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Austria and Germany have a long and complex history, with many shared cultural and linguistic similarities. However, there is a notable rivalry and tension between the two nations. Austrians often emphasise their differences from Germans and are quick to criticise their neighbours. This could be attributed to a historical dynamic where Germany has often been seen as the dominant big brother figure, with Austria feeling overshadowed. There is also a sense of economic reliance on Germany that has quietly fuelled Austrian resentment over the years. The relationship is further complicated by political differences, such as Austria's refusal to participate in a German-led European initiative to resolve the refugee crisis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Historical reasons | Austria and Germany were both part of the Roman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire. |
| Austria was briefly renamed the Republic of German-Austria after WWI, seeking union with Germany, but this was forbidden by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1919). | |
| In 1938, Nazi Germany, led by Austrian-born Hitler, annexed Austria. | |
| Austria has a history of viewing itself as the "first victim" of Nazi Germany. | |
| Cultural expression | Austrians express resentment toward Germans through dark comedy, such as the TV miniseries "Die Piefke Saga." |
| Austrians are known to make jokes and insults about Germans. | |
| Political differences | Austria has refused to participate in some European initiatives, such as taking in refugees, which has led to criticism from German politicians. |
| Economic reliance | Germany drives Austria's tourism industry, with Germans accounting for over 35% of overnight stays. |
| Many of Austria's major companies and employers are German-owned. | |
| Germany accounts for nearly one-third of Austrian exports. | |
| Perception and identity | Austrians are highly sensitive about being perceived as similar to Germans and go to great lengths to distinguish themselves. |
| Austrians view Germans as "serious" and lacking a sense of humor. | |
| Austrians perceive Germans as telling them what to do and acting like a "big brother." |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's refusal to take in refugees
Austria's stance on refugees has been characterised by the introduction of restrictive asylum rules, such as a hold on family reunifications and a freeze on processing existing asylum applications. They have also refused to accept any new asylum applications, further straining their relationship with Germany. This refusal to accept new applications has been directed specifically at Germany's plan to turn away asylum seekers, with Austria citing potential violations of EU law.
Austria's interpretation of EU law states that asylum claimants must be accepted and processed in the country where they first apply, even if the assessment determines that another EU country is responsible for their claim. This interpretation is in direct opposition to Germany's plan, championed by chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, to close its borders to asylum seekers. Merz argues that, as Germany is surrounded by EU member states, asylum seekers should present their cases before reaching Germany, adhering to the Dublin Agreement.
Austria's reluctance to take in refugees and its criticism of Germany's plan to turn away asylum seekers highlight the complex and often fraught dynamics between the two countries. While they share a common language and culture, underlying tensions and historical differences contribute to a strained relationship, with Austria's refusal to accept refugees being a significant point of contention.
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Germany's dominance in the relationship
Following the fall of the Holy Roman Empire, Austria and Prussia (led by the House of Habsburg) allied and fought unsuccessfully against the French Empire. After Napoleon's defeat in 1815, Austria created the German Confederation as a new organisation among the German states, with ambitions to create a unified Germany. However, the lack of a strong central government within the German Confederation led to diplomatic tension between Prussia and Austria, who had competing proposals for unification. This dynamic illustrates a shift in the balance of power, with Prussia challenging Austria's historical dominance in the region.
In the 1910s, Austria-Hungary's ambitions in the Balkans further contributed to diplomatic tensions in the region. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 led to the outbreak of World War I, with Germany reluctantly entering the war on Austria-Hungary's side. Despite their alliance, there were underlying tensions, as Germany sought to stabilize its economic predominance in Central Europe through the proposed Central European Economic Union, which would be under German leadership.
During the interwar period, Austria and Germany remained separate entities, with Austria briefly renaming itself the Republic of German-Austria in a bid for union with Germany, which was forbidden by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. In 1938, Nazi Germany, led by Austrian-born Adolf Hitler, annexed Austria into Germany in what became known as the Anschluss. This event further highlights Germany's dominance in the relationship, as Austria was unable to maintain its independence in the face of German expansionism.
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Austria's economic dependence on Germany
Austria and Germany have historically had a complicated relationship, with Austrians often resenting their dependence on Germany. This dynamic is evident in various aspects of their shared history, economics, and culture.
Austria's economy is highly dependent on Germany, which drives its tourism industry and owns many of its biggest companies. Germany accounts for nearly one-third of Austrian exports, and German guests have traditionally been the primary source of revenue in this sector. This reliance has quietly fuelled Austrian resentment over the years, sometimes expressed through dark comedy, such as the television miniseries "Die Piefke Saga," which depicts the cultural clash between Austrians and Germans.
Additionally, both countries are members of the European Union (EU), which has resulted in Austria's economy becoming closely integrated with Germany and other EU members. Austria's membership in the EU has brought economic benefits, attracting foreign investors, but it has also presented challenges in terms of increased competition and the need to adapt to EU policies and regulations.
The complex dynamics between Austria and Germany extend beyond economics. Historically, the two countries were part of the Holy Roman Empire, and they fought together in World War I and World War II. Despite sharing a common language and culture, Austrians have developed a separate national identity from Germany, with only 6% of Austrians identifying as Germans in a 1987 survey. Political relations between the two countries have also been fraught, with Austria often resisting following Germany's lead, as seen in the recent refugee crisis.
In conclusion, Austria's economic dependence on Germany is a significant factor in their complex bilateral relationship. While Germany drives key sectors of Austria's economy, particularly tourism and large companies, this dependence has also fuelled resentment and cultural expressions of their dynamic.
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Austria's complex over Germany's size
Austria and Germany have a long and complex history. While the two countries share a common language and culture, and fought alongside each other in both World Wars, they have also been in conflict with each other and have competed for dominance.
The relationship between the two nations has been fraught with complexities and characterised by centuries of tensions. From the late Middle Ages until the Napoleonic Wars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, both countries were united under the Holy Roman Empire. However, this union was not always harmonious, and rising tensions and competition between the two countries eventually led to its dissolution.
In the 19th century, the two nations were briefly united again under the German Confederation, but this union was also short-lived due to the ongoing rivalry and conflict between the two countries. In 1804, the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, proclaimed the Austrian Empire, which existed separately from the German States that had become clients of Napoleon's French Empire.
Austria and Germany fought together and lost two world wars. In 1938, Austria was annexed into Germany under the Nazi regime, with the support of the Austrian population. However, this union was not without resistance, and there were armed Austrian groups that fought against the Nazi occupation, such as the Austrian Freedom Front. After World War II, Austria was divided into four zones, occupied by the Soviet Union, the United States, Britain, and France, until the Austrian State Treaty was signed in 1955, restoring the country's sovereignty and independence.
Today, the two countries have a close economic relationship, with Germany being Austria's most important market and many Austrian companies being German-owned. However, this dependence on Germany has also fueled Austrian resentment over the years, with Austrians viewing Germans as bossy "big brothers". This complex dynamic between the two nations continues to shape their relationship, which is often described as "'best frenemies".
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Austria's denial of its role in WWII
Austria was a part of Nazi Germany from 13 March 1938 until 27 April 1945, when Allied-occupied Austria declared independence from Nazi Germany. During World War II, 950,000 Austrians fought for the Nazi German armed forces. Austrians also served in the Nazi administration, from death camp personnel to senior Nazi leadership. The majority of the bureaucrats who implemented the Final Solution were Austrian. After World War II, many Austrians sought comfort in the myth of Austria as the first victim of the Nazis.
In 1943, the Allies agreed in the Declaration of Moscow that Austria would be regarded as the first victim of Nazi aggression without denying Austria's role in Nazi crimes. The declaration stated that Austria had a responsibility for its "participation in the war at the side of Hitlerite Germany". Despite this, Austria did not undergo the same denazification process as Germany. This was due to a lack of outside pressure for political reform, allowing factions of Austrian society to advance the view that the Anschluss was an imposition of rule by Nazi Germany.
In 1993, Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranitzky acknowledged the shared responsibility of Austrians for Nazi crimes. However, the question of how to commemorate Austrian resistance fighters, such as Robert Bernardis, who was executed after being involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler, remains a political conflict.
The Soviet Union's occupation of Austria began in June 1941, when Hitler's regime launched a genocidal war against them. The Soviet Union lost 26.6 million people during the war, with most credible estimates for military losses ranging between 11.4 and 14.6 million. The Soviet troops understood their arrival in Austria as their victory and the time to inflict their own justice. Soviet soldiers were instructed to be merciless towards German enslavers, but [to] not offend the Austrian population.
The British Eighth Army moved into Austria at the end of the war and became part of the occupation force. The Western Allies and the Soviet Union jointly occupied Austria until 1955. Austria's status during this time became a controversial subject in the Cold War.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians and Germans have a complicated relationship. While the two countries share a common language, culture, and history, Austrians often express a strong dislike for their German neighbours. This could be due to a variety of factors, including historical tensions, economic dependence, and cultural differences.
Austria and Germany have a long and complex history, dating back to the Holy Roman Empire and the Napoleonic Wars. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, both countries were part of the Austro-Hungarian and German Empires, which collapsed after World War I. Austria briefly renamed itself the Republic of German-Austria in an attempt to unite with Germany, but this was forbidden by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1919. In 1938, Nazi Germany, led by Austrian-born Adolf Hitler, annexed Austria, which further complicated their relationship.
Germany is a major economic partner for Austria, driving its tourism industry and owning many of its largest companies. Germany also accounts for nearly one-third of Austrian exports. This economic reliance has fueled resentment among Austrians over the years, with some feeling that Germany exerts too much influence over their country.
