Lexi Webster
Austria is known for its stunning scenery, delicious food, and unique language. German is the official language of Austria, but the country has its own distinct phrases and slang that set it apart from German speakers in other countries. For example, Austrians have their own way of saying hello and cheers, and even their own word for hangover. While basic German will be understood, Austrians will appreciate the effort of using their local language. So, if you're planning a trip to Austria and want to fit in with the locals, it's worth learning some Austrian German phrases. One of the most important aspects of Austrian culture is expressing gratitude, so knowing how to say thank you in various ways will surely come in handy.
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What You'll Learn
Greeting someone
In a formal context, you can use "Guten Morgen" when answering the phone, and "Grüss Gott" is also a more traditional and formal greeting. "Auf Wiedersehen" or "Auf Wiederschauen" are also formal ways to say goodbye.
In informal situations, you can use "Servus" to say both hello and goodbye. "Tschüss" and "Pfiat di" are also commonly used among friends and family to say goodbye.
In business, Austrians tend to be very formal, and it is important to run meetings according to hierarchy. Business cards with German translations are a good idea, and it is also important to get an introduction from a mutual contact if possible.
In general, Austrians tend to be quite direct, honest, and straight to the point. They also have a subtle, and often cynical, sense of humour. Austrians do not tend to ask personal questions until they know someone quite well, and it is considered polite to make plans before visiting someone at their home.
When it comes to body language, Austrians allow a certain amount of physical contact, such as hugging, with people they know. However, it is considered an invasion of privacy to touch someone during a conversation, and it is important to respect personal space. Eye contact is very important and is seen as a sign of respect, but you should avoid staring.
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Saying goodbye
Austrians have their own German phrases and slang for various situations, including saying goodbye. While basic German words can help you get by in Austria, Austrians appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to understand the local language.
There are several ways to say goodbye in Austrian German, depending on the formality of the situation. "Auf Wiedersehen" is a polite farewell, but it is also quite formal. It translates to "on again seeing you" or "until we see each other again". In a casual context, Austrians may prefer something shorter, like "Wiederschauen", "Pfüat Gott", or the more informal "Servus", "Tschüss", or "Ciao". "Servus" is also used in Hungary, probably borrowed from German. "Tschüss" and "Ciao" are generally not formal enough for a public setting like a supermarket in Switzerland.
"Servus" is a Latin word meaning "slave", which is astonishingly the origin of this informal Austrian greeting and goodbye. Another informal farewell that is frequently used among family and friends is "Griaß di", with the plural form being "Griaß enk/Griaß eich". This is also a friendly way to greet fellow hikers on one of Austria's many trails. The religiously-inspired "Grüß Gott" is a more traditional and formal greeting and goodbye.
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Expressing gratitude
Austrians speak German, so if you're looking to express gratitude in Austrian, you'll want to use German phrases. Learning how to express gratitude in a foreign language can be a fun and useful skill, and it's an important aspect of social interaction in Austrian culture. Showing gratitude is highly valued, and it will help you navigate various social and practical situations.
The phrase for "thank you" in Austrian German is "Danke". This simple word is a fundamental part of everyday conversation and can be used in various contexts. "Danke" is the standard way to say "thank you", but you can make your appreciation more meaningful by adding the preposition "für" (for) and specifying what you're grateful for. For example, "Danke für die Hilfe" (thank you for the help) or "Danke für die Einladung" (thank you for the invitation). In a group setting, you can say "Danke an alle", which means "thank you to everyone".
"Danke" is also suitable for more formal occasions. When someone extends their gratitude to you, responding with "Danke" is a polite and respectful way to acknowledge their gesture. In Austrian culture, where formalities and politeness are highly valued, using "Danke" in a formal context demonstrates a sense of appreciation and respect. It is a direct and clear way to communicate your gratitude, ensuring that the person knows their efforts or kindness have not gone unnoticed.
If you want to express gratitude in an informal setting, you can use "Danke viel", which means "thank you very much", or "Danke schön", which means "thank you so much". These phrases convey warmth and appreciation in casual conversations. In some regions, particularly in the southern parts of Austria, a more informal and regionalised version, "Dank'n", is prevalent. "Dank'n" is a shortened form of "Dankeschön" and is often used in casual conversations among locals. It carries a friendly and familiar tone, making it suitable for everyday interactions.
In Austrian culture, written appreciation notes are often valued and appreciated. Whether it's a formal letter, a handwritten card, or a simple text message, taking the time to write a heartfelt thank-you note is a thoughtful gesture. When crafting your message, consider making it personal by addressing the recipient directly and perhaps including a brief anecdote or memory related to the occasion.
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Ordering a beer
Types of Beer
First, let's talk about the different types of beer you may encounter in Austria. The most common style of Austrian beer is Märzen, a slightly malty, golden lager with an alcohol content of around 5% to 5.5%. This variety has a less pronounced flavour than its German counterpart due to milder hopping.
Other popular options include Pils, which is pale yellow with a hoppy aroma, and Weizenbier or wheat beer, especially in regions like Salzburg and Tyrol. You'll also find a range of speciality beers, such as Stiegl's grapefruit Radler, and an increasing variety of craft beers.
Glass Sizes
When ordering, it's helpful to know the typical glass sizes. In bars, cafes, and restaurants in Vienna, beer often comes in two sizes:
- "Krügel" or "Grosses Bier" (large beer): 0.5 litres or 0.88 UK pints.
- "Seidl" or "Kleines Bier" (small beer): 0.3 litres or 0.53 UK pints.
Ordering Phrases
Now, for the fun part—ordering your beer! Here are some useful phrases to help you out:
- "I hätt gern a Hoibe, bitte!" ("I'd like a large beer, please!"): This phrase is used to order a "Halbe Bier" or "half a litre of beer."
- "A Seidel, bitte" or "A Seiterl, bitte" ("A small beer, please"): Use this phrase when you want to order a smaller portion.
- "Prost!" ("Cheers!"): This is a common toast when clinking glasses with your drinking companions.
Expressing Gratitude
After receiving your beer, it's always polite to express gratitude. Here are some ways to say "thank you" in Austrian German:
- Danke: This is the standard, informal way to say thank you. It's perfect for everyday conversations, such as when someone brings your beer.
- Danke viel or Danke schön: These phrases convey a warmer appreciation and are suitable when someone has gone out of their way to help you.
- Danke für [something]: By adding "für" (for) and specifying what you're grateful for, you can make your appreciation more meaningful. For example, "Danke für das Bier" ("Thank you for the beer").
Beer Culture
Austria has a strong beer culture, with a high per-capita consumption of beer. Austrians tend to favour their own regional and national beers, but you can also find German and Czech brands, as well as imports from North America and Western Europe. Vienna, in particular, has a flourishing craft beer scene.
So, the next time you're in Austria, step up to the bar with confidence, order your beer in Austrian German, and enjoy the unique beer culture of this wonderful country!
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Asking for assistance
To say "have fun" in Austrian German, you can say "viel Spaß". This phrase is used in informal settings and is a direct and simple way to wish someone enjoyment.
Now, let's move on to the topic of asking for assistance in Austrian German. It's always helpful to know how to ask for help when navigating a new language and culture. Here are some phrases and tips to keep in mind:
- Basic Request for Help: To ask for help in general, you can say "Können Sie mir bitte helfen?" This phrase translates to "Can you help me, please?" and is a polite and direct way to request assistance.
- Specific Requests: Depending on the situation, you may need to ask for specific types of assistance. For example, if you're looking for directions, you can say, "Können Sie mir bitte mit Wegbeschreibung helfen?" which means "Can you help me with directions, please?" Alternatively, if you need medical assistance, you might want to ask for specific information or say, "Ich brauche einen Arzt," which translates to "I need a doctor."
- In an Emergency: In emergency situations, it's crucial to be able to ask for help effectively. You can use phrases like "Rufen Sie bitte Hilfe!" ("Please call for help!") or "Ich brauche dringend Hilfe!" ("I urgently need help!") to convey the seriousness of the situation.
- At an Airport or During Travel: When travelling, it's helpful to know how to ask for assistance at airports or other transportation hubs. You can approach an information desk or an employee and say, "Können Sie mir bitte helfen?" ("Can you help me, please?") and then explain your query. If you need assistance with your luggage, you could say, "Können Sie mir mit meinem Gepäck helfen?" ("Can you help me with my luggage, please?")
- In a Restaurant: When dining out, you may need to ask for assistance from the waiting staff. For instance, if you need help understanding the menu, you can say, "Können Sie mir bitte bei der Speisekarte behilflich sein?" ("Can you help me with the menu, please?") or "Können Sie mir empfehlen, was ich essen soll?" ("Can you recommend something to eat?")
- Cultural Considerations: Remember that Austria shares many linguistic similarities with Germany, but there are cultural nuances. Austrians take pride when foreigners make an effort to understand their local language and use Austrian German phrases. They also value politeness and respect, so remember to use "bitte" (please) and "danke" (thank you) when asking for assistance.
Remember to practice these phrases, and don't be afraid to use them when needed. Austrians will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language, and it will likely make your interactions more positive and effective.
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Frequently asked questions
There doesn't appear to be a direct translation of "have fun" in Austrian.
It's not clear how Austrians express the sentiment of "have fun".
It's not evident what Austrians say to mean "have fun".
There doesn't seem to be a direct translation of "have fun" in Austrian.
