This is part 2 in the Basics of German Language when moving to Austria – and focuses on shopping. You can read Part 1 on general useful phrases and expressions here. We'll be focusing on food (something we can't do without); clothes (arguably something we also cannot do without 😉) and the pharmacy (hopefully somewhere you'll not need to visit too often 🤞). So let's dive in!
Supermarket Sweep 🛒:
"Austrian-German" Words for Food Items
Austria has a rich culinary culture, and that is reflected in the unique words used in Austria for everyday items. Even if you’re fluent in standard High German (Hochdeutsch), these Austrian-specific terms might catch you off guard:
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Austrian-German
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English
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Standard German
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Paradeiser
Erdäpfel
Semmel/ Weckerl
Topfen
Fisolen
Powidl
Marille
Kukuruz
Melanzani
Karfiol
Obers
Schlagobers
Palatschinken
Faschiertes
Sackerl
Brettljause
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Tomato
Potato
Bread roll
A type of soft cheese
Green beans
Plum jam / puree
Apricot
Corn
Aubergine / Eggplant
Cauliflower
Cream
Whipped cream
Pancakes (like crepes)
Minced meat
Shopping bag (groceries)
Snack platter (often with meat and cheese)
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Tomate
Kartoffeln
Brötchen
Quark
Grüne Bohnen
Pflaumenmus
Aprikose
Mais
Aubergine
Blumenkohl
Sahne
Schlagsahne
Pfannkuchen
Hackfleisch
Tüte
Brotzeitplate
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Useful phrases:
- “Haben Sie...?” – Do you have…? (Asking if they stock an item you're looking for)
- "Ich hätte gerne fünfhundert Gramm/ ein Kilogramm ... " – I'd like 500 grammes / one kilogram of ... (When asking for something by weight)
- “Zweite Kassa, bitte!” – Second register, please! (You may hear a customer say this in a long queue at the checkout – or feel confident enough to say it yourself!). "Kassa" is another Austrian word vs. "Kasse" in Standard German.
- "Ich möchte ein Sackerl, bitte" – I'd like a bag please (If you ask for a "Tüte", the cashier will understand, but you'll sound more like a local if you ask for a "Sackerl"!)
- "Bar oder Karte?" – Cash or credit card? (A common question at the checkout)
- “Mit Karte, bitte!” – By card, please!
- “Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?” – Can I pay by card? (More polite way of asking)
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Practical Tips for Shopping
Now that you’ve mastered some of the specific 'Austrian-German' supermarket items and phrases, here are a few food shopping tips:
- Cash is still king – Most supermarkets accept cards, though smaller shops and markets often prefer cash.
- Bag it yourself – In Austrian supermarkets, you’re expected to pack your own groceries, so practise your bagging skills in advance and prepare to move fast! And remember, the word for a grocery bag (plastic or paper) in Austria is 'ein Sackerl'!
- Shop local – Austria prides itself on its fresh, local produce. Be sure to check out the many local markets for high-quality seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Organic is 'Bio' – If you’re looking for organic products, the word you’re after is Bio. Many supermarkets, including Billa and Spar, have dedicated Bio sections. In 2023, Vienna won ‘Best Organic City’ at the EU Organic Awards, with its municipal food brand Wiener Gusto.
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Good to know!
Shops in Austria, including most supermarkets, are typically closed on Sundays and public holidays. However, in Vienna, you can find a few grocery stores open, mainly around train stations, airports, or near major transport hubs. Just be prepared for queues!
Here’s a list of some that are open on Sundays (please check opening hours before visiting!):
- Spar on Babenbergerstraße (1010) | 10:00 – 19:00
- Billa in Herrnhuterhaus on Neuer Markt (1010) | 10:00 – 20:00
- Billa in Praterstern Bahnhof Wien Nord (1020) | 06:00 – 22:00
- SPAR Pronto at Wien Mitte (1030) | 06:00 – 23:00
- Billa in Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof (1090) | 06:00 – 22:00
- Billa in Westbahnhof (1150) | 05:30 – 23:00
- Spar in Klinik Florisdorf on Brünner Straße (1210) | 08:00 – 18:00
- Billa Corso at Vienna Airport (Terminal 1, Schwechat) | 05:30 – 20:00
Additionally, many petrol stations have small shops for essentials.
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To the Bakery: Bäckerei 🥐
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Austrians love their fresh bread and baked goods, and bakeries are a staple of daily life. You can find a bakery – or two – on almost every corner in Vienna. While you'll find familiar items, some words and terms are unique to Austria:
- Semmel or Weckerl vs. Brötchen (Standard German) – Typical Austrian bread roll.
- Kipferl vs. Hörnchen (Standard German)– Crescent-shaped like a croissant, but these may not be croissants as you know them – less buttery than the French versions. But you may still fall in love with them!
- Gugelhupf – Bundt cake commonly eaten for breakfast or afternoon coffee.
- Krapfen – A doughnut filled with apricot jam or custard, often found during Fasching (Carnival).
Useful phrases:
- “Noch etwas?” – Anything else? (Common question you'll hear when ordering)
- "Für hier oder zum mitnehmen?" – For here or to take-away? (another common question you'll likely hear in a cafe or bakery if there's the option to sit in).
- "Ich hätte gerne ... zum mitnehmen." – I would like ... to take away.
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To the Chemist: Apotheke 🤒
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Austria’s pharmacies operate a bit differently than in some other countries. For instance, over-the-counter medicine (like pain relievers, cold medicine and antihistamines) is often only available at pharmacies, not in general stores. Here are a few useful words when visiting the pharmacy:
- Apotheke – Pharmacy
- Medikament – Medication
- Rezept – Prescription
- Rezeptfrei – Over-the-counter / without prescription
- Rezeptpflichtig – Prescription-required
- Tabletten – Tablets / Pills
- Tropfen – Drops
- Salbe – Ointment / Cream
Useful phrases:
- “Haben Sie etwas gegen ... Kopfschmerzen / Husten / Allergien?” – Do you have something for ... headaches / a cough / allergies?
- “Ich brauche ein Rezept einzulösen.” – I need to fill a prescription.
- “Gibt es eine generische Version?” – Is there a generic version?
- “Mit oder ohne Rezept?” – With or without a prescription? (Common question when buying medicine)
- Wie oft soll ich das nehmen? – How often should I take this?
- Gibt es Nebenwirkungen? – Are there any side effects?
- Könnten Sie das bitte erklären? – Could you please explain that?
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Good to know!
Out of hours: Austrian pharmacies rotate on-call services (Apotheken Notdienst), meaning there’s always a pharmacy open in your area outside of regular business hours (nights, Sundays, and public holidays). You can find which pharmacies are on-call by checking online, via a posted list outside the pharmacies, or by calling 1455 to locate the nearest emergency pharmacy.
Prescriptions: When you get a prescription from a doctor in Austria, it is typically written electronically and sent directly to the pharmacy, reducing paperwork. You'll need your e-card (Austrian health insurance card) to pick it up. If you're coming from another country and don’t yet have an e-card, a paper prescription from the doctor is accepted. |
Clothes Shopping (Kleidung kaufen) 👕👖👟
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If you’re clothes shopping in Austria, here are a few terms and phrases you may find useful.
Useful phrases:
- "Ich schau nur" – I'm just browsing (useful phrase if you want to look around without interruption.)
- “Haben Sie das in Größe ... groß / mittel / klein?” – Do you have this in size ... large / medium / small?
- “Kann ich das anprobieren?” – Can I try this on?
- “Wo sind die Umkleidekabinen?” – Where are the fitting rooms?
- “Das passt.” – This fits.
- “Das ist zu groß / klein.” – This is too big / small.
- “Gibt es Rückerstattungen?” – Do you give refunds?
- “Kann ich das zurückgeben?” – Can I return this?
Don't forget though, clothes shops are not open on Sundays!
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Wrapping It Up 🎀
Whether you’re at the bakery, pharmacy, or browsing for clothes, knowing these essential phrases and regional words will not only make your shopping trips easier but will also help you feel more connected to Austrian culture. Keep practising, and soon you’ll be ordering your Semmel and saying "Mit Karte, bitte!" like a true local.
Happy shopping, and as they say in Austria, Schöne Einkaufstour! (Happy shopping!)