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Germany and Austria are neighbouring countries with shared histories, languages, and cultures. However, they are distinct nations with unique characteristics. While they may seem similar to outsiders, there are notable differences in everyday life, from vocabulary and cuisine to communication styles and business practices. These differences reflect each country's pride in its history, traditions, and customs. This overview will explore the nuances that make Germany and Austria culturally unique.
Differences between Austria and Germany
| Characteristics | Austria | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Austrian German | German |
| Vocabulary | Moagn (Good morning) | Guten Morgen (Good morning) |
| Schlagobers (Cream) | Sahne (Cream) | |
| Erdäpfelsalat (Potato salad) | Kartoffelsalat (Potato salad) | |
| Hoibe (Large beer) | Ein Halbes (Large beer) | |
| Palatschinken (Pancake) | Pfannkuchen (Pancake) | |
| Communication style | More elaborate | Short and concise |
| Addressing style | Direct and confidential | Formal |
| Sense of humour | Serious face | Dry and direct |
| Decision-making style | More fluid | Clear hierarchical structures and strict processes |
| Culture | Less diverse | More diverse |
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Language
German is the official language of both Germany and Austria, but there are significant variations in dialect and accent from region to region within both countries. In fact, when Austria joined the EU in 1995, it ensured that much of its specific Austrian German terminology, especially culinary terms, was protected by law.
Austrian German, or Österreichisches Deutsch, is the variety of the German language spoken in Austria and South Tyrol. It is the official language of Austria and is understood and used by the Austrian population in everyday communication, media, education, and government. Austrian German is mutually intelligible with Standard German, and both share a large portion of their vocabulary. However, there are notable differences between the two varieties. Austrian German uses different pronunciation rules, resulting in a distinct Austrian accent. It also has a smaller vocabulary than Standard German and often uses different words to convey the same meaning.
The past tense in Austrian German is formed similarly to Standard German, with the only difference being that some verbs use a different auxiliary verb in the past perfect (Perfekt). For example, in Standard German, the most common diminutive suffix is "-chen", whereas in Austrian German, the common diminutive suffix is "-erl".
The Austrian vowel system is more similar to that of other Central German varieties than to Standard German. Additionally, Austrian German has been influenced by the country's historical development, including the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy and the multilingual Austro-Hungarian Empire. Several languages spoken in this empire, such as Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, Croatian, Slovenian, and Romani, are still spoken in parts of Austria today. The dialect of Carinthia, for example, has been influenced by bilingualism with Slovene, and the dialect of Vienna has been influenced by immigration from the Czech Republic.
In less formal situations, Austrians use Bavarian and Alemannic dialects, which are traditionally spoken but rarely written in Austria. The German spoken in Austria is more lilting and less crisp than that of Germany, and it is quite similar to Bavarian German. This is due to Bavaria's proximity to Austria and the shared border between the two regions. As a result, Bavarians tend to share the Austrians' informality in language. For example, Austrians and Bavarians are more likely to address others with the informal "du" rather than the formal "Sie".
Overall, while Austrian German and Standard German share many similarities, there are distinct differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and syntax that can cause minor confusion or misunderstandings between speakers of the two varieties.
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Food and drink
Austrian and German food cultures have many similarities, but also some distinct differences. German food is often characterised by its variety of hearty meat and potato meals, such as schnitzel, sausages, and sauerkraut. German cuisine also includes traditional dishes like Sauerbraten (usually beef) served with Rotkohl (red cabbage) and Klöße (dumplings). German street food includes doner kebabs, currywurst, and pommes frites, and German fast food is said to be superior to Austrian. Bratwurst is the quintessential German food, available in restaurants, cafes, beer halls, and street food stalls. German food also varies between the north and south of the country, with the north serving more fish and dark bread, and the south offering more meat-based meals with rich gravies and "pasta" (like Spaetzle).
Austrian food, meanwhile, is often described as more "Mediterranean" than German food, with influences from Hungary, Italy, and other Alpine countries. Austrian cuisine also has many hearty meat dishes in common with Germany, including schnitzel, sausages, and strudel. However, Austria also has many regional specialties similar to those found in Bavaria and other Alpine countries, such as goulash and palatschinken, which are harder to find in most parts of Germany. Austrian meals tend to be longer and more relaxed affairs, with conversation and drinks continuing for hours after the meal is finished. Vienna, in particular, is known for its cafe culture and late-night sausage stands.
Both countries have a strong beer and wine culture, although German wine is said to be more reasonably priced than Austrian. Austria is also known for its coffee, with specialty coffee and coffee shops being common across the country.
Some iconic foods and drinks of each country include:
- Germany: Bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, dumplings, beer, and wine.
- Austria: Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled fillet of veal), strudel, Sachertorte (chocolate sponge cake), Mozartkugel (chocolate with pistachio marzipan and nougat), coffee, and wine.
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Culture and humour
Austrians and Germans have different cultures and ways of thinking, and one of the most notable differences is their sense of humour. Austrians think Germans take everything too seriously and always want to be right. On the other hand, Germans don't view Austrians as particularly wise. For example, a German newspaper once joked that the Austrian flag has a red stripe at the top and bottom to prevent Austrians from flying it upside down.
Austrians and Germans also differ in their communication styles. While Germans like to get to the heart of the matter in a short, concise, and often unflattering way, Austrians prefer to be more elaborate. The Viennese, in particular, are known for their ability to pack a small insulting jab into as many words as possible, making it sound mild without losing its sharpness. In contrast, Germans tend to be more direct and concise when criticising, and they consider the matter settled after doing so.
Another difference is that Austrians are more likely to address people directly with the confidential "Du", doing away with formal forms of address. This reflects the friendly and cheerful way in which Austrians express themselves. In contrast, Germans tend to stick to the more formal "Sie" to keep an emotional distance from the person they are speaking to.
Despite these differences, it's important to note that Austria and Germany are neighbouring countries that share many cultural similarities. They speak the same language, German, although there are some dialectical differences. For example, the pronunciation of the word "zwanzig" (twenty) differs between the two countries, with Germans using a "ch" sound and Austrians using a "k" sound. Additionally, due to the proximity of the two countries, there is a lot of cross-border commuting and traffic, which has led to some vocabulary differences. For example, a Pfannkuchen (pancake) in Germany becomes a Palatschinken in Austria, and whipped cream ("Obers") in Austria is called "Schlagsahne" in Germany.
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Business practices
Austria and Germany have distinct business practices, despite their geographical proximity and shared language. Here are some key differences:
Language and Communication
Both countries have German as their official language, but Austrian German sounds "softer" than German spoken in Germany. Austrians will appreciate any effort to communicate in German, and it is considered a sign of respect to have one side of your business card translated into German. While English is common across Austria, knowing some German will help build rapport with Austrian business people.
Austrians tend to be reserved and formal in their communication, valuing privacy and personal space. It is important to avoid asking personal questions related to occupation, age, family, or children until a relationship is well-established. Small talk is usually brief and focused on neutral topics, avoiding sensitive issues like religion, politics, or World War II. Austrians are known for their directness and professionalism in business communication.
Business Etiquette and Culture
Punctuality is highly valued in both countries, and it is considered impolite to arrive late for a meeting without prior notice. Austrians are known for their conservative and formal business culture, with a focus on professionalism and presentation. They tend to follow established protocols and maintain a strict separation between their private lives and work.
Austrians prefer introductions made by a third party, as it builds trust. When exchanging handshakes, a firm and quick grip is customary, and it is respectful to maintain eye contact during the greeting. Business attire is conservative, with dark-colored suits, white dress shirts, and understated ties for men, and conservative dresses or business suits for women.
Digital Marketing
In terms of digital marketing strategies, while LinkedIn is popular in both countries, XING is another important platform to consider in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Trust and security are key factors in building successful client relationships in this region.
Work-Life Balance
Austrians are known for their strong work-life balance, with a clear divide between work and play. Business socializing is often more formal and networking-oriented, serving professional enhancement goals rather than casual drinks. Austrians value punctuality, perfectionism, and professionalism in their work, and they are known for their single-minded focus on accomplishing tasks.
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Geography and history
Germany and Austria are neighbouring countries that share a long border and a long history. However, they are two distinct countries, each proud of its unique history, culture, traditions, customs, and habits.
Geography
Germany is located in central Europe and covers an area of 137,847 square miles (357,022 square kilometres). It is bordered by nine countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland. The landscape varies across the country, from the beaches along the North Sea coast to the forests and mountains in the south and southwest. Germany has a largely temperate climate, with cool, cloudy, wet winters and mild summers.
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, covering an area of 32,386 square miles (83,871 square kilometres). It is bordered by Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. The landscape is characterised by the Alps, with roughly 60% of the country being mountainous. The climate varies with altitude, but generally, it is a cool, temperate climate with cold, cloudy, and snowy winters, and cool to warm summers with frequent rainfall and thunderstorms.
History
Germany and Austria share a long history, with many cultural, political, and economic ties. A large chunk of Austria's history was tied to Germany, and it was part of Germany for most of its history. After the First World War, Austria began to establish itself as a sovereign nation. The Second World War also had a significant impact on both countries' cultures.
Since Austria gained independence, the two countries have developed differently in several ways. Germany, due to its larger size, is more culturally diverse. For example, the cultural background of someone from Hamburg would be quite distinct from that of someone from Bavaria, whereas Western Austria and Bavaria share more similarities.
Despite their shared history and many similarities, Austria and Germany are distinct countries with their own unique identities.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria and Germany are neighbouring countries that share many similarities, but also have some notable differences. Both countries speak German, but there are distinct dialects and accents in each. German speakers in Austria tend to use a more lilting and less crisp tone than in Germany, and there are differences in vocabulary. For example, Austrians say "Moagn" for "good morning", whereas Germans say "Guten Morgen".
Austrians and Germans have different communication styles. Austrians tend to be more elaborate and indirect in their speech, whereas Germans are more concise and direct. This difference also extends to their sense of humour—Austrians often tell jokes with a straight face, leaving Germans unsure whether to laugh or not.
Germans prefer clear hierarchies and strict decision-making processes, while Austrians have a more fluid approach. Decisions may take longer in Austria, but they are less likely to be revised, resulting in similar outcomes for both cultures.
While there are many similarities between Austrian and German cuisine, some terms differ. For example, in Austria, you would ask for "Erdäpfelsalat" instead of the German "Kartoffelsalat" when ordering potato salad. Ordering a large beer in Austria would be a "Hoibe", whereas in Germany, you would ask for "ein Halbes" (half a litre).
