Austria
Austria is famous for their snow capped Alps and their popularity with skiers. The Alps cover over 60% of Austria allowing the nation to maintain its place as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The Austrian capital city of Vienna is a sight in itself with grand buildings such as the Hofburg Palace standing as an architectural testament to the lavish times of emperors and empresses. Beyond scenery and architecture, Austria also has a deep musical tradition that boasts famous composers such as Mozart and Johann Straus. The country has also been home to famous thinkers such as Alfred Adler and Sigmund Freud.Thanks to its strong cultural and historical background, Austria is a great place to study. Students can immerse themselves in the German language or study renowned Austrian musical composers and compositions. Austrians enjoy the performing arts, such as opera and dance, but also like to spend their spare time lounging in cafes and, of course, on their world famous Alps.
Below you’ll find fun facts, useful phrases, and links to more information about Austria.
Fun Facts
- Austrians do not use first names when being introduced.
- It is considered impolite to enter a restaurant or shop without saying hello or leave without saying goodbye.
- The most famous Austrian dessert is the strudel.
- It is illegal for pregnant women to work eight weeks before their due date and eight weeks after their delivery.
- The Austrian flag, created in 1191, is one of the oldest in the world.
Phrases
The official language of Austria is German. Although there are various regional dialects, 98% of the population speaks German. Here are some German phrases that you might find useful.
- Hello Guten Tag (meaning Good Day but commonly used as a greeting)
- Goodbye Auf Weidersehen
- Thank you Danke
- Excuse Me Entschuldigung
- Where is the bathroom? Wo ist die Toilette?
Links
Austrian Embassy in Washington
Austrian National Tourist Office