Damon Mcknight
Austrians have their own German phrases and slang, which differ from the German spoken in Germany. These phrases and slang terms cover a wide range of situations, from casual greetings to expressions of disbelief. While Austrians can understand basic German words, they appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to understand the local language. Some common Austrian phrases include Grüß Gott, which means greet God and is used in place of Guten Tag, and Schau ma Mal, which means we'll see or let's see and reflects the typically laid-back Viennese attitude. Austrians also have their own unique vocabulary related to food and drinks, such as Jausenbrot for black bread and Häferlkaffee for filter coffee with milk served in a large cup.
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What You'll Learn
Greeting someone: Grüß Gott or Hallo
Greeting someone in Austria can be done in several ways, the most common ones being "Grüß Gott", "Hallo", and "Servus".
"Grüß Gott" is a traditional greeting that literally translates to "Greet God". It is widespread in the Catholic German-speaking areas of Austria, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in Germany, and South Tyrol. While it is one of the most common greetings in Austria, its usage varies depending on the region and the political leanings of the speaker. It is more commonly used in rural areas and by those with conservative political leanings.
"Hallo" is the most neutral greeting form and is the primary greeting used by 74% of Austrians, according to a survey by the Spectra Institute. It is a less formal way of saying hello and can be used in any context, whether with friends or when being more conversational with someone you don't know well.
"Servus", or "Servas", is another informal greeting that is commonly used in Austria. It is equivalent to saying "hi" and is often used among friends.
When deciding between using "Grüß Gott" or "Hallo", it is worth noting that "Hallo" is more commonly used in cities and by those with more progressive political leanings. "Grüß Gott" is more prevalent in rural areas and among conservatives. However, it is important to remember that the choice of greeting is also influenced by personal preference and the context of the situation.
In addition to these greetings, there are other formal and informal ways to greet someone in Austria. The formal greeting "Guten Tag" is also used, as well as "Grüß Sie" when greeting friends. Younger people may simply say "Hi". While less common today, older, more formal greetings such as "Gschamster servant" ("your humble servant") and "Gnädiger Herr / gnädige Frau" (Sir / Madam) accompanied by a kiss on the hand, are also part of Austrian greeting etiquette.
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Saying goodbye: Tschüss or Pfiat di
Austrians have their own German phrases and slang, and while you can get by in Austria with basic German words, Austrians appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to understand the local language. When it comes to saying goodbye, there are a few options to consider.
One informal way to say goodbye in Austrian German is "Tschüss". This is similar to saying "Tschüss" in German or "see you soon" in English. It is commonly used among friends and family.
Another informal way to bid farewell in Austrian German is "Pfiat di". This phrase is typically used in the southeastern German-speaking region, specifically in the Bavarian dialect region of Austria (excluding Vorarlberg and Ausserfern/Reutte/Tirol). "Pfiat di" is a shortened form of "Behüt Dich Gott", which means "May God protect you". The phrase has undergone a sound change, with "b+h" becoming "pf" and "ü + i" becoming "üi" or "ü+schwaches e".
In addition to "Tschüss" and "Pfiat di", other ways to say goodbye in Austrian German include "Auf Wiedersehen" or "Auf Wiederschauen", which are the formal versions.
So, if you're looking to connect with the locals and show your appreciation for their language and culture, using phrases like "Tschüss" or "Pfiat di" when saying goodbye can go a long way.
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Ordering food and drink: Ordering coffee or beer
Ordering coffee or beer in Austria is an important skill to master, as coffee is a significant part of Austrian culture. Coffee is so important in Austria that it is considered rude to order just a coffee, and doing so will immediately mark you out as a tourist. Coffee in Austria is served with a glass of water, and a spoon to stir the coffee is placed on the edges of the water glass. This custom is said to date back to the Orient, where coffee and water were rare and precious, and symbolises how much the customer is valued.
There are several different types of coffee in Austria, and these vary from region to region. A good starting point is to familiarise yourself with the following terms:
- Kleiner Brauner and Großer Brauner: "little brown one" or "large brown one", this is similar to an ordinary coffee: black with a bit of milk, but typically not filtered, and steamed like espresso.
- Melange: a mix of frothed milk and steamed coffee, similar to a cappuccino, but consumed at any time of the day.
- Milchkaffee or Café latte: a large coffee with frothed milk.
- Einspänner: strong, black coffee served in a high glass with a dash of whipped cream.
- Fiaker: coffee with a shot of Austrian rum and whipped cream, named after the traditional horse-drawn carriages.
- Mokka: named after a port city in Yemen, once a major centre for the coffee trade. This looks like an espresso but is made with different beans. Ask for Kleiner Schwarzer for one, or Grosser Schwarzer for a double.
If you are ordering beer in Austria, it is worth noting that ordering from the counter is generally considered rude, and you will usually be expected to find your own seat. Waiting staff will typically ask for your drinks order first and give you time before asking about food. It is also worth noting that water is rarely served automatically with meals, so be sure to ask for some if you would like it.
Finally, there is no pressure to keep ordering or to leave as soon as you have finished your food and drink in Austria. It is common to linger over a single coffee for an entire afternoon, and staff will not pressure you to order more or to leave.
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Expressing disbelief: Krass
The Austrian-German word "krass" is a versatile term that can be used to express disbelief, as well as a range of other emotions and reactions. While it can be challenging to provide a single English equivalent, "krass" often conveys a sense of something being intense, stark, or extreme.
When expressing disbelief, "krass" can be used similarly to how one might say "wow" or "whoa" in English. For example, if you hear surprising news, you might exclaim, "Krass!" with a tone of astonishment. It's an exclamation that captures a strong reaction to something unexpected or hard to believe.
In certain contexts, "krass" can also convey a negative sentiment, indicating that something is unpleasant, harsh, or even awful. For instance, if someone shares a story about a difficult experience, responding with "Krass!" could be a way to express empathy and acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
However, "krass" is not always negative. It can also mean "cool" or "awesome." Austrians might use it to express enthusiasm or excitement about something they find impressive or enjoyable. So, when hearing "Krass!" it's important to pay attention to the tone and context to understand the speaker's intended emotion.
Due to its versatility, "krass" is a valuable word to know when communicating in Austrian-German. It allows speakers to express a range of feelings, from excitement and admiration to shock and dismay. Understanding the nuances of this word can help foreigners better connect with Austrians and demonstrate an appreciation for their language and culture.
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Saying thank you: Danke or Dankeschön
When it comes to expressing gratitude in Austria, the phrase "Dankeschön" is commonly used. This phrase is a basic expression of gratitude and can be written in a few different ways:
- As a single word in uppercase: "Dankeschön"
- As two words with the first word ("Danke") in uppercase and the second word ("schön") in lowercase: "Danke schön"
- As two words in lowercase: "danke schön"
The single-word uppercase version, "Dankeschön," is a neuter noun and should be used when it is clearly being used as a noun in a sentence. For example, one might say, "Und ganz herzliches Dankeschön auf jeden Fall," which means "And very heartfelt thanks in any case."
The more common way of expressing gratitude is to use the two-word version, "Danke schön" or "danke schön," which is usually written in lowercase unless it is at the beginning of a sentence. For example, one might say, "Das bestelle ich später, danke schön," which means "I'll order that later, thank you."
While the uppercase version of "Danke schön" is not required, it can be used when expressions of gratitude are referred to with the verb "sagen" in a sentence.
So, whether you choose to express your thanks with a simple "Danke" or a more enthusiastic "Dankeschön," you'll be sure to show your appreciation in Austria!
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians have their own German phrases and slang. Here are some common Austrian phrases:
- Grüss Gott, which translates to "greet God", is used as a greeting.
- Hallo, Servus, Grüss dich, and Griaß di are informal greetings.
- Auf Wiedersehen or Auf Wiederschauen are formal goodbyes.
- Tschüss and Pfiat di are commonly used among friends and family.
- Schau ma mal/Schau ma moi is used to say "let's see" or "we'll see".
- Krass can be used to express something awesome or awful.
- Bussi, Baba is used to say "kisses, see you later".
Some unique Austrian phrases include:
- Ein Ort zum Ausrasten, which means "a place to relax".
- Schanigarten refers to the outdoor seating area of a bar, restaurant, or cafe.
- Jause refers to a light meal or snack.
- Reperaturseidl is a small beer consumed to prevent hangovers.
- Kaiserschmarrn refers to a traditional thick pancake dish.
- Sackerl für’s Gackerl means a "doggy poo bag".
Austrians have specific phrases for food and drinks:
- A Weißen Spritzer is a "wine spritzer".
- A Hoibe refers to "half a liter of beer".
- Verlängerter is a "simple black coffee".
- Einspänner or Fiaker are specialized Viennese coffee drinks.
- Häferlkaffee is filter coffee with lots of milk served in a large cup.
