Exploring Austria: Activities And Adventures

German is the official language of Austria, with 98% of Austrians speaking it as their native language. However, there are some key differences between Austrian German and German from Germany. Austrians have their own German phrases and slang, and the spirit of the Austrian language is notably distinct; Austrians tend to sound more vague and ambiguous, and Austrian German is more ironic, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings with Germans. In Austria, the high German used in writing and formal contexts is similar to German high German, but there are significant differences in spoken, everyday German. Many words are exclusive to spoken Austrian German and therefore have no set spelling.

Austrian culture and society

Austria is divided into nine 'Bundesländer' or 'single lands/provinces', each with its own unique characteristics. The geography of the region, particularly the Alps, has also played a significant role in shaping Austrian culture and society. The mountainous terrain isolated communities, leading to distinct regional identities and cultural practices, including differences in dialect, food, customs, and architecture.

Austrian society is built on a foundation of family values. Families are generally small and closely knit, often living in the same town or village. Weekends are reserved for family activities, with Sunday dinners at grandparents' homes and hikes in the countryside being common traditions. Austrians take great pride in their homes, keeping them neat and tidy. They also value their natural environment, with a deep love for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing.

The official language of Austria is German, specifically Austrian German, which has distinct differences from the German spoken in Germany. Regional dialects also vary significantly, with Viennese (Austro-Bavarian) being the most widely spoken. Other minority languages include Slovene, Croatian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and Romani, reflecting the diverse ethnic makeup of the country.

Austria has a strong tradition of formality and respect in social interactions. Greetings are formal, often involving a quick, firm handshake and eye contact. Titles are important and used alongside surnames until invited to use first names. Punctuality is highly valued, and social invitations are extended well in advance. Austrians also place importance on presentation and dressing appropriately for different occasions.

Education and the arts are highly valued in Austrian society. The country has a rich history of musical innovation, with Vienna, its capital, serving as a cultural centre for classical music. Composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn are associated with the city. Austrian literature, architecture, and visual arts have also gained international recognition, with figures like Franz Kafka, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Gustav Klimt making significant contributions.

In summary, Austrian culture and society are characterised by a blend of historical and modern influences, a deep connection to nature, a strong emphasis on family, and a rich artistic heritage. The country's unique geographical position and diverse cultural influences have shaped its distinct societal norms, values, and traditions.

Austrian etiquette and manners

Austrian culture and society are generally formal and polite, with a level of reserve. This formality extends to social situations, where a certain level of formality is expected. Greetings are formal, with a quick, firm handshake being the traditional greeting. It is customary to maintain eye contact during the greeting, and some older Austrian men may kiss the hand of a female. However, a male from another country should refrain from kissing an Austrian woman's hand. Austrians also tend to greet salespeople when entering and leaving a store. The most common greeting is the casual 'Grüß dich' or 'Grüß Gott' (God bless you).

Punctuality is highly valued in Austria, and it is expected that people arrive on time for meetings, appointments, services and parties. In social situations, it is customary to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the designated time. If you expect to be delayed, it is important to inform your Austrian counterpart, as they may otherwise leave or begin the event without you.

Austrians tend to be conservative in their dress sense, and it is uncommon to see skimpy or outrageous outfits. Aim for quiet elegance and sophistication in your attire. Dark, solid colours or simple patterns are often favoured, and athletic gear is generally frowned upon. When invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolates or alcohol. It is also customary to remove your shoes when entering an Austrian home, and you may be provided with a pair of slippers.

When dining in Austria, it is customary to follow polite European dining norms, such as not gesturing with utensils and not having your elbows on the table. Additionally, you should wait until everyone has been served and the host says 'Guten Appetit' or 'Mahlzeit' before beginning to eat. The host will usually offer a second serving, but it is polite to refuse with a "Nein, danke" if you do not want any more food. To indicate that you have finished eating, lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.

Austrian language and dialects

The official language of Austria is German, which is also the lingua franca. However, there are several dialects spoken across the country, and historical influences and regional variations mean that Austrian German can be very different from German German. In fact, German speakers from other regions can often find Austrian German hard to understand.

The main dialect outside of Vorarlberg is Austro-Bavarian, which has around 8.3 million speakers in Austria. The north-eastern parts of the country, including Vienna, speak Central Austro-Bavarian dialects, while the southern parts speak Southern Austro-Bavarian dialects. The variety of German used in Austria is influenced by this dialect, which differs greatly from Standard German.

In Vorarlberg, the main dialect is Alemannic, or Swiss German, which is spoken by around 300,000 people. This is very different from other German dialects and is difficult for German speakers to understand.

In less formal situations, Austrians use Bavarian and Alemannic dialects, which are traditionally spoken but rarely written. In addition to these main dialects, there are several minority languages spoken in Austria, some of which have official status. These include Hungarian, Slovenian, Burgenland-Croatian, Czech, Slovak, Romany, and sign language. In certain regions, these languages are considered official alongside German, and around 250 languages are spoken throughout the country.

Austrians have several ways of greeting each other, depending on the formality of the situation. For a formal greeting, such as for business meetings or when addressing someone older, Austrians might say "Herzlich willkommen" ("warmly welcome") or "Wir heißen Sie herzlich willkommen" ("we warmly welcome you"). An informal greeting for friends or younger people could be "Schön, dass du hier bist!" ("nice that you're here!") or "Servus", which translates to "your servant". "Griaß di" is also used as an informal greeting and translates to "hello" or "hello there". When saying goodbye, Austrians might use "Servus", "Priat di", or "Pfiat di" in informal situations, and "Auf Wiedersehen" or "Auf Wiederschauen" in more formal contexts.

Austrian history and politics

History

Austria's history is a rich tapestry of cultural and political change, stretching back to the late Iron Age when the area was occupied by the Hallstatt Celtic culture. Over the centuries, the region has been influenced by various civilisations, including the Romans, Germanic peoples, and the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 13th century, the House of Habsburg rose to power and dominated Austrian politics until the early 20th century. During this period, Austria was a major imperial power in Central Europe, often at the forefront of European affairs.

In the 19th century, the Austrian Empire reached its zenith under Emperor Franz Joseph I, becoming one of the largest states in Europe. However, the empire's defeat in World War I led to its collapse and the establishment of the First Austrian Republic in 1919.

The interwar period was marked by political turmoil, with the rise of Austrofascism under Engelbert Dollfuss and the country's annexation into Nazi Germany in 1938.

Following World War II, Austria regained its independence and declared its perpetual neutrality in 1955, becoming a federal, representative democracy.

Politics

Austria is a semi-presidential representative democracy, with a popularly elected president as head of state and a chancellor as head of government. The country has a bicameral parliament, consisting of the National Council (lower house) and the Federal Council (upper house).

The political system is characterised by Proporz, where posts of political importance are often split between the two major parties, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).

Since the end of World War II, governing through grand coalitions between the SPÖ and ÖVP has been common, although there have been periods of single-party governments and coalitions with smaller parties.

Austria's foreign policy is shaped by its neutral status, which was established in 1955. The country has been a member of the United Nations since 1955 and joined the European Union in 1995. It also participates in various international organisations, including the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Austrian food and drink

Savoury Delights

Austria has a variety of savoury dishes to indulge in. The country is famous for its Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal escalope, and Tafelspitz, beef boiled in broth. Other popular meat dishes include the Esterhazy Roast Beef, Krautfleisch (a ragout of pork and Sauerkraut), and various types of sausages such as the Frankfurter and Käsekrainer.

If you're looking for a more substantial snack, try a Brettljause, a hearty wooden board filled with cold meats, cheeses, and bread. For something lighter, there's Liptauer, a spicy cheese spread served on a slice of bread.

Austria also offers a range of soups and stews, such as the Rindsuppe (beef soup) and Gulasch (goulash). The country's version of pancakes, Palatschinken, can be served as a savoury dish filled with spinach and cheese.

Sweet Treats

When it comes to sweet treats, Austria is known for its delicious pastries and cakes. The Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake with apricot jam, is a must-try. Other famous desserts include the Mozart torte, Kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy pancake with raisins), and the Linzer Torte, a cake with ground almonds and redcurrant jam.

Apple strudel, or Apfelstrudel, is another classic Austrian dessert, featuring layers of thin pastry filled with cinnamon-spiced apples. The Topfenstrudel, a cream cheese strudel, and Millirahmstrudel, a milk-cream strudel, are also popular choices.

Beverage Options

Austria has a diverse range of beverages to accompany its cuisine. Coffee is a significant part of Austrian culture, with the country credited for introducing coffee to Europe. Viennese coffee houses, with their traditional coffee and cake breaks, are a must-visit. Try an Austrian Mokka or kleiner Schwarzer, similar to espresso but extracted more slowly, or indulge in a Melange, a combination of half Mokka and half heated milk, often topped with foamed milk.

Beer is also widely consumed in Austria, with the most popular types being pale lager, naturally cloudy Zwicklbier, and wheat beer. The country's national drink, Almdudler, is a soft drink made from mountain herbs and sometimes mixed with white wine or water. For something fruity, try a Skiwasser, made with water, raspberry syrup, and lemon juice.

Frequently asked questions