Understanding Austrian Addresses: A Guide To Reading Them Accurately

If you're sending mail to Austria, it's important to know how to address an envelope to ensure your letter or package arrives at its destination promptly and accurately. In this guide, we'll cover the essential elements of an Austrian address, including the correct format, language, and any special considerations for different types of addresses. We'll also provide examples of how to address mail to a residential or business address, a PO Box, a rural area, and government offices. By following these guidelines, you can feel confident that your correspondence will reach its intended recipient in Austria without any delays.

Addressee line: The recipient's full name, including any appropriate titles

When addressing a letter to Austria, it is important to include the recipient's full name, along with any relevant titles. This is typically written on the first line of the address and is an essential aspect of the Austrian addressing format.

In Austrian culture, academic and occupational titles are highly valued and should be used correctly. They are employed in conjunction with a form of address and are placed before an individual's name. For instance, when addressing an Austrian within a letter, the surname is often omitted when a title is used. An example of this would be addressing someone as "Professor Dr. Smith" instead of "Professor Dr. Jones, Mr. Smith".

It is worth noting that Austrian law stipulates that given names must be "by nature", meaning they cannot include family names, common nouns, brand names, place names, or noble titles. Short forms are permitted, but nicknames are not allowed. Given names must also be spelt correctly and should not have the potential to cause harm to the namee.

When addressing a letter to a business in Austria, it is customary to include the company name on the first line, followed by the recipient's name or department. This is then followed by the street address or PO Box, postal code, city, and country. Here is an example:

> XYZ GmbH

> Attn: Franz Müller

> Schillerstraße 10

> 1010

> Wien

> AUSTRIA

Street address or PO Box: The recipient's street address or PO Box number

When writing an Austrian address, the street address or PO Box number should be written on a single line. The street name should be written first, followed by the house or building number without any punctuation. For example, "Schillerstraße 10".

If the recipient uses a PO Box, write “Postfach” followed by the box number. For example, "Postfach 789".

In rural areas where formal street names may not exist, include the name of the village or settlement, followed by the nearest larger town or city, the postal code, and the country. For example, "Dorfstraße 15, 3150 Wilhelmsburg".

For business addresses, the format is slightly different. Include the company name on the first line, followed by the recipient's name or department. The rest of the address follows the standard format. For example, "XYZ GmbH, Attn: Franz Müller, Schillerstraße 10".

It is important to note that Austrian addresses should be written in German, which is the official language of the country. However, international mail may include English translations for key terms, such as "Postfach" for PO Box.

Postal code and city: Austria's four-digit postal code system, followed by the city name

Austria's four-digit postal code system is an integral part of addressing mail to the country. Each of the four digits in the postal code has a specific meaning. The first digit targets one of the nine Austrian states, also known as Bundesland. The second number indicates the regional area within the state, while the third number is for routing allocation, following railways and post car routes. The fourth digit represents a specific Austrian post office. For example, the postal code 1000 is for Austria's capital, Vienna, while 9992 is for Iselsberg-Stronach, a municipality in the state of Tirol.

When writing an address for Austria, the postal code is followed by the city name. The full name of the recipient or business should be written first, followed by the street address or PO Box. If the recipient uses a PO Box, write "Postfach" followed by the box number. For rural areas without formal street names, include the name of the village or settlement, followed by the nearest larger town or city, the postal code, and the country.

It is important to note that the Austrian postal code system only applies within the country. For international mail, the country name "AUSTRIA" should always be included in capital letters on the last line of the address. Additionally, addresses should be written in German, which is the official language of Austria. However, international mail may include English translations for key terms, such as "Postfach" for PO Box.

Franz Müller

Schillerstraße 10

1010

Wien

AUSTRIA

Country: Austria in capital letters for international mail

When addressing international mail to Austria, it is important to follow the correct format to ensure your letter or package reaches its destination without delay. Here is a detailed guide on how to address your mail:

Country: AUSTRIA in capital letters. The country name should always be included in capital letters on the last line of the address for international mail. This is an important and easily overlooked aspect of addressing mail to Austria.

Recipient's Name: Write the recipient's full name on the first line. Include any appropriate titles. For business addresses, start with the company name, followed by the recipient's name or department. For example, "XYZ GmbH Attn: Franz Müller".

Street Address or PO Box: Provide the street name and house/building number for residential or business addresses. In German, "Straße" means street and is abbreviated as "St." when used in an address. "Nr." is used for "number" (house or building). If the recipient uses a PO Box, write "Postfach" followed by the box number.

Postal Code and City: Austrian postal codes are four digits long and must be included in the address. The city or town name follows the postal code.

International Organisations or NGOs: When sending mail to international organisations or NGOs in Austria, include the organisation's name and specific department or office. For example, "Red Cross Austria, Attn: Medical Assistance Department, Schillerstraße 10, 1010 Wien, AUSTRIA".

Courier Services: When using courier services such as DHL or FedEx, include additional contact details such as phone numbers, as couriers may require specific instructions. For example, "Franz Müller, Schillerstraße 10, 1010 Wien, AUSTRIA, Phone: +43 1 1234567".

Multiple Recipients: When addressing mail to multiple recipients at the same address, list their names on separate lines. For example, for a family, write "The Müller Family, Schillerstraße 10, 1010 Wien, AUSTRIA".

Remember to write the address in capital letters for clarity and legibility, and always leave at least the bottom 16 millimetres (or 5/8 inch) blank on both the front and back of your envelope or postcard. This space is necessary for postal services' reading and sorting machines to print bar codes.

Formatting: Write addresses in German, in capital letters, and left-aligned

When formatting an Austrian address, it is important to follow the correct structure to ensure accurate and prompt delivery. Addresses should be written in German, in capital letters, and left-aligned. Here is a breakdown of the format:

Recipient's Name: The first line should include the full name of the person or business receiving the letter. Academic and occupational titles are given great importance in Austrian society and must be used correctly.

Street Address or PO Box: Provide the street name and house/building number for residential or business addresses. In German, "Straße" means street, often abbreviated as "St." In your address, write the street name followed by the house or building number without any punctuation. If the recipient uses a PO Box, write "Postfach" followed by the box number.

Postal Code and City: Austrian postal codes are four digits long and must be included in the address, followed by the city or town name. The postal code comes before the city name.

Country: For international mail, always write "AUSTRIA" in capital letters on the last line.

Format Example:

FRANZ MÜLLER

SCHILLERSTRASSE 10

1010 WIEN

AUSTRIA

Additional Tips:

• For rural areas without formal street names, include the name of the village or settlement, followed by the nearest larger town or city, the postal code, and the country.
• Austrian telephone numbers range from 4 to 13 digits when called from abroad.
• Leave at least the bottom 16 millimeters (5/8 inch) blank on the front and back of your envelope or postcard. This space is for postal service reading and sorting machines to print bar codes.

Frequently asked questions