
German is the official language of Austria, and Austrian German has some key differences from German German. For example, Austrians tend to sound more vague and ambiguous, and Austrian German is more ironic, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings. When it comes to saying good night in Austrian German, the phrase is Gute Nacht, the same as in German.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | Austrian German |
| Goodnight | Gute Nacht |
| Good evening | Guten Abend |
| Goodbye and good evening | Einen schönen Abend noch |
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What You'll Learn

Goodnight in Austrian German is 'Gute Nacht'
Goodnight in Austrian German is "Gute Nacht". This is the same as in standard German. While Germany and Austria share the same written language, there are significant differences in the way the language is spoken in everyday life. The Austrian "Hochdeutsch" (or "high" German) used in writing and formal contexts is similar to German "Hochdeutsch", but the so-called "Mundart" (vernacular) varies from region to region and differs greatly from standard German. For example, in Austria, you might say "Grüss Gott", which translates as "greet God", instead of the German "Guten Tag" or "Guten Abend". In an informal context, you might say "Hallo", "Servus", or "Grüss dich".
There are also differences in the way Austrians and Germans order beer. In Austria, "Eine Halbe Bier", or in dialect, "A Hoibe", stands for "half a litre of beer" and is equivalent to the German "Grosses Bier". A "Reperaturseidl" is a small beer consumed after a long night out to prevent a hangover. Austrian desserts such as "Topfenstrudel mit Schlagobers" or "Palatschinken" are also famous and sometimes even replace lunch.
If you are looking for more ways to say "goodnight" in Austrian German, you could try watching "Das Sandmännchen", a German children's TV show that many German children watch before bedtime. The show follows the adventures of the friendly sandman and his friends, and at the end of each episode, the sandman blows sand into the children's eyes to make them fall asleep and have good dreams.
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Austrians use 'Grüss Gott' to greet people during the day
Austrians use the phrase "Grüss Gott" to greet people during the day. This greeting, which translates to "God greet you," is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. While "Grüss Gott" is widely used throughout Austria, there are some regional variations. For example, in Vienna, the greeting may be spelled "Grusez Gott" or pronounced "Gruess Gott."
In addition to "Grüss Gott," Austrians also use other greetings depending on the time of day. "Guten Morgen" (good morning), "Guten Tag" (good day), and "Guten Abend" (good evening) are all appropriate greetings. "Servus" is another common greeting in Austria, especially in Vienna.
It is important to note that Austrians value punctuality, orderliness, and thoroughness in their interactions. When addressing someone in Austria, it is considered respectful to use their appropriate titles and last names until invited to use their first name. The titles "Herr" for men and "Frau" for women over the age of 18 are used, along with professional titles such as "Doctor", followed by their last name.
When dining in Austria, it is considered polite to finish what is on your plate, especially when invited to a private home. Additionally, it is customary for the person extending the invitation to pay the bill in a restaurant. Before eating, Austrians often say "Guten Appetit" or "Mahlzeit," which is a general greeting used around midday.
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'Guten Morgen' is used before 10 a.m
Austrian German is one of the many languages spoken in Austria. The correct way to say goodnight in Austrian German is "Gute Nacht".
Now, moving on to the second part of your request, which focuses on the phrase "Guten Morgen". While it is certainly related to greetings, this phrase translates to "good morning" in English and is used specifically before 10 a.m. to greet someone. It is a standard greeting in German-speaking countries, including Austria, and is considered a polite and friendly way to start a conversation or interaction during the morning hours.
The phrase "Guten Morgen" is typically used when addressing one person, and it conveys a sense of respect and courtesy. It is appropriate for both formal and informal situations and can be used with colleagues, friends, family, or even strangers. Using "Guten Morgen" sets a positive tone for the day and shows that you are attentive to the time of day and the well-being of the person you are greeting.
It is important to note that the usage of "Guten Morgen" is generally limited to the morning hours. As the day progresses, the greeting can shift to "Guten Tag" (good day) or "Guten Abend" (good evening) depending on the time of day. These transitions in greetings reflect the German language's specificity and attention to detail when it comes to time-based expressions and social etiquette.
So, to summarize, "Guten Morgen" is indeed used before 10 a.m. in Austrian German to wish someone a good morning and convey a polite and friendly greeting.
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'Guten Abend' is not commonly used in Austria
Austrian German has some unique features that set it apart from standard German. While "Guten Abend" is the standard German expression for "good evening", it is not as commonly used in Austria. Instead, Austrians often drop the "Guten" and simply say "Abend" for "good evening". This variation is just one example of how Austrian German has developed its own dialects and greetings that differ from standard German.
Another factor to consider is the prevalence of other greetings in Austria. "Grüß Gott" (or Gruss Gott), which translates to "greet God", is widely used throughout Austria and into Bavaria as a polite greeting during the day. This phrase is a unique feature of Austrian German and is less commonly used in other German-speaking regions.
Additionally, the informal greeting "Hallo" is also gaining popularity in Austria, especially among young people. This mirrors a broader trend in German-speaking countries, where "Hallo" is increasingly used as a universal greeting, regardless of the time of day. However, "Hallo" is not as deeply rooted in Austrian culture and tradition as phrases like "Grüß Gott" or even "Guten Abend".
It's worth noting that Austria is a country rich in tradition, and this extends to its language and greetings. While "Guten Abend" may not be the most common way to say "good evening" in Austria, it is still understood and recognised by Austrians. Visitors to Austria who make an effort to use more traditional greetings like "Grüß Gott" or Servus, are often met with warm responses and seen as making a polite effort to engage with the local culture.
In conclusion, while "Guten Abend" is not the most commonly used phrase for "good evening" in Austria, it is still understood and recognised. The use of "Guten Abend" in Austria varies depending on factors such as regional dialects, the formality of the setting, and the age of the speaker. Visitors to Austria who wish to engage with the local culture can consider using more traditional greetings like "Grüß Gott" or "Servus", which are deeply rooted in Austrian culture and tradition.
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Austrians use 'Hallo', 'Servus' or 'Grüss dich' in informal contexts
Austrians use a variety of expressions to greet each other in informal contexts. While "Hallo" and "Guten Tag" are becoming more common in Austria, "Grüß Gott," literally meaning "God's greeting," is a Catholic-inspired greeting that leaves a good impression on the older generation. "Servus," "Servas," or "Seas" are considered charming, especially with younger Austrians. When hiking or outside the city, "Griaß di" or "Griaß enk/Griaß eich" (in the plural) is a suitable greeting. "Servus" can also be used as a send-off, followed by "Bussi Baba." "Grüß dich" is another informal greeting, and "Griaß di" has the send-off version "Pfiat di."
"Hallo" is also commonly used as an informal greeting in Austrian German, along with variations like "Na" or "Moin moin," which are more familiar and used with people one knows well. "Grüß dich" is another informal greeting, literally translating to "greeting." Regional variations also exist, such as "Sali" or "Salü," commonly heard in Zurich, Switzerland.
When saying goodbye, Austrians have several informal options. "Servus," as mentioned, can be used both for hello and goodbye. "Priat di" and "Pfiat di" are charming ways to say bye. "Tschau-Baba" or "Tschüss" are also informal goodbyes, with the latter being more common in the northwest.
In addition to these expressions, it is particularly Austrian to string together several of these phrases in succession, such as "Tschau-Baba, Bussi, bis bald!," showcasing the richness and variety of Austrian greetings and farewells.
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Frequently asked questions
"Gute Nacht" is how you say 'good night' in Austrian.
There is no set way to spell 'good night' in Austrian as many words are used exclusively in spoken Austrian.
German and Austrian German are very similar, but there are some differences. The Austrian Hochdeutsch (or "high" German) used in writing and formal contexts is similar to German Hochdeutsch, but there are significant differences in the way German is spoken in everyday life.
Some examples of Austrian slang include "Morgen" (used to say good morning), "Grüss Gott" (used to greet someone during the day), "Hallo" (informal greeting), "Servus" (informal greeting), and "Grüss dich" (informal greeting).






