especially in regions like Tyrol and Salzburg. Attend cultural events, such as classical concerts, opera, and theatre, to connect with cultural aficionados and enhance your appreciation of Austrian traditions.
Be persistent and consistent in your efforts to make friends. Keep attending events and participating in activities, even if your initial attempts don't lead to lasting friendships. Join clubs and groups based on your interests or hobbies to meet like-minded individuals. Be open-minded and adaptable, embracing new social norms and customs. Show respect for Austrian culture and be willing to integrate, which will make you more relatable and approachable to locals.
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Learn some basic German to show respect for the local culture
Learning some basic German is a great way to show respect for Austrian culture and can help you make friends with Austrians. German is the official language of Austria, with 98% of Austrians speaking it as their native language. While many Austrians, especially in urban areas, do speak English, learning German will open up more social and business opportunities. It shows respect and a willingness to integrate into Austrian culture, making you more approachable to locals.
There are many ways to learn basic German, from taking language classes to using language exchange apps. You could also try to find a language exchange group through a platform like Meetup.com, which offers a variety of groups for expats in Austria. These groups provide a great opportunity to meet fellow expats and practice your German skills with native speakers.
Learning some key phrases and greetings in German is a good place to start. For example, you could learn how to introduce yourself and basic conversation topics such as the weather or current events. Austrians value tolerance and respect for people's freedom of choice, so showing an interest in their culture and language is a great way to connect. They also appreciate formality and attention to detail, so using polite phrases and proper titles can go a long way.
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with Austrian culture and etiquette can help you better understand your new friends and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Austrians tend to be quite friendly and laid-back, but there are certain social norms to be aware of. For example, Austrians value eye contact as a sign of respect and attentiveness, but staring at someone without speaking is considered rude. Shaking hands when introducing yourself or saying goodbye is also important, and it's customary to shake hands with everyone individually when entering a room, including children.
Learning some basic German and understanding Austrian culture will not only show respect for their local culture but also help you navigate social situations and make meaningful connections with Austrians.
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Participate in local activities such as hiking, skiing, cycling, or yoga
Participating in local activities is a great way to make friends with Austrians and better understand Austrian culture. Fortunately, Austria offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, especially in regions like Tyrol and Salzburg.
Hiking is a popular activity in Austria, with diverse trails that wind through rushing rivers, rolling hills, and challenging mountain paths. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, joining a hiking group or club can be a great way to meet like-minded Austrians and explore the country's stunning natural landscapes.
If you're looking for a more relaxed pace, cycling is a way of life in Austria. With its flat, scenic routes and challenging mountain trails, Austria offers something for cyclists of all levels. Joining a cycling club or participating in group rides can be an excellent way to make Austrian friends who share your passion for two wheels.
For those who enjoy a more mindful activity, yoga is also popular in Austria. Joining a local yoga studio or participating in outdoor yoga sessions in parks or by the many lakes can be a great way to connect with Austrians who share your interests.
If you're feeling adventurous, skiing and snowboarding are beloved national pastimes. With its majestic mountains, Austria offers a plethora of ski resorts catering to all skill levels. Joining a ski club or taking lessons at a local resort can be an excellent way to meet Austrians and improve your skiing abilities.
By participating in these local activities, you'll not only get to experience the beauty and culture of Austria, but you'll also increase your chances of making lasting friendships with Austrians who share your interests. So, get out there, join some clubs, and don't be afraid to strike up conversations with locals—you never know who you might meet!
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Attend cultural events like classical concerts, opera, and theatre
Austria is known for its cultural offerings, including classical concerts, opera, and theatre. Attending these events can be a great way to connect with locals who appreciate Austrian culture and traditions. Here are some tips to help you navigate the cultural scene and make friends along the way:
Classical Concerts:
Austria has a rich history of classical music, having been home to renowned composers such as Mozart, Schubert, Haydn, Bruckner, and Strauss. Classical concerts are a popular way to experience this musical heritage. Keep an eye out for festivals such as the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, which presents opera and classical concerts in historic venues. If you're a fan of Schubert, don't miss the Schubertiade Schwarzenberg in Vorarlberg, the most significant festival dedicated to the composer. You can also attend performances by the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra, which often include classical concerts.
Opera:
Opera is an integral part of Austria's cultural landscape, with Vienna being particularly famous for it. The city offers a range of venues and experiences, from the prestigious Staatsoper (State Opera) to more intimate settings. Opera tickets can be surprisingly affordable, with prices starting as low as €15 for certain productions. Standing-room tickets ("Stehplatz" tickets) are also available and offer a unique way to experience the opera. Remember to book early, as inexpensive seats tend to sell out quickly.
Theatre:
Austria boasts impressive theatre venues, including the famous Salzburg Marionette Theatre, which showcases puppet versions of classic movies like "The Sound of Music". During the summer months, you can also enjoy open-air theatre experiences, such as the performances held at the Cathedral Square or in medieval arenas. These unique settings add to the charm of the theatrical productions.
Making Friends:
When attending these cultural events, be open to striking up conversations with those around you. Austrians value punctuality, so arriving on time to events can demonstrate respect for their culture. Learning some basic German can also go a long way in showing your appreciation for their language and making connections with native speakers. Remember to be persistent and consistent in your attendance at cultural events, as this will increase your chances of forming lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.
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Be adaptable and willing to integrate into Austrian culture and customs
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with nine federated states and a rich cultural heritage. The official language is Austrian German, which differs from German as spoken in Germany in vocabulary, pronunciation, and some grammar specifics. There are also other recognised minority languages, including Hungarian and Slovene. Given this diversity, it's important to be adaptable and willing to integrate into Austrian culture and customs.
Austrians tend to be quite friendly and laid back, although this may depend on where you are in the country. For example, there is a stigma that Austrians in Vienna are less friendly towards outsiders. In general, Austrians show deference to people in authority, and they will be interested in your qualifications and the amount of time your company has been in business. In a business setting, Austrians are serious and focused on accomplishing business objectives/goals, and communication is formal and follows strict rules of protocol.
Outside of work, Austrians value family, with weekends devoted to family activities such as outdoor pursuits. Dinner is eaten together in the evening, and Sundays are often spent visiting grandparents for dinner or hiking in the countryside. Austrians take pride in their homes, keeping them neat and tidy. If you are invited to an Austrian's house for dinner, it is customary to bring a small gift of consumables, such as chocolates, or flowers, but in an odd number as even numbers mean bad luck. Punctuality is a sign of respect, and it is customary to dress conservatively and elegantly. Table manners are Continental, with the fork held in the left hand and the knife in the right.
If you want to make friends with Austrians, it's a good idea to engage in local activities and sports, such as hiking, skiing, cycling, or yoga. Austrians also appreciate conversation about art and music, particularly classical music and opera. Attending cultural events, such as classical concerts, opera, and theatre, can help you connect with cultural aficionados and enhance your appreciation of Austrian traditions.
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