Lyla Lindsey
Austrians and Germans share many similarities, but there are also some notable differences between the two neighbouring countries. While both speak German, there are different dialects and accents, and distinct vocabularies. German speakers might find the Viennese dialect impenetrable, and the rural west of the Austrian Alps sounds very different from the capital. In addition, there are differences in communication styles, humour, and business practices. For example, Austrians tend to be more elaborate and indirect in their communication, while Germans are more concise and direct.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | German is the official language of Germany, while Austrian German is the official language of Austria. |
| Language Similarity | Austrian German and Standard German are mutually intelligible, but there are some notable differences in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. |
| Vocabulary | Austrian German has a smaller vocabulary than Standard German, and uses different words for the same thing, e.g. "Kasten" (wardrobe) instead of "Schrank". |
| Grammar | Austrian German grammar differs in verb placement and feminine noun endings. |
| Pronunciation | Austrian German has a distinct accent, with a softer pronunciation of the letter G and more nasal vowels. |
| Communication Style | Austrians tend to be more elaborate and indirect in their communication, while Germans are more concise and direct. |
| Business Culture | Germans prefer clear hierarchies and strict decision-making processes, while Austrians have a more fluid approach, taking longer to decide but with less need for revision. |
| Formality | Germans tend to use more formal addresses, while Austrians are more casual and direct. |
| Sense of Humor | Austrians often tell jokes with a straight face, while Germans have a dry and direct sense of humor. |
| History | Austria was part of Germany for most of its history, only becoming a sovereign nation after World War I. |
| Dialects | Both countries have regional dialects, with the Viennese dialect being particularly distinct from Standard German. |
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What You'll Learn
- Austrians speak Austrian German, a variety of German influenced by Austro-Bavarian
- German speakers may find the Viennese dialect impenetrable
- Austrians tend to address people directly, without formal forms of address
- Austrians are less direct than Germans when criticising
- German and Austrian have different official terms for the same things
Austrians speak Austrian German, a variety of German influenced by Austro-Bavarian
In addition, Austrian German has a smaller vocabulary than Standard German, and it often uses different words to convey the same meaning. For example, Austrians say "Semmerl" for a bread roll, whereas in Germany, the word is "Brötchen". There are also many official terms that differ in Austrian German from their usage in most parts of Germany. For instance, "Jänner" is used for January instead of "Januar", "heuer" for "this year" instead of "dieses Jahr", and "Stiege" for "stairs" instead of "Treppen".
Another difference between Austrian German and Standard German is the use of personal pronouns. Austrians tend to address people directly with the confidential "du", doing away with formal forms of address. This reflects the friendly, cheerful way in which Austrians express themselves.
There are also some grammatical differences between Austrian German and Standard German. For example, verb placement is often different, and feminine nouns often take on a different ending. In addition, the past tense is rarely used in Austrian German, especially in colloquial conversations.
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German speakers may find the Viennese dialect impenetrable
Austrians and Germans speak different dialects of German, and the Viennese dialect is particularly distinct. While the two dialects are mutually intelligible, German speakers may find the Viennese dialect impenetrable. This is because the Viennese dialect differs from standard German in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Viennese German is the city dialect spoken in Vienna, the capital of Austria, and is counted among the Bavarian dialects. It is distinct from written Standard German in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Even in Lower Austria, the state surrounding the city, many Viennese expressions are not used, and farther to the west, they are often not even understood.
Viennese German retains many Middle High German and sometimes even Old High German roots. It has also integrated many expressions from other languages, particularly from other parts of the former Habsburg monarchy, as Vienna was once a melting pot for its constituent populations. For example, the original Viennese phrase "Wos host'n fir a Notn gschriebn?" has evolved into modern Viennese German "Was hast’n für eine Note gschriebn?", which means "Do you know what disgusting meat we were served at school today?" in Standard German.
In addition to the differences in vocabulary and grammar, the Viennese dialect is also known for its melodic sound, with intonation and distinctive ups and downs. This is particularly true for the "Schönbrunn" variety of Standard German, which is influenced by Viennese. The Schönbrunn dialect was historically spoken by courtiers and attendants of the Habsburg Imperial Court and is characterised by an affected bored inflection and overenunciation.
While the Viennese dialect has traditionally been associated with the lower classes, it has moved closer to Standard German in recent times. However, it still retains its unique characteristics, and German speakers may find it challenging to understand.
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Austrians tend to address people directly, without formal forms of address
Austrians and Germans may share a language, but there are some notable differences in how they use it. While Germans tend to stick to the more formal "Sie" to keep the other person at an emotional distance, at least initially, Austrians are more likely to address people directly with the confidential "Du", dispensing with formal forms of address. This reflects the friendly, cheerful way in which Austrians express themselves.
Austrians are also known for their elaborate communication style, often conveying criticism in a mild-sounding but sharp way. For example, the Viennese are known for their ability to pack a small insulting jab into as many words as possible. In contrast, Germans tend to be more direct and concise in their criticism, using short and clear wording.
These differences in communication style can lead to misunderstandings between the two cultures. For example, Austrians may use the same vocabulary as Germans, but with a different intention or meaning. This is influenced by the history of the two countries, as Austria was part of Germany for most of its history, only becoming a sovereign nation after World War I.
In addition to vocabulary and tone, there are also grammatical differences between Austrian German and Standard German. For example, verb placement often differs, and feminine nouns may have different endings. Austrian German also has a smaller vocabulary than Standard German and uses different words to convey the same meaning. For instance, Austrians say "Semmerl" for a bread roll, while Germans use "das Brötchen".
Despite these differences, the two languages are mutually intelligible, and most Austrians can understand Standard German when spoken slowly and clearly.
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Austrians are less direct than Germans when criticising
Austrians and Germans share a common language, but there are notable differences between Austrian German and Standard German. One of the most significant differences is in the way they approach criticism. Austrians are considered less direct than Germans when expressing criticism. While Germans tend to be concise and blunt, Austrians prefer to be more elaborate and subtle in their criticism, often packing a subtle insult into a lengthy response to make it sound milder without losing its sharpness.
This difference in communication style can be attributed to the cultural and historical differences between the two countries. Germany and Austria have a long shared history, with Austria being part of Germany for most of its existence until it became a sovereign nation after World War I. Despite their shared history and proximity, Austrians have always desired a clear distinction from their German neighbours, which is reflected in their language and culture.
The Austrian German language has been influenced by various factors, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire, immigration, and contact with non-Germanic linguistic groups. As a result, Austrian German has developed unique words, phrases, and grammatical structures that set it apart from Standard German. For example, Austrian German uses different pronunciation rules, such as retaining the hard sound of the consonant "G" in words like "König," whereas Germans pronounce it softly. Additionally, Austrians tend to drop unaccented vowels, which can make phrases sound quite different from their Standard German equivalents.
Another notable difference is in the vocabulary used by Austrians and Germans. Austrian German has a smaller vocabulary than Standard German, and it often employs different words to convey the same meaning. For instance, Austrians use "Stiege" for "stairs" instead of the German "Treppen," or "Rauchfang" for "chimney" instead of the German "Schornstein." These differences can be traced back to the influence of Middle High German on Austrian German, resulting in unique official terms, administrative, legal, and political terms, as well as food terminology.
The grammatical differences between Austrian German and Standard German are also worth noting. Verb placement often differs between the two varieties, and feminine nouns can take on different endings. Additionally, Austrian German grammar is influenced by Austro-Bavarian, a German dialect spoken in Austria, which shares similarities with Swiss German. These grammatical differences can make Austrian German sound softer and more melodic than Standard German.
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German and Austrian have different official terms for the same things
There are also many official terms that differ in Austrian German from their usage in most parts of Germany. For example, Austrians use "Jänner" for January, "heuer" for "this year", "Stiege" for "stairs", and "Rauchfang" for "chimney". There are also differences in food terms, such as "Semmerl" for "das Brötchen" (bread roll), and "Sessel" for "chair". Even the same mushroom has different names in the two countries, with Germans using "Pfifferling" and Austrians using "Eierschwammerl".
The grammar of Austrian German also differs from that of Standard German. Verb placement is often different, and feminine nouns often have different endings. The perfect tense in Austrian German sometimes uses "sein" ("to be"), instead of "haben" ("to have") in Standard German. Additionally, Austrian German uses different pronunciation rules, resulting in a distinct accent. For example, the G in "König" ("king") is pronounced softly in Standard German, but retains its hard sound in Austrian German.
The dialects of Austrian German vary across different regions of Austria. The Viennese dialect is seen as quintessentially Austrian, but it is considered impenetrable to many German speakers. The dialect of Graz, the capital of Styria, is quite different from other Styrian dialects and is more easily understood by people from other parts of Austria. The dialects of the deeper valleys of the Tyrol are so distinct that even other Tyroleans struggle to understand them.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians and Germans speak different dialects of German, with Austrian German being softer and more melodic. Austrian German also has a different vocabulary, verb placement, and pronunciation. For example, Austrians use the word "Semmel" for bread rolls, while Germans say "Brötchen".
Austrians and Germans get along very well and share a rich culture and history. However, there are some cultural differences. For example, Austrians tend to be more indirect and elaborate in their communication, while Germans are more direct and concise. Austrians also prefer a more relaxed atmosphere in business meetings, while Germans stick to formal structures.
Austrian German can be challenging for German speakers, especially those who are used to standard German. Some German speakers have reported feeling shocked or confused when exposed to Austrian German for the first time. However, most Austrians can understand standard German when spoken slowly and clearly.
