Moving to Austria and wondering if you need to learn German? The short answer is: yes, it makes life a lot easier. While many people speak English, knowing some German phrases will help you connect with locals, navigate daily life, and feel at home faster. And with Austria’s unique twist on the language, you’ll get to enjoy a bit of local flavour, too!
More Than Just Words: Why Learning German Matters
It’s true — you can enjoy life in Austria without speaking much German. Many Austrians, especially in bigger cities, are proficient in English, but learning German can help you connect on a deeper level.
- Unlock Local Experiences: Knowing German enriches daily life. It’s about more than just getting by — whether ordering coffee or reading signs at a museum, it helps turn everyday moments into meaningful experiences.
- Build Connections: a few simple phrases can go a long way. A warm “Grüß Gott!” (hello) or a heartfelt “Danke!” (thank you) can lead to friendly interactions and help you connect with locals.
- Navigate Bureaucracy: dealing with Austrian paperwork can be tricky, but even a basic understanding of German will help you manage tasks like setting up utilities or reading contracts.
- Appreciate the Nuances: "Austrian German" offers delightful twists, like hearing “Leiwand!” (awesome) or “Baba” instead of “Tschüss" (bye). The more you learn, the more you'll feel part of the community.
While Standard German is the official language, Austria brings its own twist. Regional phrases, accents, and words might even confuse native Germans, but that’s part of the adventure. Embracing these quirks is key to feeling more at home, and we’ve got some useful expressions to get you started.
Greetings and Polite Phrases
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Here are some ways to say hello and goodbye:
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- Grüß Gott
- Servus
- Mahlzeit
- Freut mich
- Pfiat di
- Baba
- Bussi Baba
- Schönen Tag!
- Schönes Wochenende!
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Hello (formal, often heard entering shops or restaurants)
Hi/Bye (informal, friendly)
Enjoy your meal (to wish someone a good meal, and also a greeting used around noon, generally in the workplace)
Nice to meet you
Goodbye (informal, friendly)
Bye (very casual)
Kisses, bye (goodbye used among close friends)
Have a nice day!
Have a nice weekend!
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Asking for Help/Clarification
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Moving to a new country means lots of questions! Here are some polite ways to ask for help or more information:
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- Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen?
- Ich hätte gern …
- Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
- Können Sie langsamer sprechen?
- Sprechen Sie Englisch?
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Could you help me, please?
I would like … (e.g., ordering food or asking for something)
Can you repeat that, please?
Can you speak more slowly?
Do you speak English?
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Responding to Situations
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When interacting with locals, these responses may come in handy:
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- Einen Moment, bitte
- Entschuldigung
- Es tut mir leid
- Ebenfalls!
- Wurscht!
- Egal
- Dankeschön /
vielen Dank
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ll
One moment, please
Excuse me (to catch someone's attention) /
Sorry (for minor inconveniences)
I’m sorry (an apology used in more personal contexts)
Same to you! (when someone wishes you a nice day)
Doesn’t matter! / Whatever! (Used to express indifference in a casual, informal way)
Doesn't matter! (more formal way to express indifference)
Thank you very much
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Austrian Phrases and Local Expressions
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- Genau!
- Schau ma mal
- Leiwand
- Der Schmäh
- Fesch
- Das Gspusi
- Na geh!
- Gemma!
- Der Hawara
- Oida!
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Exactly! (used to affirm or agree)
We’ll see (classic Austrian non-committal response)
Awesome! (used informally)
A term for Austrian humor, often dry and witty
Stylish or good-looking (adjective)
A fling or romantic affair (careful with this one!)
Oh come on! (when you are mildly annoyed)
Let's go!
A buddy or mate
Dude! (Viennese slang term that literally means "old one," but rarely used that way. A popular word used in Austria today, it’s like saying "dude!" and can be heard in informal situations to express surprise, excitement, pain, annoyance, joy — you name it! Check out the infographic below to see it in action!)
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Infograph: Oida — The Many Moods of a Viennese Classic
Speak the Language, Live the Culture
Moving to Austria offers a lot of exciting new experiences, and learning German — especially the "Austrian German" version — opens doors to more meaningful interactions. It’s not about perfection, but the effort you make will go a long way. Plus, it’s a great way to appreciate all the quirks and charm that Austria has to offer. So go ahead, try out your first “Grüß Gott" or “Oida!” and see where it takes you! Good luck!