German in Austria: A Guide to the Austrian Language

Although Austria and Germany officially share the same language, there are considerable differences in the words and phrases spoken in each country, as well as how people use them in everyday life.
Austrian writer Karl Kraus (1874-1936) nailed it when he said that the main thing that distinguished Germans from Austrians was their common language. While the official language of both countries is derived from the West Germanic language that dates back to Roman times and is also spoken in parts of Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, the difference in both use and terms can often cause misunderstandings. Indeed, Austrian German, with its many dialects, is so diverse that it is now the only pluricentric language officially recognised by the EU. And while in writing and formal contexts, the Austrian ‘High German’ is fairly similar to the German version of the same, there are significant variations in informal conversations.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.A great way to get an insight into the language spoken in Austria is to listen to Austrian dialect bands such as Wanda, Seiler & Speer and Krautschädl. But for a brief introduction to some popular Austrian-language phrases, Culture Trip has chosen a selection of key terms and expressions.
Das geht sich (nicht) aus
Although it’s extensively used in Austria, this sentence will leave most Germans and Swiss Germans utterly confused. Das geht sich aus or the even more popular Das geht sich nicht aus essentially means that something is (or isn’t) possible. Depending on the context, the reason for its feasibility may be time, money or physical space. While the phrase’s origin is not entirely clear, it may have derived from the Czech to se nevyšlo or to se nepovedlo.
Aufgewärmt ist nur ein Gulasch gut
When translated, this phrase means ‘Only goulash tastes good when heated up twice.’ However, in Austria, the expression is widely used when discussing relationships – and break-ups. It means ‘you need to let go’ and could allude to the past in general or an ex or an on-again, off-again partner. As for the beloved national dish in the phrase, it is widely believed that goulash does taste great when heated up for the second time – it’s even better (unlike most second attempts in love).

Leiwand
Leiwand is frequently used in informal conversations in Vienna and is a positive adjective – the equivalent to ‘great’, ‘amazing’ or ‘awesome’. Anything can be, look or taste leiwand, from a person to a song, a cake or your newest pair of jeans. It is said to originate from the word leinwand, meaning ‘canvas’, which was of high value in Austria in the Middle Ages, especially as part of a dowry. Vienna even served its own ‘canvas beer’ called Leinwandbier in the 15th century, which was brewed in the Bürgerspital (a hospital) – which seems pretty leiwand. At the time, to call something leiwand in Vienna was to say that it was as good as the said beer.
Schmäh führen
Schmäh means ‘trick’, ‘joke’ or ‘fib’ in Austrian German and is also used to describe Viennese humour, which is very specific to the city and has a reputation for being particularly sarcastic and morbid. Schmäh führen, a very common phrase in Austria that is pretty much unknown in Germany, can be best translated as ‘joking’. There are different theories about its origination. One hypothesis is that it dates back to the 11th to 14th centuries when smæhe was a popular term for ‘insult’ in Middle High German (the German language spoken in the High Middle Ages), while another links it to the word schmee (‘lie’) from the Middle Ages or the Yiddish term schemá (‘narrative’).
Oida!
Originally a Viennese slang term popular with teenagers and millennials, Oida is a modern phrase that has since spread to all parts of Austria and age groups (but not across the borders to either Germany or Switzerland). The word is so heavily used in informal conversations these days that you might even see it printed on T-shirts. Oida essentially means ‘Dude!’, but it is also used to complain about something or to express general displeasure or dismay about a situation, a person or someone’s bad luck.
Sammas?
This one-word phrase means ‘Ready?’ or ‘Are we ready?’ and is the Austrian equivalent to the German Fertig? and Seid ihr fertig? It is often followed by Ja. Gemma!, which can best be translated as ‘Yes, let’s go.’
Das taugt mir
Taugen originates from the Middle High German words tougen and taugen and means ‘useful’. However, in Austria and Bavaria, the phrase is commonly used to indicate appreciation for something. Das/Der/Die taugt mir can refer to things as well as people, so you can use it to express pleasure with everything from music to your cat, a particular fashion style or a new love interest.

Na no na net!
While Austrians generally tend to shorten German phrases and words, in contrast, Na no na net is the long version of a simple ‘yes’, ‘obviously’ or ‘of course’. In Germany, the equivalent would be something like klar. Na no na net is mainly used in and around Vienna to emphasise that something that had just been said is very obvious; the phrase is often paired with the rolling of your eyes.
Heuer
Heuer, meaning ‘this year’ in Austrian German, is a simple and very common term that tends to confuse Germans as it simply doesn’t exist in the language spoken in Germany – except for in parts of Bavaria. The word has its roots in the Middle High German hiure and the Old High German (the earliest version of the German language) hiuro and hiuru and basically had the same meaning in the 11th century that it has today. You might also notice that wine taverns are called Heurige in Austria. This name is an abbreviation of heuriger Wein, meaning this year’s wine.
Bist du deppert!
Deppert is an adjective that means ‘stupid’ or ‘idiotic’ in the Austrian dialect, so saying Bist du deppert is to call someone an idiot. However, in everyday slang, the phrase is also used to express amazement at something or someone, similar to the English words ‘wow’ or ‘awesome’. The expression is especially prevalent in eastern Austria. Be careful with using the phrase in Germany, though, as people might take it literally and get offended.
Tschick
Like it or not, smoking is still widespread in Austria, so it probably doesn’t hurt to know the correct Austrian-language term for cigarettes: Tschick. According to one theory, the dialect word originates from Slavik languages, in which the ‘c’ in ‘cigarette’ is pronounced as ‘tsch’. Another theory links the word to the Italian cicca (‘fag’). Tschick can also be used as a verb, tschicken, meaning ‘smoking’.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.