Lyla Lindsey
Austrian German is a particular version of German used in Austria. The Austrian national language is German, but Austrian German differs from Standard German in the same way that American English differs from British English. When greeting someone in Austrian German, you can say Hallo or Guten Tag, or to make a good impression on the older generation, you could try the Catholic-inspired Grüß Gott, which means God's greeting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | Austrian German |
| Translation | Guten Morgen |
| Alternative translation | Gua Moang |
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What You'll Learn
Formal greetings
Greeting people in Austria is quite formal, and there are a few nuances to be aware of. Firstly, Austrians value formality, so it's important to use professional titles such as 'Herr' and 'Frau' with last names when greeting acquaintances and strangers. The use of first names is typically reserved for close friends, family, and young people. When greeting someone in a business or social setting, it is customary to shake hands. Women may greet other women with a light hug and two kisses on the cheek, which are more like air kisses.
In terms of verbal greetings, 'Guten Morgen' (good morning) is appropriate before 10 am, and you may also hear the shorter versions 'Morgen' or 'Moagn' in Austrian slang. 'Guten Tag' (good day) and 'Guten Abend' (good evening) are also common formal greetings. 'Grüß Gott' (God bless you) is a religiously-inspired greeting that is more traditional and old-fashioned but still commonly used in formal contexts. 'Servus' is another informal greeting, which has its roots in the Latin word for 'slave', and can also be used as a farewell.
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Informal greetings
Austrian German is to Standard German what American English is to British English. The national language of Austria is German, but there are some differences in the dialect and certain expressions.
When greeting someone in Austrian German, you might want to use a charming "Servus" (or "Servas/Seas"), which is better suited for younger Austrians. If you're addressing the older generation, you could try "Grüß Gott", which literally translates to "God's greeting". When you're outside the city or hiking, "Griaß di" (or "Griaß enk/Griaß eich" in the plural) is a good choice.
Other informal greetings in Austrian German include "hallo" and "guten tag", which are becoming more and more common in Austria. To say "good morning", you can say either "guten morgen" or "gua moang". To say "good night", use "gute nacht", and to say "goodbye", you can say "auf wiedersehen" or the more informal "baba" or "pfiat di".
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Greeting older people
"Grüß Gott" is a traditional, formal, and polite greeting, often used in southern Germany and Austria, including in rural areas or when meeting elders. It is a respectful way to address someone, with the literal translation being "Greet God" or "God greets you", similar in meaning to "God bless you". "Grüß Gott" is also used in the plural form as "Grüß Euch Gott". "Guten Tag" is also a formal greeting, although it is rarely used outside of metropolitan areas.
"Servus" is a colloquial way to greet people you know well, especially friends, and is widely used by teenagers. It is also a popular greeting in Austria and Bavaria in Germany, derived from the Latin for "slave" or "servant". "Grias di" or "Grüss dich" are used to say "I greet you", with "Grias di" being used at any time of day but only when greeting one person. The plural forms of "Grias di" are "Griass enk" and "Griass eich". "Grias di" can also be used to greet multiple people as "Griaß enk/Griaß eich". "Hallo" is a common, informal greeting, always acceptable and versatile, used similarly to "hello".
When expressing gratitude in Austrian, it is important to convey sincerity and appreciation. "Danke" is the standard way to say "thank you", often used in formal contexts, and is the most basic and widely used expression of gratitude. "Danke vielmals" or "Danke schön" convey warmth and appreciation in casual conversations. "Vielen Dank" is a formal expression used to convey deeper appreciation. "Herzlichen Dank" is a heartfelt way to say "thank you" in German, widely understood in Austria.
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Greeting someone outdoors
When greeting someone outdoors in Austrian German, it is important to consider the time of day. If it is morning, you can say, "Guten Morgen," which translates to "good morning." As the day transitions into night, you can wish someone a good evening by saying, "Guten Abend." When bidding someone farewell, you can say "Auf Wiedersehen," which means "goodbye." Alternatively, for a more casual goodbye, you can use the term "Baba" or "Pfiat di."
When greeting someone in Austrian German, you can use a variety of expressions depending on the context and the person you are addressing. A formal greeting that is commonly used, especially by the older generation, is "Grüß Gott," which literally translates to "God's greeting." This greeting is derived from Catholic influences. If you are interacting with younger Austrians, you might opt for a more casual greeting like "Servus," which can also be spelled "Servas" or "Seas." This greeting is commonly used among the youth and is a great way to connect with them.
When outdoors and in more casual settings, such as while hiking or outside the city, the greeting "Griaß di" is commonly used. This greeting is perfect for informal situations and can be easily adapted to the plural form, "Griaß enk" or "Griaß eich", when addressing multiple people.
Remember that the tone and context of your greeting are essential. While "Grüß Gott" might be well-received by older Austrians or in more formal settings, it may come across as overly formal or even outdated to younger Austrians. Similarly, using "Servus" or "Griaß di" with older Austrians or in more formal contexts might not be considered appropriate. Adapt your greeting to suit the situation and the people you are interacting with.
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Greeting someone in a text
Greeting someone in Austrian German via text can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the context and the relationship between the individuals. Here are some examples:
When addressing an older individual or someone from an older generation, it is respectful to use the Catholic-inspired greeting, "Grüß Gott," which literally translates to "God's greeting." This formal greeting is sure to make a good impression on elders.
For a more casual interaction with younger Austrians, you can use "Servus," or "Servas/Seas." This cheerful greeting is similar to saying "hello" or "hi" in English and is perfect for everyday conversations with peers.
If you are texting someone while hiking or outside the city, the phrase "Griaß di" (singular) or "Griaß enk/Griaß eich" (plural) is an excellent choice. This greeting is commonly used in informal settings and will make you sound like a local.
Additionally, you can use standard German greetings in Austrian German contexts. For instance, "Guten Morgen" for "good morning," "Gute Nacht" for "good night," and "Auf Wiedersehen" for "goodbye" are all widely understood and used in Austria.
It is worth noting that Austrian German is a unique variation of standard German, similar to the relationship between American English and British English. So, while these greetings will be understood, there may be slight dialectal differences across Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
The national language of Austria is German, specifically Austrian German. To ask how someone is doing, you would say "wie geht es dir".
It's pronounced "vee gayht es deer".
Yes, there are several other ways to say hello in Austrian German. "Guten Morgen" means "good morning", "gute Nacht" means "good night", and hallo and guten tag are also used to say hello. To make a good impression on older Austrians, you could try "Grüß Gott", which means "God's greeting".
