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Austria's national language is German, but Austrian German differs from the standardized German spoken in parts of Germany. So, while the German language is uniform to a German speaker, there are many differences when it comes to Austrian German, including vocabulary and pronunciation. For example, Austrians say Servas or Deitsch instead of Servus and Deutsch. When in Austria, it's important to be mindful of these differences to avoid confusion.
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What You'll Learn
Austrian German
The national language of Austria is German, but there are notable differences in vocabulary when compared to German spoken in other countries. For instance, Austrians visiting Berlin may order a "Weißen Spritzer" ("wine spritzer") and refer to an ATM as "Bankomat", which would be met with puzzled looks from locals.
Additionally, Austrian German has its own slang and cultural context that can make it challenging for outsiders to understand. Certain phrases, such as "Schau ma mal", can have various meanings depending on the context and interpretation.
Overall, Austrian German is a distinct variety of the German language, with its own vocabulary, slang, and cultural nuances that set it apart from other forms of German spoken in other regions.
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Austrian slang
While the Austrian national language is German, there are many differences in the way German is spoken in Austria compared to the way it is spoken in Germany. The Austrian "high" German used in writing and formal contexts is similar to the German "high" German, but there are significant differences in the way German is spoken in everyday life in Austria. The so-called Mundart (vernacular) is strong and exists in many different forms, varying from region to region. Many words are used exclusively in spoken Austrian and, therefore, there is no set way to spell them.
Austrians tend to sound a bit more vague and ambiguous than Germans, who are very direct and straight to the point. Austrian German is also a bit more ironic, which occasionally leads to small misunderstandings – Germans sometimes accuse Austrians of being inappropriate, and Austrians criticize their neighbors’ lack of humor.
Some examples of Austrian slang include:
- Grüß Gott – "God's greeting". This is a more traditional greeting than Hallo or Guten Tag, and it is commonly used by the older generation.
- Servus (or Servas/Seas) – a charming greeting that works better with younger Austrians.
- Griaß di (or Griaß enk/Griaß eich in the plural) – this greeting is used when hiking or outside the city.
- Haberer – this word, which means boyfriend, friend, or just man, is particularly popular in Vienna. It comes from the Yiddish khaver, which means the same thing.
- Zach – a word popular with Austrian youth that developed from the adjective zäh (tough). It is used to describe a variety of unpleasant situations. However, a zacher Hund is someone in good shape. Zach is the opposite of leiwand, which means "excellent".
- Hackn or Hockn – this refers to really difficult or strenuous labor. It is also commonly used as a verb: hackeln.
- Schmarren – the most famous Schmarren is Kaiserschmarren, a baked product made from roughly cut pancake pieces, served with applesauce or roasted plums. Schmarrn can also be used as an insult to describe a product, a statement, or a work of art.
- Paniert – this word, which refers to the coating on the famous Wiener Schnitzel, can be used to encase not just meat but also people. For example, an Einserpanier is a synonym for "bathrobe". Paniert sein means to have drunk yourself under the table, and if the opposing football team has been paniert, that means they’ve gotten trounced.
- Jause – the Austrian form of the German Biergarten.
- A Hoibe – "half a liter of beer".
- Reperaturseidl – a small beer consumed after a long night out to prevent hangovers.
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Greetings in Austria
Greeting someone new in a foreign country can be daunting, but luckily, Austria has a variety of greetings that are sure to suit any situation.
The most common and courteous greeting in Austria is the handshake. This is normal regardless of age and gender. A handshake is usually brief and accompanied by direct eye contact. If there is a noticeable difference in authority, the higher-ranking or older person typically extends their hand first. Handshakes are also performed when someone is leaving. In business or social settings, one is expected to greet everyone by shaking hands.
When greeting someone in Austria, it is customary to use a verbal salutation alongside a handshake. Formal greetings include 'Guten Morgen' ('good morning'), 'Guten Tag' ('good day'), and 'Guten Abend' ('good evening'). 'Grüß Gott' ('God bless you') is also used as a formal greeting, although it is considered old-fashioned. 'Grüß Gott' is also used as an informal and polite way to acknowledge someone in passing on the street. 'Grüß Sie' and 'Hallo' are also appropriate greetings to use with acquaintances and strangers, and 'Hallo' is the most commonly used primary greeting in Austria.
Among friends and family, Austrians may greet each other with 'Servus' or 'Griaß di', which translates to 'hello' or 'hello there'. The plural form of 'Griaß di' is 'Griaß enk/Griaß eich', and this greeting is also used by hikers when greeting fellow hikers on Austria's beautiful trails. Friends may also greet each other with a light hug and two kisses, one on each cheek.
When saying goodbye, Austrians often use the phrase 'Bussi, Baba', which translates to 'kisses, bye'. 'Servus' can also be used as a casual way to say goodbye, as can 'Priat di' and 'Pfiat di'. In a formal context, one would use 'Auf Wiedersehen' or 'Auf Wiederschauen'.
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Saying goodbye in Austria
In certain regions of Austria, like Styria, you may hear "Grüß Gott", which means "God's greeting", or "Guten Tag", which is more common as a greeting but can also be used as a goodbye. "Servus", or variations like "Servas" or "Seas", is commonly used among younger Austrians and when outdoors or hiking. Other informal ways to say goodbye include "Mach's gut" (take care), "Pfüat Gott", and "Wiederschauen".
When leaving a store or cashier's counter, it is customary to say some form of goodbye, and "Tschüss, Baba" is often used in this context.
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Ordering food in Austria
When ordering food in Austria, it's important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette to avoid causing any offence. Here are some things to keep in mind when ordering food in Austria, particularly in Vienna:
Firstly, it is generally considered rude to order food from the counter in Austria. Instead, it is customary to wait to be seated by the staff and then place your order with the waiting staff at your table. However, there may be exceptions, especially in pubs, bars, and small cafes, where self-service is common.
Once you are seated, a member of the waiting staff should attend to you relatively quickly. They will usually take your drinks order first and give you some time before asking about food. If you would like water with your meal, remember to ask for it specifically, as it is not typically served automatically.
When you are ready to order food, you can try to catch the server's eye, but avoid chasing after them. Vienna has a relaxed view of dining, so patience is often required. Coffee houses, in particular, are known for their unique culture and laid-back pace. It is acceptable to just order drinks and not food in most places, except in formal restaurants.
If you are ordering sausages or Wiener Schnitzel, which are traditional Austrian dishes, be aware that these are often considered casual foods and may be served in pubs or bars rather than restaurants.
Finally, when you have finished your meal, you can ask for the bill in German by saying "zahlen bitte" (pronounced "zar-len bitter"). Alternatively, you can nod while holding your wallet or purse to indicate that you would like to pay.
Additionally, if you are ordering food delivery in Austria, there are several options available, such as Lieferando and Wolt, which offer zero delivery fees and handle payments and support.
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