Leslie Massey
Austrians and Germans are united by a common language, German. However, the German spoken in Austria has some differences in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and even dialect. For example, the perfect tense in Austrian German sometimes uses 'sein' (to be), instead of 'haben' (to have) in Standard German. Austrians also tend to drop unaccented vowels, which can make the language sound more French than German. Even proficient German speakers can struggle with Austrian German, especially with dialects like the one spoken in Vienna.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Greeting | "Grüß Gott", "Griaß di", or "Servus" |
| Vowels | More nasal, sometimes making words sound French |
| Unaccented vowels | Tendency to drop |
| Diminutive form | -el and -erl instead of -chen or -lein |
| Perfect tense | Uses "sein" instead of "haben" in Standard German |
| Tone | Softer and more melodic |
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What You'll Learn
- Greeting differences: Austrians are likely to say 'Grüß Gott', 'Griaß di' or 'Servus' instead of 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo'
- Vowel sounds: Vowels in Austrian German are more nasal and French-sounding, and unaccented vowels are often dropped
- Grammatical differences: Austrian German uses 'sein' instead of 'haben' in the perfect tense
- Diminutive forms: Austrians add '-el' and '-erl' to words, instead of '-chen' or '-lein'
- Dialects: The Viennese dialect is harder for German speakers to understand than other Austrian dialects
Greeting differences: Austrians are likely to say 'Grüß Gott', 'Griaß di' or 'Servus' instead of 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo'
Austrians tend to favour more traditional greetings than their German counterparts. While Germans often say "Hallo" or "Guten Tag" when greeting someone, Austrians are more likely to use the religious greeting "Grüß Gott", which translates to "Greet God" or "May God greet". This phrase is commonly used in southern Germany as well, especially in the Bavarian region. Another common greeting in Austria is "Servus", which is a Latin-derived term that means "slave" or "servant". This greeting is often used in a similar way to "at your service". Additionally, "Griaß di" (or sometimes "Servus") is often used as a casual greeting between friends or family members. This phrase is typically said with a strong Austrian accent and dialect, and it can be hard for Germans to understand. These greetings are seen as a reflection of Austrian culture and hospitality, and they are an important part of social interactions in the country.
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Vowel sounds: Vowels in Austrian German are more nasal and French-sounding, and unaccented vowels are often dropped
Austrian German has a distinct sound when compared to German. One of the most noticeable differences is in the way vowels are pronounced. Vowels in Austrian German tend to have a more nasal quality, which can make words sound more French than German. This is especially true when comparing Austrian German to other German dialects, where the vowels are typically less nasal and more pronounced.
In addition, Austrians have a tendency to drop unaccented vowels, which can further alter the sound of words. For example, the phrase "Schönes Wetter haben wir heute oder?" (The weather is nice today, isn’t it?), might be pronounced “Schön(e)s wett(e)r hab(e)n w(i)r heut(e) oder?” The bolded vowels are often dropped or shortened in Austrian German, giving the phrase a more rapid and fluid sound.
This dropping of unaccented vowels is a feature that is unique to Austrian German and is not typically found in other German-speaking regions. It is believed to be influenced by the region's history and culture, as well as the influence of other languages spoken in the area, such as French and Italian.
The nasal quality of the vowels in Austrian German is also influenced by the region's history and culture. The area that is now Austria has been influenced by a variety of different cultures and languages throughout its history, including French, Italian, and Slavic languages. This mix of languages and cultures has likely contributed to the unique sound of Austrian German, including the more nasal quality of its vowels.
In addition to the nasal quality of the vowels, Austrian German also has a unique set of consonant sounds. For example, the /k/ sound is often affricated to [kx] before front vowels, and the /ts/, /s/, and /z/ sounds can be laminal alveolar or laminal post-dental, which is different from other German dialects. These unique consonant sounds, combined with the nasal vowels and dropped unaccented vowels, give Austrian German a very distinct sound that can be challenging for learners of the language to master.
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Grammatical differences: Austrian German uses 'sein' instead of 'haben' in the perfect tense
German speakers in Austria, southern Germany, and Switzerland use "sein" (to be) instead of "haben" (to have) in the perfect tense. This is a deviation from the standard German rule, which dictates that most verbs in the perfect tense use "haben" as the auxiliary verb.
The perfect tense in German is used to discuss regular events in the past. The two auxiliary verbs "haben" and "sein" are employed in conjunction with regular and irregular past participles to form this tense. The choice between "haben" and "sein" depends on the type of verb being used.
"Haben" is typically used with transitive verbs, which are verbs that take one or more objects. For example, "ich habe ein Buch gelesen" translates to "I read a book," where "Buch" is the object of the verb "to read." On the other hand, "sein" is used with intransitive verbs, which do not have objects. For instance, "ich bin gegangen" means "I went," where there is no object because one cannot 'go something.'
However, German speakers in Austria, southern Germany, and Switzerland often deviate from this standard rule. For example, northern Germans would say "Ich habe gesessen," meaning "I sat," while in Austria and southern Germany, they would say "Ich bin gesessen." This usage of "sein" with verbs like "sitzen" (to sit), "liegen" (to lie), and "stehen" (to stand) is a notable variation in Austrian German.
It is worth noting that "sein" is also used as the auxiliary verb with intransitive verbs of movement, such as "gehen" (to go), "laufen" (to run), "fahren" (to drive), and "schwimmen" (to swim). These verbs express a change of place or state, and "sein" is used to emphasize that movement.
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Diminutive forms: Austrians add '-el' and '-erl' to words, instead of '-chen' or '-lein'
Austrians have a distinct way of forming diminutives, which are words used to convey smallness or endearment. Instead of using the standard German suffixes -chen or -lein, Austrians add -el or -erl to the end of words. For example, the Austrian German word for "little house" is not Häuschen or Häuslein, but rather Häusel. This unique feature of Austrian German adds a layer of charm and familiarity to the language.
The use of -el and -erl in Austrian German is pervasive and adds a sense of cuteness or intimacy to the words they modify. For instance, the Austrian German word for "little bird" is Vogerl, derived from the standard German word Vogel. Similarly, the word for "little tree" becomes Bäuerl, a shortened form of Baum. This linguistic quirk gives Austrian German a distinct sound and feel, setting it apart from other German dialects.
The Austrian German diminutive form can also be used to convey a sense of familiarity or affection. For example, the standard German word for "friend" is Freund, but in Austrian German, it becomes the more intimate Freunderl. Similarly, the Austrian German word for "darling" or "dear" is often heard as Schatzerl, a diminutive form of Schatz, meaning "treasure." These terms of endearment showcase the warmth and expressiveness of Austrian German.
The use of -el and -erl in Austrian German is not limited to nouns but can also be applied to adjectives and adverbs. For instance, the Austrian German word for "a little bit" is a bisserl, which adds a unique flavor to the language. The Austrian German language is replete with such diminutive forms, reflecting the culture's affinity for cuteness and affection.
Understanding the diminutive forms in Austrian German provides insights into the culture and people. The use of -el and -erl conveys warmth and expressiveness in everyday conversations. It adds complexity and richness to the language, showcasing the creativity and friendliness of Austrians. Embracing these linguistic nuances helps appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of Austrian German.
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Dialects: The Viennese dialect is harder for German speakers to understand than other Austrian dialects
Austrian German and Standard German are largely similar, but there are some noticeable differences. Austrian German is the official language of Austria and is used in education, media, and administrative communications. It is mutually intelligible with Standard German, meaning speakers of the two languages can generally understand each other with a bit of effort. However, there are regional dialects within Austria that can be challenging for German speakers to understand, and the Viennese dialect is considered particularly difficult.
Viennese German is the city dialect spoken in Vienna, the capital of Austria, and is counted among the Bavarian dialects. It differs from Austrian Standard German and other Austrian dialects in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. While there used to be four distinct Viennese dialects, today there is a single Viennese dialect, with variations depending on the region within the city. The Viennese dialect has its own unique pronunciations and slang words, but it is fading over time.
One reason for the distinct nature of the Viennese dialect is the influence of foreign languages. Vienna has historically been a melting pot for different populations, particularly from other parts of the former Habsburg monarchy. In recent decades, immigration from countries like Yugoslavia, Turkey, and (East) Germany has also contributed to the evolution of the Viennese dialect. Additionally, there were once class-based dialects in Vienna, such as Schönbrunner Deutsch, influenced by the speech of the Habsburg Imperial Court.
The Viennese dialect differs from Standard German in its pronunciation of certain vowels and its tendency to drop final consonants. For example, "ich weiß" (I know) in Standard German becomes "i waß" or "ee vahs" in Viennese. The typical Viennese monophthongization, or the pronunciation of diphthongs as monophthongs, is another notable feature that sets the Viennese dialect apart from neighboring dialects. While this monophthongization is considered ugly by some visitors from other German-speaking areas, it contributes to the warm and melodic sound of the Viennese dialect.
In summary, while Austrian German and Standard German are generally mutually intelligible, the Viennese dialect presents a greater challenge for German speakers due to its distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. The influence of foreign languages, the existence of class-based dialects, and the unique phonetic characteristics of Viennese German have all contributed to its reputation as one of the harder Austrian dialects for German speakers to understand.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian German and German German are mutually intelligible, but there are some differences in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and dialect. Austrian German tends to be softer and more melodic, with a more nasal quality to the vowels, which can make words sound more French than German.
Yes, but be aware that there are some differences. For example, instead of saying "Guten Tag", Austrians are more likely to greet you with "Grüß Gott". Even a basic German word like "Hallo" might be said as "Griaß di" or "Servus".
Yes, there are regional dialects within Austria that can be challenging to understand, even for German speakers. For example, the Viennese dialect is considered more difficult to understand than other Austrian dialects.
