Anyone learning German often first encounters what is commonly called Standard German. This usually refers to the standardized German language used in textbooks, news broadcasts, exams, and official texts. However, as soon as you arrive in Austria, you quickly notice that German often sounds different here. Some words are unfamiliar, the pronunciation sounds softer, and everyday expressions differ significantly from those used in Germany.
Austrian German is not an incorrect or colloquial version of German. It is a recognized variety of the German language with its own terms, idioms, and linguistic features. Anyone who lives, works, studies, or attends a German course in Austria will therefore benefit greatly from knowing these differences.
Standard German refers to the standardized form of the German language. It is used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in schools, public authorities, media, and official documents. However, “Standard German” does not mean exactly the same thing everywhere. Even within the standard language, there are regional variations.
The Standard German that many German learners know from textbooks is often based on the standard German used in Germany. This means that you may have learned a word correctly, but hear a different word in everyday life in Austria.
A simple example: In Germany, people often say Brötchen, while in Austria they usually say Semmel. Both words are correct — they simply belong to different regional language habits.
Austrian German is the standard variety of the German language as used in Austria. It includes not only dialects, but also official and everyday words that are typical of Austria.
It is important to distinguish between Austrian Standard German and Austrian dialects. Not every Austrian word is dialect. Terms such as Jänner, Marille, Topfen, or Sackerl are completely normal words in Austria and are understood and used in many formal or semi-formal situations.
For German learners, this is especially relevant: anyone learning German in Austria should not only master grammar and sentence structure, but also know typical Austrian terms.
The differences are mainly visible in four areas: vocabulary, pronunciation, emphasis, and everyday expressions.
The most noticeable difference is vocabulary. Many objects, foods, or everyday situations have different names in Austria than in Germany.
Standard German in GermanyAustrian GermanEnglishSchrankKastenwardrobeStuhlSesselchairDiele / FlurVorzimmerhallwayGuten TagGrüß GotthelloJanuarJännerJanuaryStechmückeGelsemosquitoin diesem Jahrheuerthis yearKissenPolsterpillowQuarkTopfencurd cheese / quarkAprikoseMarilleapricotTüteSackerlbagBrötchenSemmelbread rollSchlagsahneSchlagoberswhipped creamKüsschenBusserllittle kissTomateParadeisertomatoToiletteKlo / WCtoiletGuten AppetitMahlzeitenjoy your mealein bisschena bisserla bitKartoffelErdapfelpotatoSpaßGaudifunOhrfeigeWatscheslapTreppeStiegestairs
These words are especially useful when shopping in Austria, ordering in a restaurant, looking for an apartment, or speaking with colleagues.
For many German learners, Austrian German sounds more melodic or softer than the German they know from Germany. The stress can be different, some vowels are pronounced more openly, and the speaking pace can also vary depending on the region.
Especially in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Tyrol, or Carinthia, you can hear different regional accents. Nevertheless, Austrian German is not automatically dialect. Many people switch between standard language, colloquial language, and dialect depending on the situation.
In a German course, it therefore makes sense not only to focus on written German, but also to practise Austrian listening examples and everyday situations.
There are also differences when it comes to greetings. While Guten Tag is very common in Germany, in Austria you often hear Grüß Gott. In Vienna and other regions, Servus is also common — either formal or informal, depending on the situation.
Typical greetings in Austria are:
Grüß Gott – polite and often used in shops, offices, or first-time encounters
Servus – friendly, often informal, and very common regionally
Grüß Sie – a polite short form, especially in everyday life
Hallo – neutral and understood everywhere
For German learners, it is important to know that the choice of greeting depends strongly on the situation, age, region, and relationship with the other person.
Austrian German is strongly shaped by small expressions that are used very frequently in everyday life. Those who know them understand conversations more quickly and sound more confident.
A typical example is Mahlzeit. In Austria, it does not only mean “enjoy your meal,” but is also used around lunchtime as a general greeting among colleagues.
Heuer is another important word. It means “this year” and is used very frequently in Austria:
“Heuer mache ich einen Deutschkurs in Wien.”
“This year, I am taking a German course in Vienna.”
“Heuer fahren wir im Sommer nach Salzburg.”
“This year, we are going to Salzburg in the summer.”
Words like these are small, but they make a big difference in language comprehension.
The differences become especially clear when it comes to food. Many foods have different names in Austria than in Germany. Anyone ordering in a bakery, at a market, or in a restaurant should know these terms.
In Austria, people often order a Semmel instead of a Brötchen. On a menu, you will find Topfen instead of Quark, Marillen instead of Aprikosen, and Schlagobers instead of Schlagsahne. Erdapfel is also a well-known Austrian word for potato.
These differences are not only linguistically interesting, but also practical. They help avoid misunderstandings and make you feel more confident in everyday life.
No. Austrian German is not more difficult than Standard German, but it can feel unfamiliar to many learners at first. If you are already learning German, you do not need to learn a completely new language. The grammar is largely the same, and most words are understood in all German-speaking countries.
The challenge lies more in recognizing regional words and typical expressions. That is exactly why it is worthwhile to learn German not only theoretically, but also in connection with real everyday situations.
A good German course in Austria should therefore not only train grammar, writing, and reading, but also listening comprehension, pronunciation, and Austrian everyday language.
Anyone who lives or wants to live in Austria encounters Austrian German every day: in the supermarket, in cafés, at work, at public authorities, at school, or when speaking with neighbours. Even if you speak correct Standard German, it can still happen that you do not immediately understand Austrian terms.
Typical situations include:
You are looking for a Tüte in a shop, but hear the word Sackerl.
You want to buy Brötchen, but see Semmeln in the bakery.
You read a recipe with Topfen, but only know the word Quark.
Someone says heuer, and you wonder which year they mean.
Examples like these show that Austrian German is an important part of real everyday language.
Standard German is an important foundation for everyone learning German. However, anyone who wants to communicate in Austria should also know the special features of Austrian German. The differences mainly concern vocabulary, pronunciation, greetings, and everyday expressions.
The good news is that you do not have to learn everything at once. Even a few typical words such as Semmel, Sackerl, Jänner, Marille, Topfen, heuer, or Grüß Gott can help you understand conversations in Austria better.
Austrian German makes the German language more diverse, lively, and regional. Those who know these differences not only learn new words, but also understand a part of Austrian culture.
No, Austrian German is not simply a dialect. There is Austrian Standard German, which is used in official and everyday situations. In addition, there are many regional dialects in Austria.
Yes. Standard German is understood in Austria without any problems. In everyday life, however, many people use Austrian terms, regional expressions, or colloquial language.
It is best to first learn the basics of Standard German and then complement them with Austrian German. Especially if you want to live, work, or study in Austria, Austrian words and expressions are very helpful.
In Austria, people usually say Semmel. This word is especially common in bakeries and cafés.
In Austria, people often say Sackerl. For example: “Brauchen Sie ein Sackerl?” — “Do you need a bag?”
About the Author
AKAZA Education
