Exploring Austrian Customs And Traditions

Austria is a nation of musical and intellectual heritage, with a strong sense of history and a commitment to environmental preservation. The country is known for its breathtaking landscapes, from the Alps to the Danube Valley, and its people's deep connection with nature. This connection is reflected in many Austrian customs and traditions, such as cattle drives, traditional festivals, and regional handicrafts. Austrians are generally conservative, prudent, and moderate in their behaviour, with a strong sense of family and community. The country has a rich history, having been part of the Holy Roman Empire, the powerful Habsburg monarchy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire before becoming a smaller, independent republic after World War I. Today, Austria is a stable nation, known for its diverse music scene, delicious cuisine, and unique traditions and celebrations.

Greeting customs

Austrians tend to greet salespeople when entering and leaving a store. The most common greeting is casual, with people saying 'Grüß dich' or 'Grüß gott' (God bless you).

Table manners

Austrians value politeness and formalities in social interactions, and this extends to their table manners. When dining in Austria, there are several customs to be aware of. Firstly, it is considered impolite to begin eating before the host says 'Guten Appetit' (enjoy your meal) or 'Mahlzeit' (mealtime). It is also customary to keep your hands visible on the table and refrain from resting your elbows on it. It is also considered good manners to finish everything on your plate, indicating that you have enjoyed the meal. To show that you have finished eating, lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.

In terms of cutlery, it is customary to use a fork in the left hand and a knife in the right, and to cut as much of the food with the fork as possible, as this compliments the cook by implying that the food is very tender. At formal occasions, it is polite to wait until the host or the most senior person at the table begins eating before you start.

When dining at someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift such as chocolates, flowers, alcohol, or a handcrafted item. It is also common for married children to bring a gift when visiting their parents. Gifts should be nicely wrapped and are usually opened immediately.

When dining out in a restaurant, the person who extends the invitation typically pays the bill, and struggles over the bill are not usually appreciated. It is customary for the host to give the first toast, and guests will return the toast later in the meal. To do a toast, people raise their glasses, make eye contact, and say 'Prost', 'Prosit', or 'Zum Wohl', all of which mean 'to your health'.

Punctuality

In the business world, punctuality is equally important. Appointments should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance when meeting with private companies, and it is considered extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute. If you are running late, it is crucial to call and provide an explanation. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times, and being punctual is a sign of respect for the other attendees and their time.

In Austrian culture, people tend to make arrangements in advance before visiting someone's home. Dropping by someone's house without prior notice is considered impolite. When inviting guests over, hosts often offer the best seat in the home to their guests and provide beverages such as water, tea, coffee, or juice. Guests are expected to remove their shoes when entering a home, and hosts may offer a pair of slippers or allow guests to remain in their socks. Punctuality is also essential when visiting someone's home, and it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers, chocolates, or a handcrafted item.

Dress codes

Austrians are generally conservative and prudent in their behaviour, and this is reflected in their dress sense. Presentation and dressing well are important to Austrians. Even when dressed informally, they tend to be neat and conservative; their clothes are never ostentatious.

There is sometimes a strict protocol for dressing appropriately in different situations: formal wear for the theatre or a concert, and semi-formal wear for better restaurants. Some high-level events may have a dress code and will turn away patrons who are not dressed properly.

Jeans are quite popular and versatile in Austria, suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to more formal settings when paired with the right accessories and clothing items. Sneakers are also acceptable footwear for everyday activities, but for fine dining or formal events, more elegant footwear is preferred.

When visiting formal establishments or attending cultural events, it is best to dress smartly. Men are expected to wear a suit or a jacket, while women often wear dresses or skirts. Austrian women dress up to go shopping, as they dress elegantly, if conservatively, in public.

Gift-giving

If you are invited to an Austrian's house for dinner, it is polite to bring a small gift such as chocolates, flowers, alcohol, or a handcrafted item. If giving flowers, it is important to give an odd number as even numbers are considered bad luck, except for the number 12. There are also some flowers that should be avoided, such as red carnations, lilies, and chrysanthemums.

When giving gifts to children, it is customary for them to receive presents on December 6th, the feast of St. Nicholas. It is also common for married children to bring gifts when visiting their parents.

In general, gift-giving in Austria is a way to show appreciation and strengthen bonds with family and friends. It is an important part of the country's cultural and social values.

Frequently asked questions