Damon Mcknight
Austrian German, or Österreichisches Deutsch, is a dialect of Standard German influenced by Southern German and Bavarian dialects. While there are some differences in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, most Austrians also understand and speak Standard German or Hochdeutsch. As such, it may be easier to learn Standard German first and then pick up on the nuances of Austrian German through immersion, such as by watching Austrian movies and TV shows, listening to Austrian radio, or interacting with native Austrians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | Austrian German, Österreichisches Deutsch |
| Language family | German |
| Official language of | Austria |
| Number of speakers | Over 98% of Austria's population |
| Dialects | Upper German, Viennese, Wienerish, Bavarian, Allemannic |
| Learning resources | Austrian apps, movies, TV shows, radio stations, newspapers, German learning apps, Austrian German Dictionary, German Uncovered |
| Learning methods | Immersion, speaking with native Austrians |
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What You'll Learn
Austrian German vs German German
Austrian German and German German are two variations of the same language. They are mutually intelligible, meaning speakers of the two languages can understand each other. However, there are some differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
Pronunciation
Austrian German has a different prosody from German German, meaning that the rhythmic and stress patterns in spoken language differ. The accents also differ, with Austrians tending to pronounce and emphasise certain vowels differently. Austrian German is generally softer and more melodic than German German.
Vocabulary
Austrian German and German German share most of their vocabulary. However, there are some key differences. For example, Austrians and Germans use different words to refer to foods and beverages. Some common vocabulary differences include "grüß gott" or "servus" for "hello" in Austrian German, compared to "hallo" or "guten tag" in German German. Austrians say "tomate" for "tomato", while Germans say "paradeiser" or "tomate". When ordering coffee, Austrians say "mahlzeit", while Germans say "guten appetit".
Grammar
The grammar of Austrian German and German German is mostly the same. However, there are some minor differences. For example, in Austrian German, the perfect tense sometimes uses "sein" ("to be"), while in German German, it typically uses "haben" ("to have"). Additionally, the diminutive form differs between the two varieties. Austrians add "-el" and "-erl" to the end of words, while Germans use "-chen" or "-lein".
Dialects and Regional Variations
It is important to note that both Austria and Germany have regional dialects and accents that can vary significantly from region to region. For example, the Viennese dialect may be more challenging for German speakers to understand, and the rural west of the Austrian Alps sounds different from both Viennese and German German.
Learning Resources
When it comes to learning resources, most books, movies, and shows are in Standard German. However, there are also resources specifically for learning Austrian German, such as Austrian apps, movies, TV shows, and radio stations. Immersion is one of the best ways to learn Austrian German, and speaking with native Austrians can help you learn faster.
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Learning Austrian German through movies and TV shows
Austrian German is a unique dialect of German, with its own grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. While there may not be a permanent daily or weekly TV show in Austrian colloquial speech or dialect, there are still plenty of movies and TV shows that can help you learn Austrian German.
Finding Austrian German Movies and TV Shows
To find Austrian German movies, you can search for "österreichischer Film" online. The ORF (Österreichischer Rundfunk, or Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) produces many movies and TV series, most of which use Austrian colloquial speech. Private TV stations like Servus TV (located in Salzburg), ATV, and Puls4 also sometimes broadcast TV series in colloquial speech. Additionally, the Producer Hoanzl offers DVDs of Austrian movies, music, and Austrian Kabarett shows, which are almost always in dialect.
Choosing a Movie or TV Show
When choosing a movie or TV show to help you learn Austrian German, look for options that provide vocabulary lists or have them available online. This will make it easier to learn new words and improve your language skills. You can also search for movies or TV shows with subtitles, as this will help you learn how words are spelled and pronounced. If you're a beginner, you may want to use English subtitles, while more advanced learners can use German subtitles to reinforce their understanding.
Practicing with Movies and TV Shows
Once you've found an Austrian German movie or TV show to watch, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your viewing experience:
- Prepare a vocabulary list: If the show you're watching doesn't provide a vocabulary list, you can create your own by writing down any new words you hear and looking them up after the episode.
- Read the description: Before you watch, read a summary of the show or movie to get a general understanding of what it's about. This will help you follow the plot and decipher details while watching.
- Use subtitles: As mentioned earlier, subtitles can be a helpful tool when learning Austrian German. If you're a beginner, use English subtitles, and switch to German subtitles as your understanding improves.
- Repeat words and sentences: As you're watching, pay attention to the words and sentences that are used, and repeat them out loud to practice your pronunciation and help you remember new phrases.
- Be consistent: Learning a language takes time and consistency. Try to dedicate a set amount of time each day or week to watching Austrian German movies or TV shows and practicing your language skills.
Recommended Movies and TV Shows
- Sissi (1955) and its follow-up films, The Young Empress and Fateful Years of an Empress: This trilogy of films tells the story of Elisabeth of Austria, affectionately known as "Sissi."
- Tatort: This is the longest-running German TV drama, and it moves around the entire German-speaking region, including Switzerland and Austria. The episodes often center on something that makes the region unique and feature lots of dialects.
- Babylon Berlin: This noir crime drama is set in 1920s Berlin and contrasts the glamorous flapper nightlife with the grim realities of the Weimar era.
- Nico's Weg: This series follows the story of Nico, a Spanish man navigating life in Germany, and includes grammar explanations and vocabulary lists.
- Easy German: This web series teaches you to understand everyday German, with new episodes uploaded every Sunday and Wednesday that feature real native speakers discussing various topics, including grammar, culture, dialects, and regional differences.
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Learning Austrian German through radio and music
Austrian German is a dialect of Standard German influenced by Southern German and Bavarian dialects. It is the official language of Austria, where over 98% of the population speaks German. While it is not necessary to learn Austrian German to be understood in Austria, as German German is widely understood, there are some differences in vocabulary and grammar that may be useful to learn.
Radio
Listening to Austrian radio is a great way to immerse yourself in the language and the unique sounds of the country. Radio in Austria has an unusual history, with public radio ORF (Österreichischer Rundfunk) holding a monopoly on radio broadcasting until 1995, and commercial radio stations were not allowed to broadcast nationally until 2001. ORF remains the most important radio station in Austria, and most broadcasting is done in Standard German with an Austrian accent.
There are plenty of Austrian radio stations available to listen to online, on-demand, or as podcasts. These stations often offer a mix of spoken content and music. However, be aware that the accent and dialect may be challenging for those who have learned German in the North, as the vowels are longer and broader, and the cadence sounds more Swedish.
Music
Music can also be a helpful tool for learning Austrian German. The capital city of Vienna was once the capital of classical music during the days of Mozart and Beethoven. Today, it remains a center for classical music, so exploring this genre may be a good way to familiarize yourself with Austrian German. Additionally, popular music, such as Austrian pop or folk music, can provide an insight into the country's culture and language.
In conclusion, radio and music can be valuable resources for learning Austrian German, particularly when combined with other methods such as language apps, movies, and TV shows. By immersing yourself in the language through various forms of media, you can improve your comprehension and fluency in Austrian German.
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Learning Austrian German through apps
While there are many sources that suggest that there is no need to learn Austrian German, as standard German will be understood in Austria, there are some differences in vocabulary and grammar that you might want to get to grips with. One of the best ways to learn a language is through immersion, and there are several apps that can help you learn Austrian German dialects and accents.
Tandem
Tandem is an app that connects you with native speakers so that you can practice your language skills. While it may not be specifically for learning Austrian German, it can be a great way to learn about the dialect and pronunciation from native speakers.
Deutsche Welle
Deutsche Welle is a German broadcaster that has its own language learning app. It follows the CEFR standards and offers content for beginners and intermediates. The lessons focus on conversational skills and vocabulary, with interactive exercises and videos. It also offers additional courses and materials, including podcasts and downloadable PDFs.
Memrise
Memrise is a memorisation-based app created by Grand Master of Memory Ed Cooke. It has a strong social element, allowing you to earn points, compete with friends, and rate other user-generated lists. Memrise includes thousands of programs, so you can continue learning new subjects even after you've finished with German.
Anki
Anki is a flashcard app that can be used to memorise anything from vocabulary to cultural and historical facts. You can create your own flashcards or download user-made decks, which can contain thousands of words.
Der Die Das
Der Die Das is an app that teaches you the three different ways to say "the" in German, using the definite articles "der," "die," and "das." It includes interactive games that reinforce your memory of noun genders and their articles, while also helping you learn new vocabulary.
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Learning Austrian German through books
Austrian German is a dialect of Standard German influenced by Southern German and Bavarian dialects. While there are some differences between Austrian German and Standard German, it is not necessary to learn Austrian German specifically. Most Austrians will understand Standard German, and you will be understood in Austria even if you speak in Standard German.
However, if you are staying in Austria for an extended period, learning the local dialect can make a big difference in terms of integration and becoming a part of the community. Vocabulary is a great place to start when learning Austrian German. There are several key vocabulary differences compared to Standard German, although you may encounter both. For example, "heuer" is used to describe "this year" in Austrian German, whereas in Standard German, one would say "dieses Jahr". Another example is "Aubergine", which is "Melanzani" in Austrian German.
There are also some grammatical differences between Austrian German and Standard German. The Plusquamperfekt and Mitvergangenheit tenses are uncommon in written Austrian German and absent in spoken language. Additionally, "habe" is sometimes used in place of "sein", which can change the meaning of a sentence. For example, "Ich habe gesessen" means "I sat" in Germany, but in Austria, they would say "Ich bin gesessen".
If you are interested in learning Austrian German through books, there are a few options available. Textbooks, phrase books, and dictionaries can be useful tools. Some popular textbooks include the "Berlitz" series, which focuses on conversational German, and "German Uncovered", which teaches German through stories. You can also find many dictionaries online for free, such as the LEO German-English Dictionary.
In addition to books, you may also want to consider online resources and language training software. Preply, for example, offers online lessons with native Austrian tutors. Immersion is also a great way to learn a language, so if you have the opportunity to travel to Austria, you can immerse yourself in the language and culture by watching Austrian movies and TV shows, or even taking a language course while there.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian German is a dialect of Standard German influenced by Southern German and Bavarian dialects. There are differences in vocabulary, such as "heuer" being used to describe "this year" in Austrian German, whereas in Standard German, this would be "dieses Jahr". However, Austrian German grammar is pretty much the same as Standard German grammar.
Austrian German is becoming extinct as it is displaced by German German. Every Austrian understands German German, and many speak it as their native language. However, if you want to learn Austrian German, you can focus on the differences from German German and work them into your usage.
Immersion is one of the best ways to learn Austrian German. If you can't go to Austria, you can immerse yourself by watching Austrian movies and TV shows, listening to Austrian radio stations, and reading Austrian magazines and newspapers. You can also learn Austrian German by connecting with native speakers online through apps like Tandem.
Learning vocabulary is a great place to start when learning Austrian German. You can also listen to radio programmes on Austrian German on Ö1, including exercise suggestions. Additionally, you can research how people speak in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland in the pronunciation database.
A common misconception is that Austrian German consists of shouting and throaty growls. However, this is not true, and Austrian German has an upbeat enthusiasm to it.
