Damon Mcknight
The people of Austria are called Austrians. The term Austrian entered the English language in the early 17th century, initially referring to members of the Austrian branch of the House of Habsburg. From the 18th century onwards, it was used to refer to natives or inhabitants of Austria. Austrians constitute the vast majority of the population, with German-speaking Swiss and ethnic Germans also forming a significant minority. The country's population also includes Slovenes, Turks, Hungarians, Croats, and Serbs, among others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Official Language | High German |
| Religion | 50% of the population are Roman Catholic |
| 3.7% are Protestant | |
| 22.4% have no religion | |
| Food | Wiener Schnitzel |
| Sausages | |
| Goulash | |
| Apple Strudel | |
| Sachertorte | |
| Sports | Alpine Skiing |
| Soccer | |
| Biking | |
| Music | Mozart |
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What You'll Learn
Austrians and their German ethnicity
The people of Austria have a complex history with a German ethnic identity. The term "Austrian" was used to identify subjects of the Domus Austriae, or the House of Austria, the ruling dynasty during the mid-18th century. However, the various populations of the Austrian territories were not unified under the single name of "Austrians" until the early modern period.
During the 18th century, an increasingly centralised state began to develop under Maria Theresa of Austria and her son, Joseph II. The common German identity of lands such as Carinthia, Styria, and Tyrol made it easier for these regions to accept the central government in Vienna. The idea of uniting all ethnic Germans into one nation-state was challenged by the rise of Austrian nationalism, which emphasised the predominantly Catholic religious identity of Austrians in contrast to the predominantly Protestant Prussians.
The exclusion of Austrian lands from the German Empire established in 1871 further contributed to the development of a distinct Austrian identity. The Austro-Hungarian Empire also created ethnic conflict between German Austrians and other ethnic groups within the empire. After World War II, Austrians sought to disassociate themselves from Germans to distance themselves from the aggressor, Germany, and to establish their own war victimhood narrative.
While the influence of pan-Germanism was diminished in the Habsburg territories, German-speaking Austrians continued to be considered Germans and were counted as such in censuses. The state of Austria as a whole worked to establish a distinctively Austrian identity. Today, most Austrians consider themselves distinctly Austrian, with only 6% viewing themselves as Germans in 1987. However, Austrian culture remains heavily influenced by Germany, along with Italy and the Czech Republic.
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Austrians' love for rich food and drink
Austrian cuisine is known for its rich flavours and abundance of meats and carbohydrates. From fried schnitzel to hearty goulash, Austrians enjoy a variety of savoury dishes. The country's culinary offerings also include an array of baked goods, such as pastries and breads.
One of the most iconic Austrian dishes is schnitzel, a breaded veal cutlet that has gained international popularity. Austrians also savour their pork, with Vienna sausage being a celebrated local delicacy. This savoury sausage is known for its rich pork taste and blend of spices. Another pork dish, Schweinebraten, is a classic oven-roasted meat staple at celebrations like weddings. It is typically served with bread dumplings and sauerkraut, creating a comforting and hearty feast.
Austria is also known for its cheese, especially the aromatic alpine varieties. These hard cheeses are rich in herb flavours and often paired with cured meats. Kasspatzln, a comforting cheese noodle dish, is loved in parts of Austria, particularly in Tyrol. It is made with local cheeses like Bergkäse or Graukäse, giving it a distinctive taste. Austrians also enjoy spaetzle, an egg noodle that comes in various shapes and is often paired with melted cheese and Austrian wines.
When it comes to baked goods, Austrians have a soft spot for pretzels, especially in Vienna and the Salzburg region. These oversized, soft, and warm treats are widely available and make for a perfect snack. Another beloved Austrian dessert is the Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake invented by Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich. The original recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to the skilled confectioners at Hotel Sacher in Vienna. Austrians also indulge in apple strudel, a dessert staple found on most restaurant and coffee house menus.
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Austrians' love for sports
Austrians are known for their love of sports, with football (or soccer), ice hockey, and skiing being the most popular. Austria's mountainous landscape makes it an ideal location for winter sports, and the country has produced some of the world's best alpine skiers, including Toni Sailer, Hermann Maier, and Annemarie Moser-Pröll. Skiing is not just a sport for Austrians, but also a beloved spectator sport, with international downhill skiing competitions attracting fans from all over Europe and beyond.
Another popular winter sport in Austria is ice hockey, with the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (EBEL) being the country's top professional league. Austrian fans passionately support their local teams and follow international leagues like the NHL. Thomas Vanek, an Austrian NHL star, has made a significant impact on the sport globally.
Football is also a widely played and watched sport in Austria, with people of all ages and levels participating. While many Austrians tune in to watch Europe's biggest leagues, the local leagues remain popular and offer a unique experience for both locals and expats. The Austrian men's national team is particularly exciting to watch when they play their rivals, Hungary.
In addition to these three major sports, Austrians also enjoy a variety of other athletic pursuits. Basketball, for example, has gradually gained traction in the country, with the Austrian Basketball Superliga standing as the premier league. Fans in Austria also enjoy following international basketball leagues like the NBA, where Austrian player Jakob Pöltl has made a name for himself. Motorsports have also captured the hearts of Austrians, with iconic racing circuits like the Red Bull Ring hosting prestigious events such as the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix.
Overall, Austrians have a deep passion for sports, and their dedication to nurturing talent and supporting their local teams ensures that athletics will continue to play an important role in the country's culture.
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Austrians' religious affiliations
Austria has a long history of religious freedom, with the right to freedom of religion being enshrined in Austrian law for nearly 200 years. The Austrian constitution guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of creed (the right to choose one's religion), freedom of public worship, freedom of confession, and freedom of conscience. Residents of Austria over the age of 14 are free to choose their religion, and every resident has the right to join or leave any church or religious community, or to abstain from joining any at all.
Austria has historically been a strongly Catholic country, with the Catholic Church playing a significant role in shaping the country. In recent times, however, there has been a decline in Catholicism and a proliferation of other religions, particularly in Vienna. In the 16th century, many Austrians converted to Protestantism during the Protestant Reformation, but the Catholic Church was later restored as the dominant religion during the Counter-Reformation.
As of 2021, 55.2% of Austrians identified as Roman Catholic, down from 64.1% in 2011 and 73.8% in 2001. The second-largest religious group is Islam, which makes up 8.3% of the population, up from 4.2% in 2001. Other Christian denominations also have a presence in Austria, including Orthodox Christians (4.9%), Protestants (3.8%), and Evangelical Christians (3.8%). Judaism, Buddhism, and Pagan movements are also represented in Austria, albeit in smaller numbers.
Austria's laws governing relations between the government and religious societies aim to ensure equal treatment and non-discrimination. The country's recognition of various religious groups and its protection of religious freedom contribute to the social cohesion that Austria enjoys, irrespective of faith or conviction.
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Austrians' view of themselves
Historically, Austrians were regarded as Germans and viewed themselves as such. The Austrian lands (including Bohemia) were part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. Subsequently, the Austrian Empire was established in 1804, lasting until 1867. From 1867 until 1918, the term "Austrians" referred to the citizens of Cisleithania. The establishment of a German Empire in 1871, headed by Prussia and pointedly excluding any Austrian lands, led to a shift in Austria's focus towards the Balkan Peninsula and a reduction in the influence of pan-Germanism in the Habsburg territories.
However, the term "Austrians" was still used supra-nationally, and German-speaking Austrians continued to consider themselves Germans and were counted as such in censuses. After Austria was excluded from Germany by Bismarck, many Austrians struggled with their identity, as expressed by Social Democratic Leader Otto Bauer: "the conflict between our Austrian and German character." This identity crisis prompted Austrians to develop a distinctively Austrian identity, separate from their German neighbours. This new self-image was based on cultural achievements, the Moscow Declaration, geopolitical neutrality, language variation, the Habsburg legacy, and the separation of the two empires in the late 19th century.
Immediately after 1945, most Austrians still identified as Germans, but over time, a broader Austrian national identity emerged. While a 1956 survey showed that 46% of Austrians considered themselves Germans, this number decreased significantly, with only 15% still identifying as Germans in a 1964 survey. WWII played a significant role in shaping Austrian patriotism and creating a sense of distinction from Germany. Austrian exchange students in Germany have reported experiencing abusive behaviour due to their nationality.
Today, Austria is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. According to the 2001 census, about 74% of the population identified as Roman Catholic, while 5% were Protestants. However, the number of adherents and churchgoers has declined over time. Additionally, Austria has seen an increase in people declaring themselves without a religion, reaching 22.4% in 2021.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians.
The term 'Austrian' entered the English language in the early 17th century, referring to "members of the Austrian branch of the House of Habsburg". From the 18th century onwards, it was used to refer to natives or inhabitants of Austria.
Austrians are citizens and nationals of Austria. While the country is predominantly German-speaking, there are also significant groups of German-speaking Swiss and ethnic Germans residing in the country. Historically, Austrians were regarded as Germans and viewed themselves as such. However, some Austrians today take issue with being referred to as Germans, considering themselves to be of a distinct ethnicity.
