Austrian Etiquette and Customs
Some simple advice when visiting Austria. It has its own etiquette and customs, just as most other countries. To avoid the general problem of making an embarrassing error we have listed some of the most common ones.
Generally, Austrians are approachable and glad to help, so don't be afraid to ask, and try using your German to start even if it is only a simple hello! It always seems to charm people no matter how bad it may seem to you.
Greeting someone
The first time you meet an Austrian the contact will be formal. After a couple of meetings Austrians will be more relaxed.
In Austria, shaking hands when greeting and parting is an important social courtesy. Even children shake hands with adults when greeting. Common greetings include Grüß Gott pronounced ‘grews got’(Greet God), Guten Morgen pronounced ‘gooten moorgen’(Good Morning), Guten Tag pronounced ‘gooten tak’(Good Day) and Guten Abend pronounced ‘gooten aabent’(Good Evening). Popular casual greetings include servus (used as “Hi”) and Grüß Dich pronounced ‘grews deek’(greeting to you!). Austrians do not ask “How are you?” (Wie geht es ihnen?) unless they wish to hear a detailed account since they last met you!
When shaking hands take the other hand out of your pockets and look into the person's eyes.
The cheek kissing (one for each cheek, even though it seems sometimes this is kisses in the air) ritual replaces the handshake as people become friends.
Formal vs. informal pronoun ('du' and 'Sie'). Use formal pronoun when talking to people older than you.
Professional titles are important among the adult population and are used whenever they are known (and sometimes even when they are not). Otherwise, people combine titles such as Herr (Mr.) and Frau (Mrs. or Ms.) with last names when addressing acquaintances and strangers. First names are used among close friends and young people.
Say 'hello', 'Guten Tag' ('Good Day') or 'Grüß Gott' (typical Austrian greeting) when you enter a (small) shop.
Using the telephone
In Austria you should always say your last name when picking up the phone. Don’t say just “Hallo” or “Ja” – this is considered to be rude. If you see a friend’s number on the display, you can say your first name of course.
If you are invited to an Austrian’s home for Dinner
For many in the International Community entertaining in their homes is an enjoyable way to bring together friends, new acquaintances and entertain business clients. But customs vary from culture to culture so it is always best to do a little research ahead of time and increase your comfort zone.
Dropping by unannounced is impolite. It is better to make arrangements in advance or telephone ahead of an impromptu visit.
To be invited into someone's home in Austria is an honour. It is a practice limited to those considered friends.
Invited guests should arrive on time. Punctuality is important to Austrians. Guests remain standing until they are instructed where to sit. Hosts customarily offer the best seats to their guests. If hosts must leave the room for a moment, the guest is offered something to read or occupy themselves until they return. Men stand when a woman enters the room or when talking to a woman who is standing.
Visitors to homes should also, at least offer to take off their shoes upon entering. Many women bring along their own slippers, to ensure that they will have a pair that will fit and look good with their clothes.
When invited it is a custom to bring a small gift. Wine for the Host, Flowers for the Hostess (take off the paper wrapping) or something from your home country would be appropriate. If you insist on giving flowers, give an odd-numbered bouquet, an even-numbered bouquet is considered unlucky. Stay away from red roses too, they have romantic undertones.
Say 'Mahlzeit' or 'Guten Appetit' before eating. Keep your hands but not your elbows on top of the table.
Smoking
Please be aware that smoking is not allowed everywhere. In most public places it is forbidden and in many restaurants there is a special area for smokers. When you are in company and want to smoke, please make sure your companions don't mind.
Information is courtesy & copyright of Virtual Vienna.