The German language, which we learn as a foreign language in schools, universities and language courses, is the literary language of Germans in Germany. It is also referred to as 'Standard German' or 'High German': Standard German (Standarddeutsch) or High German (Hochdeutsch).

However Austrian German is a bit different. In everyday life in Austria, people speak an Austrian dialect that is similar to the Bavarian dialect. Additionally, some federal states have official regional languages. The official languages of Austria include German, with certain regions also recognizing Slovene, Hungarian, and Croatian as minority languages.

But first, let's start with general differences between Austrian and German speakers.

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10 key differences between Austrian and German

The Austrian variant differs from Standard German in certain grammar rules, pronunciation and vocabulary: the same things can be described with different words in Austrian and Standard German. For example, 'potato': the German 'kartoffel' and the Austrian 'erdapfel'.

1. The Austrian pronunciation is softer and more melodious, which is often due to the suffix -l. This turns the strict 'Sack' into the sung 'Sackerl'.
2. In most regions, the 'a' sound is rounded and pronounced like an 'o' The pronunciation of diphthongs — two consecutive vowels —is also different.
3. In Austria, it is common to address each other by title or profession, whereas in Germany formal formulations and addressing each other by surname are preferred.
4. The vocabulary of Austrian German has more borrowings from Slavic languages, as well as from French and Italian. For example, the locals call a cup Schale instead of Tasse.

5. Many Austrianisms are used in the field of politics and law in Austria. The legal terminology in the Austrian variant is largely derived from Latin: In Germany, the terminology has been replaced by native-language equivalents, but this has not happened in Austria (for example, Parliament would be Nationalrat in Austrian while in German it is Bundestag, or Federal Administrative Court would be Verwaltungsgerichtshof instead of standard German Bundesverwaltungsgericht).
6. The formation of the plural differs: die Erlasse — die Erlässe.
7. The comparative form of adjectives is constructed differently: Dunkler — Dünkler.
8. In the Austrian variant, the pronunciation of consonants p-, t-, k- differs. They are almost indistinguishable from their voiced counterparts b-, d-, g-.
9. In Austrian German, the ending -ig, for example, in words like König, fertig, is pronounced more like [-ik] rather than [-iç] as in Standard German."
10. The genders of nouns do not match (die — feminine, das — neuter)

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Different federal states = different dialects!

Austrian preserve dialects and actively use them in daily life. The situation in Germany is similar: in everyday communication, German speakers use not the standard German language but the local dialect.

In classic German, the media broadcast, lectures are given, and classes are conducted in educational institutions. But in everyday life, Austrians speak exclusively in the regional dialects. This means that a newcomer with knowledge of German can easily understand the speech of TV presenters or communicate with a professor, but a shop assistant's response may be incomprehensible to them. Therefore, to adapt quickly in Austria after moving, it’s helpful to learn the local dialect: interact with people around you, listen to the nuances of speech, and adopt the manner of speaking.

Fluency in the regional dialect can also be an additional advantage for a politician, for example, over competitors who speak exclusively "high German": local residents tend to distrust speakers of purely formal language. So learning Austrian German is a must if you're a foreigner!

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The Viennese dialect (Wiener Dialekt)

The Viennese dialect is very diverse and comes in many different forms – from the refined "Burgtheater German" to the strongly nasal "Schönbrunner German" and the language of the TV character "Mundl," who achieved legendary status in Vienna's capital city through the TV series "A real Viennese doesn’t go under." Here are the most important terms that even non-Viennese should know:

• Sekkieren – "to get on someone’s nerves"
• Oida – "dude", can mean practically anything, from "friend" to an expression of general surprise or dissatisfaction
• Hawara – "friend, buddy"
• Leiberl – "T-shirt"
• Tschocherl – pub, small bar
• Kapazunder – a particularly capable person
• Spompanadln – silly things, nonsense
• Eitrige – sausage filled with cheese (Käsekrainer), particularly popular at Viennese sausage stands

A unique feature of Viennese culture is undoubtedly the famous "Viennese Schmäh." This term refers to the characteristically rough-yet-affectionate way of speaking that charmingly conveys an ironic-cynical attitude typical of Vienna. Even though Viennese people often come across as melancholic, sarcastic, and dissatisfied, they aim to maintain a certain lightness in life by blending seriousness with humor, even in difficult situations.

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Lower Austrian Dialect (Niederösterreichischer Dialekt)

The dialects of Lower Austria can be divided according to various regional characteristics and sometimes differ significantly from each other. For example, in areas near Vienna, High German and Viennese influences are predominant, while in the Waldviertel region, very traditional rural dialects are still spoken. Here are a few gems of the Lower Austrian dialect:

• einiwendi – "inside"
• bachlworm – "lukewarm"
• tramhappert – "sleepy, unfocused"
• botschad – "clumsy"
• oawaschl – "ear"
• fladern – "to steal"

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Upper Austrian Dialect (Oberösterreichischer Dialekt)

The dialects of Upper Austria are heavily influenced by rural life and vary greatly from region to region. Given this diversity, it’s almost impossible to create a representative list. Nevertheless, here are a few examples from Upper Austrian dialect:

• arschlings – "backwards"
• biezln – "to rage, to nag"
• Bunki – "cake"
• Schern – "to eat"
• Damisch – "confused"
• Gizi – "anger, fury"

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Carinthian Dialect (Kärntner Dialekt)

The Carinthian dialect can be divided into three subgroups: Upper Carinthian, Central Carinthian, and Lower Carinthian. In many parts of Carinthia, however, dialects also prevail that have linguistically adapted to the neighboring federal states. For example, in the Katschtal and Mölltal valleys, dialects from Tyrol and Salzburg are spoken. Additionally, there is a distinction between a rural language, which is more common in the countryside, and a city language, which is somewhat closer to standard pronunciation.

• Diandle – "girl"
• Mankale – "man"
• Murchn – "bottle (beer)"
• tschindan – "to bump into each other"
• vagachn – "to be mistaken"

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Vorarlberg Dialect (Vorarlberger Dialekt)

The various dialects in Vorarlberg differ significantly from each other. What unites them, however, and distinguishes them from all other Austrian dialects, is their origin in the Alemannic language.

• Gsi – "been, was"
• Bündt – "meadow, pasture"
• Ehni – "grandfather"
• Hääs – "clothing"
• Hoi – "expression of astonishment"
• Schesa – "stroller"
• Wüascht – "ugly"

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Styrian Dialect (Steirischer Dialekt)

Styria has a variety of different dialects, which can be explained by its historical and geographical background. A dialect boundary runs through the state, leading to many different terms used in various districts. Today, the different dialects have become relatively similar to each other, but with a keen ear, you can still hear some unique expressions. This is especially true in rural areas, where some traditional terms have been preserved.

• Alkota – "duck"
• douni – "away, gone"
• dumpa – "dim, gloomy"
• Louta – "man"
• notzn – "to sleep"

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Burgenland Dialect (Burgenländischer Dialekt)

The Burgenland dialect is very similar to the East Styrian dialect.

• Aompa – "jug, pitcher"
• gmui – "enough"
• Leckwa – "jam, marmalade"

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Tyrolean Dialect (Tiroler Dialekt)

The Tyrolean dialect has diverse historical roots. Over time, the different dialects blended, but numerous regional variations of Tyrolean remained.

• Lupfn – "to lift"
• Merenda – "snack, small meal"
• Formas – "breakfast"
• Patatti – "potato"

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According to the constitution, the only official state language of Austria is German. The Integration Act sets minimum requirements for German language proficiency for those moving to Austria:

• For obtaining a temporary residence permit: at least A2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages;
• For obtaining permanent residence and citizenship: at least B1 level.

Local residents strive to preserve their own culture and traditional way of life amidst the influx of immigration to Austria. Therefore, knowledge of the German language is the foundation for successful integration of foreigners in Austria.

Austrians consider language proficiency so important that German at the B2 level or higher is a basis for accelerated citizenship acquisition after six years of residence in the country. The minimum period for obtaining citizenship in the general case, without acceleration, is 10 years.

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