Damon Mcknight
Whether you're planning a trip to Austria, meeting Austrian friends, or expanding your linguistic knowledge, learning how to say welcome in Austrian German will undoubtedly enhance your experience. While Austrians speak German, their use of the language differs from that of their German neighbours in many ways. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say welcome in Austrian German, as well as some additional tips to make your welcome feel even more sincere and heartfelt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formal greeting | Guten Tag, Grüß Gott, Herzlich willkommen |
| Informal greeting | Hallo, Servus, Hoi, Griaß di, Moagn |
| Formal goodbye | Auf Wiedersehen, Auf Wiederschauen |
| Informal goodbye | Tschüss, Pfiat di, Priat di |
| Greeting before 10 a.m. | Guten Morgen, Morgen |
| Greeting someone older or with higher authority | Using a polite and respectful tone is crucial |
| Greeting in a business meeting | Herzlich willkommen zu unserer Veranstaltung (Warmly welcome to our event) |
| Greeting in a casual gathering | More relaxed and informal greeting |
| Greeting in a restaurant | Mahlzeit, Guten Appetit |
| Greeting in a religious context | Grüß Gott |
| Greeting in a rural area | Grüß Gott |
| Greeting in Western Austria | Grüß Gott |
| Greeting in Eastern Austria | Hoi |
| Greeting in Vienna | Hoi |
| Greeting in Bavaria | Grüß Gott |
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Formal greetings
When it comes to formal greetings in Austria, it's important to use the appropriate language to show respect and formality. Here are some tips and examples to help you navigate formal greetings in Austria effectively:
- Guten Tag: This is the most common and widely used formal greeting in Austria. It literally means good day and can be used throughout the day in any situation. It is an excellent choice for a formal greeting when you want to be respectful.
- Grüß Gott: This greeting is particularly common in Bavaria and western Austria, including Vienna. It translates to ""greet God" and is more prevalent in rural areas, especially among older individuals and those with strong religious beliefs.
- Herzlich Willkommen: This phrase is suitable for formal situations and when addressing someone you don't know very well. It means "heartily welcome" and can be used in various contexts. For example, "Herzlich willkommen zu unserer Veranstaltung" ("Warmly welcome to our event").
- Seien Sie willkommen: This phrase translates to "be welcome" and is often used by hosts, presenters, or officials. For example, "Seien Sie herzlich willkommen hier" ("Be warmly welcome here").
- Grüezi: This greeting is commonly heard in the westernmost state of Vorarlberg, influenced by neighbouring Switzerland. It reflects the Swiss-German dialect spoken in the region and is an informal greeting equivalent to "hello."
Additional Tips for Formal Greetings:
- Maintain a Respectful Tone: In formal situations, such as business meetings or when addressing someone older or of higher authority, use a polite and respectful tone.
- Consider the Context: Adapt your language based on the context of the greeting. For example, if you are welcoming guests to a formal event, a more formal greeting is appropriate.
- Gestures of Warmth: Remember that a warm smile, eye contact, and a friendly demeanour can transcend language barriers and make your greeting more welcoming.
- Offer Assistance: Let the person know that you are there to help and provide any necessary information or guidance they may need.
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Informal greetings
Greeting someone in Austria is about more than just the words you use. Showing respect, friendliness, and cultural understanding is key. Luckily, Austrians are generally warm and friendly, and using informal greetings is appropriate in most social situations. So, when you're meeting friends, family, or close acquaintances, you can use a wide variety of informal greetings in Austrian German to convey warmth and familiarity.
First of all, it's worth noting that Austria, Germany, and Switzerland share the same language, but with fundamental differences in the way they use it. So, while you can get by in Austria with basic German words, your efforts to speak Austrian German will be appreciated.
The easiest and most common way to say hello informally in Austria is "Hallo", which is widely understood and used by people of all ages. It is casual, friendly, and suitable for both friends and acquaintances.
A popular informal greeting in Austria, particularly in Vienna and various parts of the Alps, is "Servus". This versatile word can be used to say hello and goodbye interchangeably. It has a more laid-back and regional feel, making it ideal for casual settings and among friends. It is derived from the Latin word "servus", meaning "servant", and is pronounced "sehr-voos".
In Vienna, the capital city of Austria, locals often use "Servas" as a variation of the informal "Servus". This Viennese dialect is distinct and unique to the city, giving a sense of belonging when used in casual conversations with the Viennese people.
While "Guten Tag" is usually considered a formal greeting, it can also be used informally throughout the day until early evening. It means "good day" and is the most common and widely used formal greeting in Austria.
In the westernmost state of Vorarlberg, you may hear "Grüezi", which is influenced by neighbouring Switzerland. This informal greeting is equivalent to "hello" and reflects the Swiss-German dialect spoken in this region. It is pronounced "grew-tsee".
Other informal greetings in Austrian German include "Hoi", predominantly used in eastern Austria, especially in Vienna; "Griaß di", or "hello/hello there" in Austrian slang; and "Grüß Gott", a religiously-inspired, traditional greeting.
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Welcoming gestures
When it comes to welcoming someone to Austria, it's important to consider both verbal and non-verbal ways to make them feel welcome.
Verbal Greetings
In Austria, it's important to distinguish between formal and informal greetings. Formal greetings are used to show respect or in more official settings, while informal greetings are reserved for friends, family, and casual situations. Here are some examples of each:
- Formal Greetings:
- "Guten Tag" ("Good day") is the most common and widely used formal greeting in Austria.
- "Grüß Gott", meaning "greet God", is common in western Austria and Bavaria, especially in rural areas and among older, religious people.
- "Herzlich willkommen" means "warmly welcome" and can be used to welcome someone to an event or your company.
- Informal Greetings:
- "Hallo" is similar to its English equivalent and is used among friends and peers.
- "Servus", derived from the Latin word for "servant", is an informal greeting widely used in Austria.
- "Hoi", found predominantly in eastern Austria, especially Vienna, is a casual and friendly greeting.
Non-Verbal Gestures
While Austrians value words more than hand gestures during conversations, there are still some non-verbal ways to welcome someone:
- A warm smile and friendly demeanor will always be appreciated and make your guest feel welcome.
- Maintaining eye contact is seen as a sign of respect and politeness, although it's important not to stare.
- A handshake is a common greeting in Austria, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
- Offering a helping hand or assistance can make your guest feel welcomed and supported.
- Asking about their journey or expressing excitement about their visit shows genuine interest and creates a positive atmosphere.
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Austrian customs
Willkommen in Österreich!
Firstly, it is important to understand the regulations regarding customs checks. While customs checks are no longer standard, spot checks can occur at any time. This applies even if you are travelling from one EU state to another EU state, in which case the exit for EU travellers may still be used. However, if your journey originated in a non-EU state, different provisions may apply.
Secondly, Austria has specific regulations regarding the importation of goods. If you are relocating to Austria from outside the EU, you are permitted to bring certain used household items, such as furniture, clothing, personal belongings, appliances, and computers, without paying duties and fees. However, these items must have been in your possession for at least six months, and you must have proof of this. Additionally, you must have lived at your current residence for at least twelve months and provide proof of this as well. Any used items brought into the country cannot be sold within twelve months of your relocation. Similar regulations apply to importing automobiles, with additional requirements for customs duty, value-added tax, and fuel consumption tax.
Thirdly, Austria has strict regulations regarding the importation of certain products, including tobacco, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and weapons. These products are typically only exempt from duty if they are for personal use.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the visa requirements for entering Austria. Under the Schengen Agreement, third-country nationals with a valid visa for a Schengen state can enter Austria without an additional Austrian visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, travellers from certain countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation from spring 2025. For longer stays, work, study, or business purposes, a visa or permit may be required.
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Austrian slang
The Austrian national language is German, but there are some key differences in how the language is used in Austria. German phrases and slang vary from country to country, and Austrians are distinguished from Germans by their common language. Here are some examples of Austrian slang:
Greetings
Before 10 am, Austrians usually say "Guten Morgen", or Morgen for short, which can be pronounced as "Moagn". For the rest of the day, Austrians use "Grüss Gott", which translates to "greet God". The Latin "Servus", meaning "your servant", is also used as an informal greeting. "Hallo" and "Guten Tag" are becoming more common in Austria, but if you want to impress the older generation, you should use the Catholic-inspired "Grüss Gott". "Servus" or "Servas/Seas" is more popular with younger Austrians. When hiking or outside the city, "Griaß di" (or "Griaß enk/Griaß eich" in the plural) is a friendly way to greet fellow hikers.
Food and Drink
Austrians have their own words for food and drink. For example, a "Gastgarten" is the Austrian form of the German "Biergarten", and "eine Halbe Bier" or "A Hoibe" means "half a litre of beer". A "Reperaturseidl" is a small beer consumed to prevent hangovers. For coffee, a "Verlängerter" is a simple black coffee, and a "kleinen Braunen" is an espresso with a little milk. A "Melange" is a cappuccino. "Das Jausenbrot" means "roll", and "Extrawurstsemmel mit Gurkel" is a roll with sausage and a gherkin. "Kaiserschmarren" is a baked product made from roughly cut pancake pieces, served with applesauce or roasted plums.
Other Slang
"Krass" is a versatile word that can mean "cool", "whoa", "that's awesome", or "that's awful", depending on the context. "Spinnen" is used to express annoyance and irritation, and is the equivalent of saying "I think I'm going crazy". "Ausrasten" means "to relax" or "recharge", but Germans would translate it to "getting mad". "Haberer" means "boyfriend", "friend", or "man", and comes from the Yiddish "khaver", which means the same thing.
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Frequently asked questions
Servus, Griaß di, Hallo, or Hoi are all informal greetings used in Austria. Servus, derived from the Latin word for 'servant', is commonly used among friends. Griaß di, pronounced 'gree-ss dee', is also used among friends and family. Hallo is similar to the English 'hello' and is a safe choice in most situations. Hoi is found predominantly in eastern Austria, especially in Vienna.
Guten Tag, Grüß Gott, and Herzlich Willkommen are all formal ways to say 'Welcome to Austria'. Guten Tag means 'good day' and is the most common formal greeting in Austria. Grüß Gott, meaning 'greet God', is more common in rural areas and among older and more religious people. Herzlich Willkommen means 'warmly welcome' and can be used in a sentence such as Herzlich willkommen zu unserer Veranstaltung, or 'warmly welcome to our event'.
While it is important to know how to say 'Welcome' in Austrian, remember that gestures of warmth and genuine hospitality are also important. A smile and open arms can transcend language barriers. It is also important to consider the context of the situation and adapt your language accordingly. For example, if you are welcoming someone to a casual gathering, a more relaxed and informal greeting is appropriate.
