English In Austria: Is It Widely Spoken?

Austria is a German-speaking country, but English is widely taught in schools and is the second most spoken language in the country. English is prevalent in major cities and tourist destinations, and Austrians are generally happy to converse in English with foreign visitors, as long as they are polite and respectful.

English is widely spoken in Austria

English is very widely spoken in Austria, with around 73% of the population able to converse in English to some level. This makes Austria one of the most proficient non-native-English-speaking countries in the world. English has been widely taught in Austrian schools since World War II, with several years of English lessons being standard. As a result, nearly everyone under the age of 60 or 70 in Austria can speak at least basic English.

Austria's high standard of education means that pretty much all schoolchildren receive a solid grounding in English. The younger generation, in particular, also improves their English through streaming services, social media, and online interactions. This has resulted in Austria being ranked third in the world for English proficiency (ahead of Scandinavia) in the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index.

English is widely spoken in larger cities like Vienna and other tourist destinations. In these areas, you will often find road signs in English, and English-language information in museums and exhibitions. Many cinemas show films in English or with English subtitles, and even non-English plays, operas, and musicals may offer translations. Ticket machines, such as those for public transport, usually have an English-language option.

Austrians are happy to help out tourists as long as they are polite and respectful, and it is always appreciated when visitors attempt to use some basic German phrases. However, Austrians can be sensitive to loud, boisterous, or arrogant behaviour, and they do not like it when people expect them to speak English.

German is the official language

Austria's history is linked to its language. The country was once part of the Frankish Empire and later the Kingdom of Bavaria, along with Germany. The language also has numerous words and idioms borrowed from Czech, Hungarian, Italian, Yiddish, and South Slavic.

Austrian German exists as a written and spoken high language, and it differs from German in vocabulary and grammar. There are also regional dialects influenced by the dialects of neighbouring German states. Except for Vorarlberg, all Austrian states speak the Bavarian dialect or a variant of it. Seven million Austrians speak a central or southern Bavarian dialect or a colloquial language influenced by these dialects. In Tyrol and Vorarlberg, Alemannic dialects can be found, which are closer to Swiss German.

While German is the official language, there are other languages spoken in Austria. The country has several legally protected linguistic minorities, including Burgenland Croat and Burgenland Hungary, the Carinthian Slovenes, as well as Slovaks, Czechs, and Roma. In some regions, these ethnic groups are entitled to native language schooling and official communication with authorities.

Austria also has a history of linguistic diversity due to its changing borders. About a century ago, Austria was part of the multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire, and languages like Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, Croatian, and Slovenian are still spoken in the country today. Immigration has further diversified the languages spoken in Austria, with guest workers from Turkey and Yugoslavia bringing their languages and cultures.

Austrians appreciate politeness

Austrians appreciate it when visitors make an effort to communicate in German, the official language of the country. While English is widely spoken in Austria, particularly in Vienna, addressing people in German is a great way to show respect for the host country's culture and people.

Austria is known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. The country has its own set of rules and customs that visitors should be aware of to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. One of the key elements of Austrian etiquette is the importance of politeness and formalities in social interactions. Austrians value politeness highly, and it is considered respectful to greet people with a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact. Using respectful titles, such as "Herr" for a man and "Frau" for a woman, is also customary.

When entering a shop or restaurant, it is customary to greet the staff with a cheerful "Guten Morgen" (good morning), "Guten Tag" (good day), or "Guten Abend" (good evening). These simple phrases can go a long way in making a good impression and showing your respect for Austrian culture. Additionally, learning other basic German phrases like "Danke" (thank you) and "Bitte" (please) can be incredibly helpful and appreciated by the locals.

Austrians also appreciate punctuality, so it is important to arrive on time for any business or social engagements. If you anticipate being late, it is considered polite to inform the host beforehand. When dining in Austria, it is customary to wait for the host to say "Guten Appetit" (enjoy your meal) before starting your meal. It is also considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate that you are satisfied.

In addition to their appreciation for politeness, Austrians value their peace and quiet, especially during designated quiet hours. Visitors should be mindful of this and avoid making unnecessary noise, particularly between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Overall, maintaining a calm and reserved demeanor in public spaces is advisable.

Austria's second language is French

Austria's second language is English, not French. French is the third most spoken language in Austria, with roughly 7% of Austrians speaking it.

Austria's official language is German, which differs from the German spoken in Germany. Austrian German is influenced by the Austro-Bavarian dialect and has many regional variations. While many Austrians know some English, they often hesitate to speak it unless necessary for communication with foreigners. However, English is widely spoken in the business world, especially in larger urban centres.

Austria has a high standard of education, and almost all schoolchildren receive a solid grounding in English. The younger generation further improves their English through streaming services, social media, and online interactions. Thanks to this, Austria was ranked third on the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index, ahead of Scandinavia.

As a modern and cosmopolitan country, Austria has a diverse linguistic landscape. In addition to German, several languages of autonomous ethnic groups are recognised as official languages in specific regions. These include Burgenland Croatian, Romani, Slovak, Slovenian, Czech, and Hungarian. The large number of Turkish speakers and immigrants from former Yugoslavia have also contributed to the country's linguistic diversity.

Austrians are eager to practice their English

Austria's high standard of education means that pretty much all schoolchildren receive a solid grounding in English. English has been widely taught in Austrian schools since World War II, with several years of English instruction being the norm. As a result, anyone under the age of 60 or 70 in Austria is likely to be able to speak English to some degree. This is especially true in larger cities like Vienna and other tourist destinations, where the prevalence of English speakers is even higher.

Austrians are happy to help out tourists as long as they are polite and respectful, and it is always appreciated when visitors attempt to use some basic German phrases. However, Austrians may be eager to practice their English with you, and you may find yourself being addressed in English simply because of your accent. This eagerness to practice English may even extend to Austrians playfully correcting your German grammar and accent before switching to English.

While English is widely spoken in Austria, it is important to remember that it is not their native language. Expecting Austrians to speak English can be seen as arrogant and obnoxious behavior, especially outside of major tourist areas. Respecting the local culture and making an effort to communicate in German when possible will go a long way toward a positive experience when visiting Austria.

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