Lexi Webster
Germany and Austria have long held close cultural, political, economic, and familial ties. However, there are some differences between the two countries. Austrians and Germans have different ways of communicating, doing business, and expressing their sense of humour. German and Austrian German also have different vocabularies, expressions, and rules, making it challenging for native German speakers to understand Austrian German.
| Characteristics | Germans | Austrians |
|---|---|---|
| Population | One of the most populous countries in the European Union | About 9 million |
| Economy | One of the largest economies in the world | Smaller economy than Germany but with a strong industrial base |
| Language | German | Austrian German, a source of pride for Austrians |
| Vocabulary | Pfannkuchen (pancake), Obers (whipped cream) | Palatschinken (pancake), Schlagsahne (whipped cream) |
| Communication Style | Direct and concise | Elaborate and indirect |
| Decision-Making | Prefer clear hierarchies and strict processes | More fluid decision-making processes |
| Addressing Others | More formal, use of "Sie" | More informal, use of "Du" |
| Sense of Humor | Dry and direct | Serious delivery, even for jokes |
| Global Affairs | More assertive role | Less assertive role |
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What You'll Learn
Language
Austrians and Germans speak different variations of German. Austrian German, or Österreichisches Deutsch, is the variety of Standard German written and spoken in Austria and South Tyrol. Austrian German is mutually intelligible with Standard German, meaning speakers of the two languages can understand each other. However, there are notable differences between the two varieties.
Austrian German has a smaller vocabulary than Standard German and often uses different words to convey the same meaning. For example, Austrians say "Grüß Gott" or "Servus" when greeting someone, whereas Germans say "Guten Tag". Austrians say "Erdapfel" for "potato", while Germans say "Kartoffel". Austrians say "Paradeiser" for "tomato", while Germans say "Tomate". Austrians say "Palatschinken" for "pancake", while Germans say "Pfannkuchen".
There are also differences in pronunciation, with Austrian German using different rules that result in a distinct accent. For example, the word "Apfel" (apple) is spelled "Äpfel" in Austrian German. The past tense in Austrian German is built like the Standard German past tense, but in the past perfect, some verbs use a different auxiliary verb. In Austrian German, the common diminutive suffix is "-erl", whereas in Standard German, it is "-chen".
In addition to vocabulary and pronunciation differences, there are also variations in grammar and spelling between Austrian German and Standard German. Austrian German grammar rules differ from those of Standard German in several respects. There are also some differences in spelling, such as the word "Apfel" (apple), which is spelled "Äpfel" in Austrian German.
The dialects of Austrian German have been influenced by contact with non-Germanic linguistic groups. For example, the dialect of Carinthia has been influenced by Slovene, and the dialect of Vienna has been influenced by immigration from the Czech Republic. The German dialects of South Tyrol have also been influenced by local Romance languages, with many loanwords from Italian and Ladin.
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Geography and Population
Germany and Austria share an 818-kilometre border and have close cultural, political, economic, and familial ties. However, they are two distinct countries with their own unique histories, cultures, traditions, customs, and habits.
Austria, which lies south of Germany, is a small country with a population of about 9 million, almost 2 million of whom live in Vienna, the capital city. German is the official language of Austria, and it is spoken by approximately 8 million native speakers in the country. Austrian German dates back to the 18th century and is a source of pride for Austrians, who often prefer to use Austrian phrases and expressions rather than standard German equivalents. While Austrian German is mutually intelligible with standard German, there are significant differences in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. For example, the standard German word for "potato" is "Kartoffel", while in Austrian German, it is "Erdapfel". Other differences include "Paradeiser" for "tomato" and "Jänner" for "January" in Austrian German.
Germany, on the other hand, is one of the most populous countries in the European Union, with a population of 83 million as of 2022. It is a global leader in manufacturing and export, particularly in the automotive, machinery, electrical goods, and pharmaceutical industries. The country is organised into 16 states, including Bavaria, which shares a border with Austria.
While the landscape, culture, and people on both sides of the German-Austrian border may seem similar, there are subtle differences. For example, Austrians are considered more outgoing and cheerful than Germans, who tend to be more formal and distant upon first meetings. Austrians also have a unique sense of humour, often telling jokes with a straight face, leaving Germans unsure whether a statement is meant to be serious or funny.
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Culture and Humour
Austrians and Germans have different cultures and ways of thinking. While the languages are similar, there are differences in grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics, which means that the way the two languages are written and pronounced varies significantly. For example, the word "zwanzig" (twenty) in German is pronounced with a 'ch' sound at the end, whereas in Austrian, it is pronounced with a 'k' sound.
In terms of culture and humour, Austrians and Germans have different approaches. Austrians tend to be more indirect and elaborate in their communication, often packing small insulting jabs into their speech to make it sound milder without losing its sharpness. On the other hand, Germans prefer to be concise and direct, sometimes in an unflattering way. Austrians are also known for their use of dialects, which are considered extreme and non-intelligible to those outside of Austria. In Germany, speaking a dialect is often associated with lower intelligence, while in Austria, it is the norm and speaking standard German can be seen as pretentious.
Austrians are also known for their sense of humour, which can be sarcastic and biting. They often tell jokes with a straight face, leaving Germans unsure about whether a statement is meant to be serious or funny. Germans, on the other hand, are known for their dry sense of humour, which can be very to the point and direct. Austrians view Germans as too serious and always wanting to be right, while Germans don't see Austrians as particularly wise.
Despite these differences, Austrians and Germans get along very well, especially in border regions where there is a lot of cross-border commuting and interaction. They share a friendly rivalry in sports and outdoor activities, and Austrians generally have a positive image in Germany.
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Business and Decision-Making
Germany and Austria share a long border and a long history. Both countries speak German, but there are differences in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Austrian German dates back to the 18th century and is a source of pride for Austrians, who like to use Austrian phrases and expressions rather than standard German. Austrian German is the official language of Austria, used in education, media, and administrative communications.
In terms of business and decision-making, there are some notable differences between the two countries. Germans prefer clear hierarchical structures and strict decision-making processes. They like to get to the heart of the matter in a short and concise manner, which can sometimes be seen as unflattering. In contrast, Austrians take a more fluid approach to decision-making. It may take longer for a decision to be made, but it is less likely to be revised, resulting in similar outcomes to those in Germany. Germans tend to stick to formal language to maintain an emotional distance, while Austrians are more direct and informal, reflecting their friendly and cheerful nature.
Austria has a smaller economy than Germany but boasts a strong industrial base. Sectors such as machinery, agriculture, tourism, and finance are essential to the Austrian economy. Germany, on the other hand, is one of the largest economies in the world, with a more assertive role in global affairs. Its strong manufacturing and export industries, including cars, machinery, electrical goods, and pharmaceuticals, are well-known. The average salary in Austria is slightly higher than in Germany, with €47,000 per annum compared to €44,000 per annum by 2021 figures.
While the two countries have distinct approaches to business and decision-making, their close proximity and shared history have led to many similarities in other aspects of life. For example, people on both sides of the border wear traditional Germanic Tracht costumes such as Lederhosen and the Dirndl. However, cultural differences can be observed, particularly in humour. Austrians tell jokes with a straight face, leaving Germans unsure whether a statement is meant to be serious or funny. Germans, on the other hand, have a dry sense of humour that can be very direct.
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Global Affairs and Economy
Germany and Austria share a long border and a long history. Both countries are united by their use of the German language, but there are notable differences in vocabulary, grammar, and dialects between Austrian German and Standard German. German is one of the most populous countries in the European Union and has one of the largest economies globally, with strong manufacturing and export industries. Austria, on the other hand, has a smaller economy but a strong industrial base, with notable sectors including machinery, agriculture, tourism, and finance.
German and Austrian people have distinct ways of communicating and conducting business. Germans tend to be more direct and concise, while Austrians prefer a more elaborate communication style. In terms of business, Germans favour clear hierarchies and strict decision-making processes, while decision-making in Austria is more fluid and less structured.
Cultural differences are more subtle between the two countries, particularly near the border region. German and Austrian people wear similar traditional clothing, such as Lederhosen and Dirndl. However, Austrians are generally considered more outgoing and cheerful, while Germans may come across as more formal and distant upon first meeting. These cultural differences also extend to their sense of humour. Austrians often tell jokes with a straight face, leaving Germans unsure whether a statement is meant to be serious or funny.
Despite their similarities and close ties, Germany and Austria are proud nations with distinct histories, cultures, traditions, and customs. They have unique relationships with their pasts, with Austrians holding on to the memory of the K&K (Imperial and Royal) monarchy. These differences in global affairs and the economy contribute to the varied national identities of German and Austrian people.
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Frequently asked questions
German and Austrian people share a lot of similarities, but there are some cultural differences. German and Austrian people both speak German, but Austrian German has different dialects, expressions, and rules. German people tend to be more formal and direct, whereas Austrians are considered more outgoing and cheerful.
German people tend to stick to formalities and use the word "Sie" to keep emotional distance, whereas Austrians are more direct and use the confidential "Du". German humour tends to be dry and direct, whereas Austrians tell jokes with a straight face, and it can be hard to tell if they are being serious or funny.
Germany has one of the largest economies in the EU and plays a more assertive role in global affairs than Austria. Germany is known for its manufacturing and export industries, including cars, machinery, and electrical goods. Austria has a smaller economy but a strong industrial base in sectors such as machinery, agriculture, tourism, and finance. The average salary in Austria is slightly higher than in Germany.
