17-May-2023 | relocation Basics of German Language When Coming to Austria

Austria has only one official language, which is German. Of course, it is possible to get by using solely English. The majority of the Austrian population speaks English, some more, some less.

But how long does it take to learn German in Austria? One surely picks up some basic words and phrases in the first months, however, there are words you might need, but do not know. And a proper German course is, yes, comprehensive, but takes a while.

So, here is a list of German phrases that you might need when you move to Austria.

Basics of basics

1. Small talk

Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen? — Could you help me, please?
Ich hätte gerne… — I would like…
Können Sie bitte wiederholen? — Could you repeat, please?
Sprechen Sie Englisch? — Do you speak English?

2. Replies

Schönen Tag! — Have a nice day!
Grüß Gott – Hello/Good afternoon
Ebenfalls – you too!
Freut mich – Nice to meet you
Es tut mir leid – I am sorry
Einen Moment bitte – Just a moment, please
Mahlzeit - Bon appetit

3. Verbs

übersetzen – translate
helfen – help
wiederholen – repeat
brauchen – need

Thank you is easy to remember - danke! But it might sound more polite to say - ebenfalls, which means you too.
This way, you give the interlocutor a great impression that you also wish them a nice day (schönen Tag) or a nice weekend - schönes Wochenende.

Formalities

anmelden – register

There is also registrieren, but anmelden is more common and refers to many different topics like your address, and email account, even the queue requires a number, which you get at the Anmeldung.

ankreuzen – tick (a box)

As simple as it sounds: any kind of application form/contract etc. can include this.

die Unterschrift – signature

As well as the Unterschrift, which probably does not require any further explanation.

Lifesavers

die Autowerkstatt – car service
die Tankstelle – gas station 

Let us start with the emergency part. If you have a car, these are the words for you. The workers often do not speak English, therefore it is useful to learn at least a couple of words about your car. 

das Spital – hospital (Austrian)

It might be hard to find your way around if you are in an urgent situation and need to go to the hospital, which is usually Krankenhaus, but in Austria, you can also say Spital.

Supermarket edition

das Weckerl and die Semmel – bread bun (Austrian)

Don’t you dare say a Brötchen to a Weckerl in Austria! Regional differences are an important cultural element that locals value. When asking for bread here, be prepared to learn a lot of new words for each type of it. And say Weckerl.

das Sackerl – plastic/paper bag (Austrian)

If you learn Hochdeutsch or just the German spoken in Germany, you will probably hear Tüte. In Austria, this word is not used at all. Here, the paper/plastic bag is called a Sackerl. So, when buying groceries, ask for a Sackerl and not Tüte.

Around the city

die Fahrkarte – ticket
das Amt – state authority
der Bahnsteig – platform

This word is important when you hear a Durchsage (announcement) somewhere at a station, especially when you have to change trains.

In Austria there is OIF which stands for Austrian Integration Foundation. They have different spreadsheets, which is one of the best ways to learn German that is actually used in Austria. The documents are practice-orientated and are divided in topics like rent, health; you can also listen to different dialogs.

If you are still struggling to find your way around at Amt, Supermarket, or Spital, you can rely on Recom. We offer orientation tours around Vienna. During this tour, you get to know the city better. Your consultant will tell you about the most important things, answer your questions, and hand out a Recom practical guide.

Check out our relocation or intercultural training page and learn about the services you can book.