Exploring Austrian Culture Through Their Language And Phrases

Austria's national language is German, but there are some distinct differences between Austrian German and the German spoken in Germany. German is the native language of 98% of Austrians, but there are also many regional dialects within the country. Some regions even recognize Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian as official languages. While you can get by in Austria with basic German words, Austrians appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to understand the local language.

Austrian German has its own phrases and slang for a wide range of situations, from greetings and goodbyes to dining out. For example, Grüß Gott (God's greeting) is a common greeting in Austria, especially among the older generation. When saying goodbye, Austrians often use the term Servus, which can also be used when arriving. Austrians also have their own words for everyday objects, such as plastic bags, which are called Sackerl.

In addition to language, there are other aspects of Austrian culture that may be unfamiliar to visitors. Austrians tend to be polite, formal, and reserved in social situations. They also follow many of the same traditions as Germany, with Catholicism playing an integral role in society.

Austrian Greetings and Goodbyes

The Austrian national language is German, but there are differences in the way German is spoken in everyday life in Austria. The Austrian Hochdeutsch ("high" German) used in writing and formal contexts is similar to German Hochdeutsch. However, the so-called Mundart (vernacular) varies from region to region, with many words exclusive to spoken Austrian.

Greetings

Before 10 a.m., Austrians typically greet each other with "Guten Morgen", which can be shortened to "Morgen" and pronounced as "Moagn". For the rest of the day, Austrians use "Grüss Gott", which translates as "greet God". "Guten Tag" and "Guten Abend" are not very common. In informal contexts, you can say "Hallo", "Servus", or "Grüss dich".

"Servus" is derived from the Latin word for slave and translates to "your servant", a suitable greeting some hundred years ago. "Griaß di", or "Griaß enk/Griaß eich" in the plural, is another informal greeting used among family and friends. It is also a friendly way to greet fellow hikers.

If you want to make a good impression on the older generation, the religiously-inspired "Grüss Gott" is a more traditional and formal way to say hello. "Hallo" and "Guten Tag" are becoming more common in Austria every year.

Goodbyes

There are many ways to say goodbye in Austria. "Servus" can be used as both a greeting and a farewell. "Priat di" and "Pfiat di" are charming informal ways to say bye, and "Tschüss" is another informal farewell. "Auf Wiedersehen" or "Auf Wiederschauen" are more formal goodbyes.

It is common to use a combination of these expressions when saying goodbye. For example, "Tschüss… Baba… Pfiati… Ciao!".

Austrian Culinary Phrases

Austria's gastronomic vocabulary is extensive, with a variety of unique words and phrases used to describe traditional dishes and drinks. Here are some common Austrian culinary phrases and terms that showcase the country's rich culinary culture:

Dining Establishments

A Gasthaus is a traditional Austrian eatery serving local specialties such as Fritattensuppe and Wienerschnitzel. For a more elegant dining experience, one might opt for a Restaurant, which offers a broader range of dishes. The Gastgarten is the Austrian form of the German Biergarten, where you can enjoy Jause (snacks) and beer.

Ordering Beer

Ordering beer in Austria comes with its own set of phrases. "Eine Halbe Bier", or "A Hoibe" in dialect, means "half a liter of beer". A small beer is called a Seidel or Seiterl, and a Reperaturseidl is a small beer consumed to prevent hangovers after a night out.

Traditional Dishes

Austria boasts a variety of beloved traditional dishes. Topfenstrudel mit Schlagobers is a cheesecake served with whipped cream, and Palatschinken are shredded pancakes often enjoyed with a Viennese Häferlkaffee. Kaiserschmarrn is another popular dish, consisting of torn pancakes with raisins, served with compote or fresh fruit. This was said to be a favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph, who also enjoyed Tafelspitz, a savoury beef broth with spinach, roast potatoes, apples, and chives.

Coffee Culture

Coffee is an integral part of Austrian cuisine, with its own unique vocabulary. Ordering a simple "Kaffee" will prompt a series of follow-up questions, as Austrians have specific names for different types of coffee. A black coffee is called a "Verlängerter", while a small amount of milk in your espresso is ordered as "einen kleinen Braunen". The famous "Viennese Melange" is the Austrian term for a cappuccino.

Snacks and Sweets

Austria is known for its delicious snacks and desserts. Jausenbrot refers to a small cold dinner or a snack, and Topfen is a type of curd cheese used in baked goods such as Topfenstrudel and Topfenknödel. Schmarrn means "something made in a pan", and is used to describe the famous Kaiserschmarrn dish. Knödel are dumplings that can be savoury or sweet, such as spinach or apricot dumplings.

Food Shopping

When shopping for food in Austria, you might come across unique terms for common items. Erdäpfel are potatoes, literally translated as "earth apples". A Sackerl is a small bag, and Marille is the Austrian word for apricot. Deka or dag is the common unit of measurement at delis and markets, referring to a decagram (10 grams).

Common Austrian Slang

Austrians have their own German phrases and slang, which differ from the German used in the Federal Republic of Germany. While the Austrian national language is German, there are many differences in the way it is used in everyday life. Here are some examples of common Austrian slang:

• Grüß Gott: Literally meaning "God's greeting", this is a Catholic-inspired greeting often used by the older generation.
• Servus: A charming greeting that works better with younger Austrians.
• Griaß di: Used when hiking or outside the city.
• Sich ausgehen: Expresses how doable something is. For example, "Ein Bier geht sich noch aus" means "A beer is still doable".
• Plastiksackerl: A "little sack" or plastic bag.
• Der Verlängerter: Ordering just a "Kaffee" (coffee) in Austria will be met with confusion. A simple black coffee is a Verlängerter in Austrian German.
• Jausenbrot: A snack or a small cold dinner.
• Topfen: Curd or nonsense. Topfen can also be used to refer to rubbish or something that is mind-blowing, awesome, crazy or random.
• Schmarrn: Baked goods, but can also be used as an insult for a product, statement or work of art.
• Zach: A word used by the youth to describe something stressful, burdensome, uncool or pernicious.
• Haberer: Boyfriend, friend or just man, derived from the Yiddish khaver, which means the same thing.
• Gspusi: A love affair or a paramour.
• Tschecherl: Small establishments that primarily serve alcohol.
• Krügerl: A half-liter of beer or a drinking vessel with a handle.
• Panier: The coating on the famous Wiener Schnitzel. It can also be used to describe someone who is drunk.
• Bussi: A greeting peck on the cheek.
• Baba: A casual way to say goodbye.

It is common for Austrians to use a combination of these expressions together when saying hello or goodbye.

Austrian Dining Etiquette

Greeting and Seating

When entering a restaurant or bar in Austria, it is customary to greet the staff with a "Grüß Gott" ("Good Day"), "Guten Tag" ("Good afternoon"), or "Guten Abend" ("Good evening"). It is also common to greet other customers with a "Mahlzeit" or "Guten Appetit" ("Bon Appetit").

In most establishments, you will be expected to find your own seat. However, if there is a "please wait to be seated" sign, or staff are standing near the entrance, they will show you to your table.

Ordering and Paying

Table service is the norm in Austria, even in pubs and bars. It is considered rude to order at the counter, and you will likely be served at your table.

When you are ready to order, it is acceptable to catch the eye of the serving staff. However, be patient, as it may take a while for them to notice you.

In most cases, you will pay the waiting staff directly, although some places may direct you to a cash desk. It is common for each guest to pay separately for what they have consumed, but you can also pay together as a group.

Table Manners

Austrian table manners follow the continental style: the fork is held in the left hand, and the knife in the right. It is polite to keep your hands, but not your elbows, on the table. It is also important to maintain eye contact during a toast.

You should wait until everyone has been served and the hostess says "Mahlzeit" or "Guten Appetit" before you start eating. It is customary to try to finish everything on your plate, and you can indicate that you have finished by placing your knife and fork together on your plate with the handles to the right.

Toasts and Digestives

The host will initiate the first toast by lifting their glass, making eye contact with the most senior guest, and saying "Prost" ("Cheers"). After the first toast, the guest of honour should offer a toast of thanks.

After the meal, you may be offered a shot of Schnaps, Austria's favourite digestive. This is a strong drink, with most varieties containing around 40% alcohol, so be prepared for a strong sensation!

Austrian Conversation Topics

Language

Austria's national language is German, but there are some key differences between Austrian German and the German spoken in Germany. For example, Austrians order a "Weißen Spritzer" when they want a wine spritzer, and they pay with a "Bankomat" when using an ATM. So, if you're in Austria, it's best to avoid saying "wine spritzer" and "ATM"!

Greeting People

Austrian culture dictates a certain level of formality in social situations. Handshakes are common, and you should offer formal verbal greetings such as “Guten Morgen” (good morning), “Guten Tag” (good day), or “Guten Abend” (good evening). When greeting someone in Austria, it's also customary to use titles such as "Doktor" or "Herr".

Religion

Catholicism is an integral part of Austrian society, with over 56.9% of the population identifying as Catholic. However, the Austrian constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and there are many minority religions in the country. So, religion could be an interesting topic of conversation in Austria, but be aware that Austrians tend to be quite reserved and may not want to discuss personal topics like religion until they know you quite well.

Food and Drink

Austrians have a rich culinary culture, and they love their coffee! Coffee houses are an integral part of social life in Austria, so you could chat about the best places to go for a coffee and a slice of traditional apple strudel. When it comes to food, Austrians have their own unique phrases and slang for various dishes. For example, a bread roll is called a "Semmel" in Austria, and a "small beer" is known as a "Seidel" or "Seiterl". So, if you're dining out in Austria, it's worth brushing up on the local food lingo to avoid any confusion!

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Austria is known for its stunning natural beauty and regional diversity, so this could be a great topic of conversation. Austrians love spending time outdoors, whether it's going for walks, hikes, or outdoor sports. So, feel free to strike up a conversation about the best hiking trails or the most scenic spots for a picnic.

Frequently asked questions