
In Austria, the national language is German, but Austrian German differs from the standardized German spoken in parts of Germany. One example of this is how Austrians say burp in their native language. In Germany, it is common to say Schulz after someone burps, and this tradition has spread to Austria, especially among teenagers as a drinking game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to say after someone burps | "Schulz" |
| Where is it said | Germany, Austria, Switzerland |
| Who says it | Teenagers, Men |
| When to say it | After someone burps |
| Why say it | Drinking game |
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What You'll Learn

In Austria, people say Schulz after someone burps
In Austria, people say "Schulz" after someone burps. This tradition is also observed in Germany, Switzerland, and northern France. It is believed that the practice originated from a man named Schulz who burped very loudly in a bar in 1978, and his friends shouted his name in shock. The story was then picked up by teenagers at another table, and it spread from there.
Saying "Schulz" after a burp is especially popular among teenagers, who often play a drinking game where they say "Schulz" and a color that no one else has said, and the last person to do so loses. The word "Schulz" is also similar to the German word "schuldigung," which means "sorry" or "my bad." This may be why it is used as an exclamation after someone burps.
In addition to "Schulz," there are other phrases that Austrians may use in response to a burp. For example, in southern Germany, people might say, "Das war der Landfunk, die Sau sprach selbst," which translates to "That was the rural radio, the sow spoke herself." Alternatively, they might simply say "Mahlzeit," which means "mealtime" or "blessed mealtime."
It is worth noting that the national language of Austria is German, and Austrian German has evolved differently from standardized German spoken in parts of Germany. As a result, there may be some variations in how people respond to burps in different regions. However, saying "Schulz" after someone burps appears to be a common practice in Austria and other German-speaking countries.
While the tradition of saying "Schulz" after a burp may seem lighthearted and playful, it is important to be mindful of cultural differences and respect local customs and manners when visiting or living in Austria or any other country.
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In southern Austria, it's customary to say a colour after burping
In southern Austria, it is customary to say "Schulz" and then a colour after someone has burped. This tradition is a game, often played by teenagers, where the last person to say a colour that hasn't been mentioned yet loses. The word "Schulz" is derived from the German word "Entschuldigung", which means "sorry, my bad", and is used as an excuse after burping. The word "Schulz" is also advantageous because it is a word that can be burped out easily.
This tradition is not unique to Austria and has also been observed in Switzerland, northern France, and Italy. In Bayern, a region in Germany, a similar game is played where people say a colour after someone burps, and the last person to say a colour that no one else has mentioned loses.
While burping is considered rude in many cultures, including Germany, there are some exceptions. For example, in some cultures, burping after a meal is considered a compliment to the chef. Additionally, among some social groups, particularly men, burping can be a way to earn respect and admiration from peers.
In the German language, the verb "rülpsen" means to burp, and it is considered a rude action, especially when done in restaurants or at the dinner table. However, some people consider it acceptable and even see it as a normal part of the meal.
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In northern France, people also say Schulz after a burp
In northern France, people also say "Schulz" after a burp. This practice is also common in Germany, Switzerland, and southern Austria. It is especially popular among teenagers, who use it as a drinking game. If someone burps and another person does not say "Schulz," they get punched.
The word "Schulz" is a German name that comes from the job of "Schultheiß" in Medieval times. A "Schultheiß" was a man who ordered the "Schuld" (debt) of people and often had the role of a judge. Later, a "Schultheiß" also became known as a Schultze, Schulze, or Schulz.
There are a few theories as to why people say "Schulz" after a burp. One theory suggests that it is because the word sounds like "Schuldigung," which is a slang way of saying "Entschuldigung" ("sorry, my bad"). Another theory suggests that it originated in a bar in 1978 when a man named Schulz burped very loudly, and his friends shouted his name in shock.
In addition to "Schulz," there are other phrases that people use to respond to a burp in German-speaking countries. For example, in southern Germany, people might say, "Das war der Landfunk, die Sau sprach selbst" ("That was the rural radio, the sow spoke herself") or simply "Mahlzeit" ("mealtime").
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In Italy, it used to be common to say Schulz after burping
In Austria, it is common to say "Schulz" after someone has burped. This tradition is also common in Germany and Switzerland. In southern Austria, it is accompanied by a game where you say "Schulz" and a colour that no one else has said, and if you're last, you've lost. This is mostly played by teenagers.
The name "Schulz" is said to be derived from the German word "Entschuldigung", which means "sorry, my bad". It is also a common German name, originating from the job title "Schultheiß" in Medieval times. A "Schultheiß" was a man who collected debts and often had the role of a judge.
In Italy, it used to be common to say "Schulz" after burping, too. This might be due to the tradition's roots in Germany, as well as its spread to neighbouring countries like Switzerland and Austria. It is possible that the tradition travelled from Germany to these countries and Italy due to cultural exchange and migration. Over time, the tradition of saying "Schulz" after burping might have become a common practice in Italy, especially among younger people, similar to how it is played as a game in Austria.
Additionally, the ability to burp the word "Schulz" might have contributed to its popularity in Italy. The ease of saying "Schulz" after burping means that people can quickly excuse themselves without having to say a full sentence. This aspect might have been particularly appealing to Italians, as it provides a convenient way to navigate social situations involving burping, which may be considered impolite in certain cultures.
The tradition of saying "Schulz" after burping appears to have spread beyond its German origins, leaving its mark on Italy and other neighbouring countries. While the exact reasons for its adoption in Italy are not entirely clear, a combination of cultural exchange, the ease of burping the word, and its light-hearted nature as a game likely contributed to its popularity in the region.
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Schulz is derived from the word Schuldigung
In German-speaking countries, it is common to say "Schultz" after burping. In southern Austria, when someone burps, people say "Schulz" and a colour that no one else has mentioned, and if you're last, you've lost. This is a game mostly played by teenagers and children. The word is used because of its similarity to "Schuldigung", which means "my bad" or "sorry". "Schultz" is also a common German family name, particularly in Northern Germany, and is derived from the local official title of Schultheiß or Schulze, meaning the head of a town or village. The name is also common in Denmark and the United States, though it is spelled "Schultz" in these countries. The Jewish origin of the name is uncertain, but it was later forced upon Ashkenazi Jews due to increased migration into Germany during the medieval period.
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Frequently asked questions
The word for burp in Austrian German is "Rülpsen".
After someone burps, Austrians say "Schulz".
There is a theory that in a bar in 1978, a man named Schulz burped very loudly, and his friends shouted his name in shock. This then spread to other people in the bar and eventually became a common practice.
Yes, "Rülpsen" is also called, more formally, "aufstoßen".
Yes, similar to how people in many cultures say "bless you" after someone sneezes, Austrians say "Gesundheit", which means "health".


