Have you caught yourself a little too often standing in front of a closed supermarket or have you been yelled at an escalator again and are wondering why? We’ve got you covered; we’ve all been there. Get to know this charming country and all its funny, weird and different sides.
I moved to Austria about eight years ago and it has been a hell of a ride – but a good one, trust me! You just need to know some essential bits and pieces and you’re ready for this wonderful alpine country.
German – Same language, same people?
First things first: Austrians speak (Austrian) German, but they’re not German! When I moved here from my hometown in Northern Germany, I thought things couldn’t be so different, because they speak German too, no? But let me tell you something: Austria and Germany are not the same and that’s good! They have their own cultural identity: coffeehouse culture, hiking in the mountains, krampus walks in wintertime (I can’t recommend them, too scary), so many different vines and vineyards everywhere, arts and theatre, such as Salzburger Festspiele or the well-known Burgtheater in Vienna. As you can see there’s a lot to explore!
Another contrast for sure: the language! Did you learn German in school or are from a German speaking country? That’s good for you and the basics, but the accent and the different dialects will be a little hurdle for you. A tomato or in German “Tomate”, is a “Paradeiser” here in Austria for example. So, keep your eyes and ears open to witness and implement the Austrian German. There are even little dictionaries with translations, so maybe get one of those if you’re insecure with the use of particular phrases.
Austrians in the Wild – less serious than their German Neighbour?
Okay – language, cultural identity, what else could there be? Well Austrians are really laid back, relaxed people. If something happens the wonderful phrase “Schaun wir mal”, will mostly occur to you. It translates in to: Let’s see what happens. In my opinion it’s a good metaphor for the charming “austrianess”. Life is not taken as serious as in other countries. Everything will turn out good in the end – so just wait and see until it will and whilst you’re waiting just pour yourself a Weißer Spritzer (white wine mixed with soda water) and lean back.
Enough of Austria? Find your own people!
As an expat myself I sometimes felt lonely – I missed my home and culture. But good news: There are more foreigners here than you think, and you might as well find your crowd, trust me! My family is Irish, so I was happy to discover many Irish Pubs, owned by Irish or British people. A piece of home, away from home is waiting for you. Just try to find some Restaurants, Cafés or Bars that are serving dishes or drinks from your home country. And apart from eating and drinking you can find amazing sport clubs to join. There is a GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) in Vienna – who would’ve thought? I didn’t.
My last advice: Vienna is not the only remarkable place in Austria. Get yourself a train or bus ticket to Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg and see those smaller, but not less beautiful cities in the country. Austria offers beautiful nature and landscapes. Do a roadtrip to Burgenland and enjoy a drink at Neusiedlersee, explore Carinthia and swim in the Wörthersee or go for a hike in Salzkammergut. There’s so much to see beyond the capital and it’s worth it.
Apart from the mentality, language and geographical advice I created a list of handy things to know, if you live here.
Austria Expat 101
- Cash: Always carry some with you, because more restaurants, bars and cafés than you would think only accept cash payment.
- Opening times: Austria is a catholic country, so shops are usually closed on Sundays. Supermarkets are closing at 6 pm on Saturdays and pharmacies, post offices etc. can be closing at 12 pm already.
- Stand right, walk left: If you are using an escalator always think of this unspoken rule and nobody will yell at you.
- Public Transport: The Austrian public transport system is great. So, get yourself a Klimaticket or an annual ticket for the subways, trams and buses. You won’t regret it, it’s rather cheap here.
- Book ahead: Whenever you are planning to go out for a meal you should make a reservation. Sometimes, especially on weekends, it’s hard to find a seat without reserving a table first (yes even for breakfast and drinks).
Now you’re settled for your adventure in Austria. Get yourself Schnitzel, a Soda Zitron or Weißer Spritzer and just enjoy this country. It’s beautiful.