Austria: Culture
This guide to business culture and etiquette in Austria is courtesy of Executive Planet
Appointment Alert!
Making appointments
Austrians plan their schedules weeks, even months, in advance and try to follow what they have pre-arranged in their appointment books. If it is absolutely necessary to reschedule an appointment, you should ensure that you do so as soon as you know of the change.
Telephone interviews, on the other hand, can sometimes be had at surprisingly short notice.
Austrians are scrupulously punctual and expect others to observe the same courtesy at all times. It is therefore essential to arrive on time for all meetings and other engagements [especially if you are invited to a prestigious concert or opera in Salzburg or Vienna]. Austrians view people who can manage time as also being able to handle business projects with punctilious attention to detail. These qualities are of tremendous importance to them.
The Austrian transport system is efficient and reliable [even during alpine winters] so there should be no excuse for being late.
Office hours are typically 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday with a short break for lunch [typically just 30 minutes]; on Friday afternoon most businesses close early [usually by 3:00 p.m.]. In Vienna, though, the working day tends to start and finish an hour later. It is not uncommon for senior management and executives to arrive at their desks a little later and to stay much later but Austrians generally view working late as a sign of inefficiency rather than devotion to the company. The preferred times for appointments are 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
You should avoid planning business meetings for August or any time near the Christmas holidays when many Austrians schedule lengthy trips. Similarly, good snow at any time between December and April is likely to tempt a nation of enthusiastic skiers to head for the Alps.
Austria is a Catholic country and so observes the customary religious festivals. 26 October is National Day [commemorating the State Treaty of 1955].
Austrians plan their schedules weeks, even months, in advance and try to follow what they have pre-arranged in their appointment books. If it is absolutely necessary to reschedule an appointment, you should ensure that you do so as soon as you know of the change.
Telephone interviews, on the other hand, can sometimes be had at surprisingly short notice.
Austrians are scrupulously punctual and expect others to observe the same courtesy at all times. It is therefore essential to arrive on time for all meetings and other engagements [especially if you are invited to a prestigious concert or opera in Salzburg or Vienna]. Austrians view people who can manage time as also being able to handle business projects with punctilious attention to detail. These qualities are of tremendous importance to them.
The Austrian transport system is efficient and reliable [even during alpine winters] so there should be no excuse for being late.
Office hours are typically 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday with a short break for lunch [typically just 30 minutes]; on Friday afternoon most businesses close early [usually by 3:00 p.m.]. In Vienna, though, the working day tends to start and finish an hour later. It is not uncommon for senior management and executives to arrive at their desks a little later and to stay much later but Austrians generally view working late as a sign of inefficiency rather than devotion to the company. The preferred times for appointments are 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
You should avoid planning business meetings for August or any time near the Christmas holidays when many Austrians schedule lengthy trips. Similarly, good snow at any time between December and April is likely to tempt a nation of enthusiastic skiers to head for the Alps.
Austria is a Catholic country and so observes the customary religious festivals. 26 October is National Day [commemorating the State Treaty of 1955].
Business Dress
Guidelines for business dress
Austrians tend to dress in a simple yet elegant manner and take tremendous pride in their appearance. In order to make that crucial first impression, you should ensure that you do the same by wearing only high-quality, well-fitting clothing and polished leather shoes. A particular brand name is not important in itself but Austrians are keenly aware of the quality that is associated with any given brand.
The safest option for men is a dark woolen suit with a white cotton shirt and conservative silk tie. The equivalent for women is a tailored suit and silk blouse or a business dress; classic, elegant trouser-suits are acceptable provided they are well cut and an appropriately discreet colour. Modest jewelry or a silk scarf may add restrained glamour.
In Austria, both men and women may be seen from time to time in traditional clothing. Such Tracht constitutes perfectly acceptable alternatives to a suit or eveningwear for both work and formal social events; for instance, men might wear dark, collarless jackets with special folkloric designs embroidered on the lapels whilst women wear a Dirndl dress. Lederhosen, however, are the stuff of musicals and old films except for the occasional alpine farmer.
The 'loden' overcoat in heavy, usually green, wool is a common sight on the streets of Austrian cities in winter and both men and women often wear hats.
Austrians tend to dress in a simple yet elegant manner and take tremendous pride in their appearance. In order to make that crucial first impression, you should ensure that you do the same by wearing only high-quality, well-fitting clothing and polished leather shoes. A particular brand name is not important in itself but Austrians are keenly aware of the quality that is associated with any given brand.
The safest option for men is a dark woolen suit with a white cotton shirt and conservative silk tie. The equivalent for women is a tailored suit and silk blouse or a business dress; classic, elegant trouser-suits are acceptable provided they are well cut and an appropriately discreet colour. Modest jewelry or a silk scarf may add restrained glamour.
In Austria, both men and women may be seen from time to time in traditional clothing. Such Tracht constitutes perfectly acceptable alternatives to a suit or eveningwear for both work and formal social events; for instance, men might wear dark, collarless jackets with special folkloric designs embroidered on the lapels whilst women wear a Dirndl dress. Lederhosen, however, are the stuff of musicals and old films except for the occasional alpine farmer.
The 'loden' overcoat in heavy, usually green, wool is a common sight on the streets of Austrian cities in winter and both men and women often wear hats.
Conversation
Welcome topics of conversation
General Guidelines
Austrian formality in business discussions also carries over into personal conversations.
Displaying knowledge of Austrian history and culture demonstrates an awareness of the uniqueness of Austria, which will be appreciated by Austrians, who will take against anyone who fails to recognise the clear distinction between them and the Germans. Do not refer to Austrians or their culture as German. The only thing that is truly German about Austria is the language and, even then, Austrian German is very different from standard or High German [Hochdeutsch] in vocabulary, idiom, and pronunciation. Indeed, even proficient German-speakers may struggle with the Austrian accent and regional dialects, especially if they are not already acquainted with Bavarian German.
Do not make idle promises during conversation. Politeness does not mean dissimulation or hypocrisy. Austrians expect you to mean what you say, and say what you mean, and they will know when you do not.
Nevertheless, Austrians wear their formality with a certain easy lightness and a major distinction between Austrian and German characters is that the former are much more tolerant of fooling around than their neighbours [there is a long tradition of pantomime and farce in Viennese theatre]. Austrians have a great sense of humour that is not always refined or subtle and they will accept your joking so long as you are self-deprecating at the same time. Teasing others, though, may be interpreted as putting them down, and that is certainly not appreciated. Unless you are confident of your command of German idiom and/or Austrian taste, it is perhaps best for a visitor to avoid making jokes that can be easily misconstrued in another culture. Humour has no place at a formal meeting or in the office at all when senior staff are present.
As always it is courteous to have some knowledge, however basic, of your host's language. Any attempt to speak German will be appreciated, even if you can only manage simple greetings and phrases, but a minimum of 'restaurant' German may be essential outside the major cities.
Welcome Topics of Conversation
- Classical music [Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Johann Strauss, Bruckner, Schönberg and Berg were all Austrian]
- Opera [especially Mozart and Richard Strauss, even though he was born in Munich]
- Austrian art and architecture
- Winter sports
Topics to Avoid
- Money
- Separation and divorce
- Religion
- Anti-Semitism
- Austria's role during World War II
First Name or Title?
Addressing others with respect
It is most unlikely that an Austrian will ever address you by your first name unless you become extremely well acquainted outside the office and you should follow suit by using the courtesy titles Herr ['Mr'], Frau ['Mrs'] or Fräulein ['Miss'] followed by the surname until invited to do otherwise. The use of first names is a sign of intimacy and social or professional equality and you should not presume to undermine an elaborate system of mutual respect by suggesting to an elder or superior that you might adopt informal Anglo-Saxon practice. An Austrian businessman will introduce himself with his surname only and the appearance of his first name on his business card is not a signal to start using it.
By extension, if you speak German, you should use the polite form Sie and not the informal du.
There is no equivalent of 'Ms' in German; so, as in many other European languages, there is a growing tendency to use Frau as a mark of respect for a woman's professional standing regardless of her marital status and to restrict the use of Fräulein to girls and young women. Similarly it is old-fashioned and increasingly unacceptable to address waitresses as Fräulein, even though many older Austrians persist in the habit.
Moreover it is considered rude to refer to a third person even in their absence by his or her surname alone.
The protocol for letters, faxes, and even e-mails is also strictly formal.
Status and hierarchy are an important part of all Austrian culture. Austrians are very title-conscious. If someone holds academic or professional qualifications conferring the title of professor, doctor, or lawyer, for example, you should be sure to address that person using both the equivalent of 'Mr' etc. and the person's title plus his or her last name. Thus, the appropriate way to address an Austrian professor would be Herr Professor Schmidt. During subsequent conversations with Herr Professor Schmidt, you should maintain formality by continuing to use the title of professor preceded by Herr, but at this point you may drop his last name and simply address him as Herr Professor. Even those with just a university degree are likely to style themselves Herr or Frau Magister. The title Herr or Frau Ingenieur is so common in Austria that graduate Ingenieure stress their superiority by insisting on their full title of Herr or Frau Diplom-Ingenieur.
In Austrian business the titles Herr Doktor and Herr Diplom Ingenieur are especially widespread. Another common practice is to refer to senior managers by his or her job description, e.g. Frau Finanzdirektorin, Frau Geschäftsführerin, etc. or some honorific title such as Herr Kommerzialrat.
Occasionally you may encounter highly qualified and/or much honoured Austrians with several titles, in which case all should be used, at least at the outset and in writing, eg. Herr Professor Doktor Schmidt. The rules of precedence for such an array of titles may seem obscure to a foreigner but the correct order will be made clear on a business card, letterhead etc. It is not unknown to find oneself in the company of a professor with three doctorates, which can be something of a mouthful.
Even when Austrians are on first-name terms with someone in private, it is still standard practice to maintain the formal niceties at work [if only in front of other members of staff, both junior and senior].
It is most unlikely that an Austrian will ever address you by your first name unless you become extremely well acquainted outside the office and you should follow suit by using the courtesy titles Herr ['Mr'], Frau ['Mrs'] or Fräulein ['Miss'] followed by the surname until invited to do otherwise. The use of first names is a sign of intimacy and social or professional equality and you should not presume to undermine an elaborate system of mutual respect by suggesting to an elder or superior that you might adopt informal Anglo-Saxon practice. An Austrian businessman will introduce himself with his surname only and the appearance of his first name on his business card is not a signal to start using it.
By extension, if you speak German, you should use the polite form Sie and not the informal du.
There is no equivalent of 'Ms' in German; so, as in many other European languages, there is a growing tendency to use Frau as a mark of respect for a woman's professional standing regardless of her marital status and to restrict the use of Fräulein to girls and young women. Similarly it is old-fashioned and increasingly unacceptable to address waitresses as Fräulein, even though many older Austrians persist in the habit.
Moreover it is considered rude to refer to a third person even in their absence by his or her surname alone.
The protocol for letters, faxes, and even e-mails is also strictly formal.
Status and hierarchy are an important part of all Austrian culture. Austrians are very title-conscious. If someone holds academic or professional qualifications conferring the title of professor, doctor, or lawyer, for example, you should be sure to address that person using both the equivalent of 'Mr' etc. and the person's title plus his or her last name. Thus, the appropriate way to address an Austrian professor would be Herr Professor Schmidt. During subsequent conversations with Herr Professor Schmidt, you should maintain formality by continuing to use the title of professor preceded by Herr, but at this point you may drop his last name and simply address him as Herr Professor. Even those with just a university degree are likely to style themselves Herr or Frau Magister. The title Herr or Frau Ingenieur is so common in Austria that graduate Ingenieure stress their superiority by insisting on their full title of Herr or Frau Diplom-Ingenieur.
In Austrian business the titles Herr Doktor and Herr Diplom Ingenieur are especially widespread. Another common practice is to refer to senior managers by his or her job description, e.g. Frau Finanzdirektorin, Frau Geschäftsführerin, etc. or some honorific title such as Herr Kommerzialrat.
Occasionally you may encounter highly qualified and/or much honoured Austrians with several titles, in which case all should be used, at least at the outset and in writing, eg. Herr Professor Doktor Schmidt. The rules of precedence for such an array of titles may seem obscure to a foreigner but the correct order will be made clear on a business card, letterhead etc. It is not unknown to find oneself in the company of a professor with three doctorates, which can be something of a mouthful.
Even when Austrians are on first-name terms with someone in private, it is still standard practice to maintain the formal niceties at work [if only in front of other members of staff, both junior and senior].
Gift Giving
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift
In general, gifts are not casually exchanged in business. However, in the event that an Austrian presents you with a gift, you should have one or more small presents with you, so that you can reciprocate immediately. Your gift will be opened in front of you, rather than in private, and you should do the same if you receive something.
Gifts should be moderate and unassuming. Books describing your hometown or country, a local product [e.g. scotch or bourbon] or a local artifact [e.g. porcelain or silverware] all make good gifts when exchanged in an office setting.
It is very unusual for an outsider to be invited into an Austrian's home but, if you are, you should go with gifts in hand for your host, his or her spouse and their children. A bottle of vintage wine, [French] champagne [not German Sekt] or brandy would make a good gift for your host and high-quality chocolates or a spray of flowers--not chrysanthemums, white lilies or red roses--are suitable gifts for your hostess. Recommended gifts for children might include confectionery, electronic gadgets or anything foreign [and therefore 'cool'] depending on their age.
Perhaps as a remnant of eastern influences, it is appropriate for trusted, close business colleagues to give each other gifts at holiday-times or to celebrate the completion of an important and successful business deal. Suitable gifts include brandies, spirits, or something that reflects your homeland or the personal tastes and preferences of the recipient, as long as the gift is of high quality and not normally obtainable in Austria.
In general, gifts are not casually exchanged in business. However, in the event that an Austrian presents you with a gift, you should have one or more small presents with you, so that you can reciprocate immediately. Your gift will be opened in front of you, rather than in private, and you should do the same if you receive something.
Gifts should be moderate and unassuming. Books describing your hometown or country, a local product [e.g. scotch or bourbon] or a local artifact [e.g. porcelain or silverware] all make good gifts when exchanged in an office setting.
It is very unusual for an outsider to be invited into an Austrian's home but, if you are, you should go with gifts in hand for your host, his or her spouse and their children. A bottle of vintage wine, [French] champagne [not German Sekt] or brandy would make a good gift for your host and high-quality chocolates or a spray of flowers--not chrysanthemums, white lilies or red roses--are suitable gifts for your hostess. Recommended gifts for children might include confectionery, electronic gadgets or anything foreign [and therefore 'cool'] depending on their age.
Perhaps as a remnant of eastern influences, it is appropriate for trusted, close business colleagues to give each other gifts at holiday-times or to celebrate the completion of an important and successful business deal. Suitable gifts include brandies, spirits, or something that reflects your homeland or the personal tastes and preferences of the recipient, as long as the gift is of high quality and not normally obtainable in Austria.
Let's Make a Deal!
What you should know before negotiating
It is important to carry a plentiful supply of business cards when doing business in Austria. Not only will you want to exchange them with your Austrian counterparts upon your initial meeting but you will also be expected to offer them to everyone you meet including administrative personnel, such as receptionists and secretaries.
Ideally, you should have the cards translated to German on one side and, because status is so important in Austria, your company position should appear clearly beneath your title, name and academic/professional qualifications, honours etc.
It is essential to arrive on time for meetings. The German for 'late' is zu spät, which translates literally as 'too late'; 5-10 minutes is 'too late' for a subordinate and 15 minutes' lateness will constitute a shaky start to any business relationship.
It is still rare to find women in senior management positions in Austria, though they are better represented in professions such as the law, but visiting businesswomen will be respected as decision-makers and should not be offended or feel patronised by the old-fashioned courtesies that they will invariably encounter at every stage.
Meetings with Austrians typically begin with some brief, preliminary 'small talk' so you should be prepared to discuss your journey, your hotel, what you did the previous evening etc. and to ask equivalent questions in return. At a more serious level, you should also aim to be up-to-date on current affairs [especially if local and uncontroversial] or perhaps display some knowledge of Austrian culture. Such light social conversation is not just a polite convention, and certainly not an excuse for not getting straight down to business, but serves an important purpose; because there is little socializing amongst colleagues outside the office, this may be one of the few opportunities for the parties to get to know one another. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that you make a good impression as an intelligent and agreeable conversationalist.
It is vital to be thoroughly well prepared for all meetings. All punctual people hate wasting time and Austrians are no exception. The senior person present takes the chair and controls the agenda; there is little scope for diverging from the agenda and no tolerance of improvised discussion. Meetings are not brainstorming sessions and it is not considered important to reach a consensus. Indeed the function of the meeting, and the role of teamwork, is greatly diminished in such a hierarchical, even, autocratic, working culture where the boss remains at a marked distance from the staff. Meetings end abruptly when the chairman reaches the end of the agenda; 'any other business' is very rare.
It is important to carry a plentiful supply of business cards when doing business in Austria. Not only will you want to exchange them with your Austrian counterparts upon your initial meeting but you will also be expected to offer them to everyone you meet including administrative personnel, such as receptionists and secretaries.
Ideally, you should have the cards translated to German on one side and, because status is so important in Austria, your company position should appear clearly beneath your title, name and academic/professional qualifications, honours etc.
It is essential to arrive on time for meetings. The German for 'late' is zu spät, which translates literally as 'too late'; 5-10 minutes is 'too late' for a subordinate and 15 minutes' lateness will constitute a shaky start to any business relationship.
It is still rare to find women in senior management positions in Austria, though they are better represented in professions such as the law, but visiting businesswomen will be respected as decision-makers and should not be offended or feel patronised by the old-fashioned courtesies that they will invariably encounter at every stage.
Meetings with Austrians typically begin with some brief, preliminary 'small talk' so you should be prepared to discuss your journey, your hotel, what you did the previous evening etc. and to ask equivalent questions in return. At a more serious level, you should also aim to be up-to-date on current affairs [especially if local and uncontroversial] or perhaps display some knowledge of Austrian culture. Such light social conversation is not just a polite convention, and certainly not an excuse for not getting straight down to business, but serves an important purpose; because there is little socializing amongst colleagues outside the office, this may be one of the few opportunities for the parties to get to know one another. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that you make a good impression as an intelligent and agreeable conversationalist.
It is vital to be thoroughly well prepared for all meetings. All punctual people hate wasting time and Austrians are no exception. The senior person present takes the chair and controls the agenda; there is little scope for diverging from the agenda and no tolerance of improvised discussion. Meetings are not brainstorming sessions and it is not considered important to reach a consensus. Indeed the function of the meeting, and the role of teamwork, is greatly diminished in such a hierarchical, even, autocratic, working culture where the boss remains at a marked distance from the staff. Meetings end abruptly when the chairman reaches the end of the agenda; 'any other business' is very rare.
Let's Make a Deal!
(Part 2)
More guidelines
If you make a presentation, it should be succinct and methodically thought out and you should expect pertinent questions for clarification but not a wide-ranging discussion. Ideally you should also make your facts and figures available in the form of a point-by-point printed handout to supplement and reinforce the presentation. Besides reducing the risk of any possible breakdowns in communication, this documentation will also assist your Austrian counterparts in distributing information to others in the company who did not attend the presentation but who may yet be key figures in reaching a decision. Obviously, it would be very helpful if such bullet-points could be in German, especially if your original presentation was made only in English. This is all part of the cardinal virtue of thorough preparation.
Austrians bring a direct approach to negotiations for the most part. There is little tolerance of euphemism and circumlocution and less understanding of the British preference for irony and allusion. A conference room is not the proper forum for humour or personal opinions.
Austria has a formal, structured and conservative business culture; it is less flexible, more ritualised and more 'old fashioned' [or, at least, very attached to the 'old' way of doing things] than most Western European countries. Change is not thought to be implicitly good for its own sake, and the reasons for doing things differently from the way they have been done, unless obvious, must be set out clearly. Indeed, Austrians can become very uncomfortable, even emotional, if their sense of normal service, order and organisation is threatened.
Allied to this traditional approach is a devotion to fairly inflexible systems and procedures. Teamwork is not especially important but organization is central to the way Austrian companies function. Delegation amounts to issuing orders (in writing) from on high and yet Austrian business is driven primarily by targets rather than purely by rigid process.
Decision-making can be slow and a potential cause of impatience because Austrians tend to be risk-averse and make decisions methodically and with tremendous precision. However, precisely because responsibility for decision-making lies only with those at the very top, it does mean that any action plan is likely to be implemented immediately. Plain-speaking, open negotiations that end in agreement deliver prompt results. Austrians aim for mutual benefit in their business dealings and expect their respect and trust to be reciprocated. Agreements are solid even in their pre-contract stage and there should be no need to chase them up.
A corollary of Austria's bond with tradition is the survival of an influential class system. Hierarchies are powerful even though they may not always be readily apparent. Membership of the right stratum of society is a critical determinant in the life one leads, and allegiance to one's group and its ways is a powerful force in Austrian behaviour. Knowing the right person in the right place is instrumental in getting tickets for the opera, invitations to state balls and, of course, getting on in business. This does not mean that personal relationships play a dominant part in Austrian deal-making but there remains a certain old-style paternalism, transformed into the modern notion of 'social partnership', that is founded in an atavistic conception of loyalty both in one's personal life and in business.
If you make a presentation, it should be succinct and methodically thought out and you should expect pertinent questions for clarification but not a wide-ranging discussion. Ideally you should also make your facts and figures available in the form of a point-by-point printed handout to supplement and reinforce the presentation. Besides reducing the risk of any possible breakdowns in communication, this documentation will also assist your Austrian counterparts in distributing information to others in the company who did not attend the presentation but who may yet be key figures in reaching a decision. Obviously, it would be very helpful if such bullet-points could be in German, especially if your original presentation was made only in English. This is all part of the cardinal virtue of thorough preparation.
Austrians bring a direct approach to negotiations for the most part. There is little tolerance of euphemism and circumlocution and less understanding of the British preference for irony and allusion. A conference room is not the proper forum for humour or personal opinions.
Austria has a formal, structured and conservative business culture; it is less flexible, more ritualised and more 'old fashioned' [or, at least, very attached to the 'old' way of doing things] than most Western European countries. Change is not thought to be implicitly good for its own sake, and the reasons for doing things differently from the way they have been done, unless obvious, must be set out clearly. Indeed, Austrians can become very uncomfortable, even emotional, if their sense of normal service, order and organisation is threatened.
Allied to this traditional approach is a devotion to fairly inflexible systems and procedures. Teamwork is not especially important but organization is central to the way Austrian companies function. Delegation amounts to issuing orders (in writing) from on high and yet Austrian business is driven primarily by targets rather than purely by rigid process.
Decision-making can be slow and a potential cause of impatience because Austrians tend to be risk-averse and make decisions methodically and with tremendous precision. However, precisely because responsibility for decision-making lies only with those at the very top, it does mean that any action plan is likely to be implemented immediately. Plain-speaking, open negotiations that end in agreement deliver prompt results. Austrians aim for mutual benefit in their business dealings and expect their respect and trust to be reciprocated. Agreements are solid even in their pre-contract stage and there should be no need to chase them up.
A corollary of Austria's bond with tradition is the survival of an influential class system. Hierarchies are powerful even though they may not always be readily apparent. Membership of the right stratum of society is a critical determinant in the life one leads, and allegiance to one's group and its ways is a powerful force in Austrian behaviour. Knowing the right person in the right place is instrumental in getting tickets for the opera, invitations to state balls and, of course, getting on in business. This does not mean that personal relationships play a dominant part in Austrian deal-making but there remains a certain old-style paternalism, transformed into the modern notion of 'social partnership', that is founded in an atavistic conception of loyalty both in one's personal life and in business.
Prosperous Entertaining
Entertaining for business success
Austrians take their food seriously and eat heartily.
Gemütlichkeit is a central tenet of the Austrian way of life. Impossible to translate in one word, it implies an easy-going enjoyment of life and the finer things in life. Good food and drink in comfortable surroundings and a leisurely atmosphere with entertaining company are essential features of this almost hedonistic outlook.
Breakfast [Frühstück] is 'continental' but Germanic in scope and scale; it is typically accompanied by coffee with hot milk [known as Melange]. Lunch [Mittagessen] and dinner [Abendessen] both tend to be substantial meals: the schnitzel and noodles you had at lunch might also make an appearance at dinner; quick sandwiches are not common at luncheon, which is usually the main meal of the day. Additionally there are often breaks for a sandwich in mid-morning [Brotzeit] and in mid-afternoon for coffee and cake [known in Austria as Jause].
Austrians maintain a strict balance between work and play and local business associates may wait until negotiations are nearing completion before extending a meal invitation to you. This is not to say that business entertaining is not important in this culture; it is and it is crucial to make a good impression in these situations.
If you are invited to a business lunch, you will find it to be the largest meal of the day. Wait for your host to bring up the topic of business first. Until then, be prepared to engage in pleasant 'small talk' that is distinct from business.
Austrians rarely entertain business associates at home. If you do receive an invitation to an Austrian home, you should consider it quite an honour and behave accordingly, i.e. you should arrive promptly, smartly dressed and bearing gifts for the host, the hostess, and their children.
If you receive an invitation to dinner and your host's spouse is included, you can expect the invitation to be extended to your own spouse. The host and hostess of an event may arrange the guests in any way they see fit but, traditionally, the guest of honour will sit to the right of the host.
Austrians take their food seriously and eat heartily.
Gemütlichkeit is a central tenet of the Austrian way of life. Impossible to translate in one word, it implies an easy-going enjoyment of life and the finer things in life. Good food and drink in comfortable surroundings and a leisurely atmosphere with entertaining company are essential features of this almost hedonistic outlook.
Breakfast [Frühstück] is 'continental' but Germanic in scope and scale; it is typically accompanied by coffee with hot milk [known as Melange]. Lunch [Mittagessen] and dinner [Abendessen] both tend to be substantial meals: the schnitzel and noodles you had at lunch might also make an appearance at dinner; quick sandwiches are not common at luncheon, which is usually the main meal of the day. Additionally there are often breaks for a sandwich in mid-morning [Brotzeit] and in mid-afternoon for coffee and cake [known in Austria as Jause].
Austrians maintain a strict balance between work and play and local business associates may wait until negotiations are nearing completion before extending a meal invitation to you. This is not to say that business entertaining is not important in this culture; it is and it is crucial to make a good impression in these situations.
If you are invited to a business lunch, you will find it to be the largest meal of the day. Wait for your host to bring up the topic of business first. Until then, be prepared to engage in pleasant 'small talk' that is distinct from business.
Austrians rarely entertain business associates at home. If you do receive an invitation to an Austrian home, you should consider it quite an honour and behave accordingly, i.e. you should arrive promptly, smartly dressed and bearing gifts for the host, the hostess, and their children.
If you receive an invitation to dinner and your host's spouse is included, you can expect the invitation to be extended to your own spouse. The host and hostess of an event may arrange the guests in any way they see fit but, traditionally, the guest of honour will sit to the right of the host.
Prosperous Entertaining
(Part 2)
Food and drink
Commonly the meal will be preceded by drinks and appetisers. After dinner, you should expect to continue in conversation over coffee and brandy or liqueurs but aim to depart within an hour of the end of the meal. Dinner parties will usually be over by 11:00 or 11:30 p.m. and certainly before midnight.
Traditionally, the host of the meal or event will initiate proceedings with a toast. Until then, no one should raise a glass. The host will lift his or her glass while making eye contact with the most senior guest and say Prost! The guest of honour should reply with a toast of thanks at the end of the meal or event. Similarly you should not start to eat until the signal is given; this is usually an exchange of Guten Appetit or Mahlzeit! initiated by the host or hostess.
Do not put your hands in your lap; they should be visible at all times and kept above the table. Refrain from letting your elbows rest on the table.
If possible, you should cut your food with the side of your fork; using a knife implies that you do not think the food is tender enough and this is considered poor manners.
The correct way to signal a server that you have finished eating is by placing your knife and fork diagonally across your plate, with the serrated edge of the knife facing you and the fork tines pointing up.
If the meal is less formal, the food may be served on platters or in bowls placed on the table for everyone to serve himself or herself. In this case the host or hostess will invite guests to help themselves. You should not, however, actually start eating until the hostess does so.
For the most part, Austrian cuisine is similar to that found in southern Germany, but it also has its own specialties such as the famous Wiener Schnitzel [an escalope of veal fried in breadcrumbs] and betrays its central European roots in dishes such as Gulasch [a beef stew with cream and paprika]. In general, it tends to have a heavy consistency mainly revolving around large portions of meat - pork, sausage and game are all popular main courses - accompanied by noodles, dumplings, or potatoes with a green side-salad. Vegetarians may have a hard time finding suitable or varied dishes, especially in more rural areas, although fish [especially trout, pike and carp] is plentiful for those able to compromise.
A hearty appetite is the norm in Austrian society and it is quite acceptable to display it in public. You should try to eat everything that is served to you but do not take large portions of food if you are not certain you can eat it all as you will be perceived as wasteful. Real trencherman may be lucky enough to come across rustic restaurants where it is possible to have a second [and third] helping so long as the plate is cleared each time [nachfassen].
Commonly the meal will be preceded by drinks and appetisers. After dinner, you should expect to continue in conversation over coffee and brandy or liqueurs but aim to depart within an hour of the end of the meal. Dinner parties will usually be over by 11:00 or 11:30 p.m. and certainly before midnight.
Traditionally, the host of the meal or event will initiate proceedings with a toast. Until then, no one should raise a glass. The host will lift his or her glass while making eye contact with the most senior guest and say Prost! The guest of honour should reply with a toast of thanks at the end of the meal or event. Similarly you should not start to eat until the signal is given; this is usually an exchange of Guten Appetit or Mahlzeit! initiated by the host or hostess.
Do not put your hands in your lap; they should be visible at all times and kept above the table. Refrain from letting your elbows rest on the table.
If possible, you should cut your food with the side of your fork; using a knife implies that you do not think the food is tender enough and this is considered poor manners.
The correct way to signal a server that you have finished eating is by placing your knife and fork diagonally across your plate, with the serrated edge of the knife facing you and the fork tines pointing up.
If the meal is less formal, the food may be served on platters or in bowls placed on the table for everyone to serve himself or herself. In this case the host or hostess will invite guests to help themselves. You should not, however, actually start eating until the hostess does so.
For the most part, Austrian cuisine is similar to that found in southern Germany, but it also has its own specialties such as the famous Wiener Schnitzel [an escalope of veal fried in breadcrumbs] and betrays its central European roots in dishes such as Gulasch [a beef stew with cream and paprika]. In general, it tends to have a heavy consistency mainly revolving around large portions of meat - pork, sausage and game are all popular main courses - accompanied by noodles, dumplings, or potatoes with a green side-salad. Vegetarians may have a hard time finding suitable or varied dishes, especially in more rural areas, although fish [especially trout, pike and carp] is plentiful for those able to compromise.
A hearty appetite is the norm in Austrian society and it is quite acceptable to display it in public. You should try to eat everything that is served to you but do not take large portions of food if you are not certain you can eat it all as you will be perceived as wasteful. Real trencherman may be lucky enough to come across rustic restaurants where it is possible to have a second [and third] helping so long as the plate is cleared each time [nachfassen].
Prosperous Entertaining
(Part 3)
More on food and drink
Besides formal restaurants offering French and every other international cuisine, there is a wide range of different types of establishment where you can eat and/or drink in Austria, for example:
Beisl - a small, simple tavern offering drinks and snacks;
Bierkeller - a large, informal, lively, often loud, tavern for beer and simple Austrian dishes;
Kaffeehaus - a café where you can linger for hours over a single cup or pot of coffee [served with a glass of water and a biscuit] and/or an alcoholic drink, without being asked to leave, whilst reading the newspapers [usually available in several languages] that you will find hanging from long rods on a central rack to which they must be returned;
Konditorei - a café serving cakes and coffee or tea -- for the ultimate in Austrian self-indulgence, try the Sachertorte [a very rich chocolate gateau].
Weinstube [also called a Heurige or Buschenschenke in and around Vienna] - an informal tavern serving local wine and inexpensive light meals.
Austrian wines and/or beers are usually served with everyday meals, with fine [e.g. French] wines reserved for grander occasions.
Beer is the consuming passion but it is worth exploring the national wines [mostly white but, increasingly, red also]. Additionally, there is an amazing variety of aperitifs and digestifs. Amongst the many fruit and herbal spirits [Schnäpse or Obstler], the most popular are Slivovitz [made from plums], Kirsch [made from cherries] and Himbeergeist [made from raspberries]. Equally coffee is available in many different styles and tea is much more popular than in most European countries.
Finally, the visitor will notice in many Austrian bars a largish table with a sign saying Stammtisch. This table is reserved for the regulars and outsiders should not presume to sit there under any circumstances - not even if the bar is full and there is nowhere else to sit. This rule is inviolable.
Besides formal restaurants offering French and every other international cuisine, there is a wide range of different types of establishment where you can eat and/or drink in Austria, for example:
Beisl - a small, simple tavern offering drinks and snacks;
Bierkeller - a large, informal, lively, often loud, tavern for beer and simple Austrian dishes;
Kaffeehaus - a café where you can linger for hours over a single cup or pot of coffee [served with a glass of water and a biscuit] and/or an alcoholic drink, without being asked to leave, whilst reading the newspapers [usually available in several languages] that you will find hanging from long rods on a central rack to which they must be returned;
Konditorei - a café serving cakes and coffee or tea -- for the ultimate in Austrian self-indulgence, try the Sachertorte [a very rich chocolate gateau].
Weinstube [also called a Heurige or Buschenschenke in and around Vienna] - an informal tavern serving local wine and inexpensive light meals.
Austrian wines and/or beers are usually served with everyday meals, with fine [e.g. French] wines reserved for grander occasions.
Beer is the consuming passion but it is worth exploring the national wines [mostly white but, increasingly, red also]. Additionally, there is an amazing variety of aperitifs and digestifs. Amongst the many fruit and herbal spirits [Schnäpse or Obstler], the most popular are Slivovitz [made from plums], Kirsch [made from cherries] and Himbeergeist [made from raspberries]. Equally coffee is available in many different styles and tea is much more popular than in most European countries.
Finally, the visitor will notice in many Austrian bars a largish table with a sign saying Stammtisch. This table is reserved for the regulars and outsiders should not presume to sit there under any circumstances - not even if the bar is full and there is nowhere else to sit. This rule is inviolable.
Public Behavior
Acceptable public conduct
Respect, conservatism, and a respect for conservatism are the keys to business success in Austria.
As befits a highly traditional nation, Austrians conduct themselves in public with a tremendous amount of polite formality. You should, therefore, comport yourself with similar dignity and avoid doing anything that might draw attention to yourself:
Do not dress flamboyantly [or scruffily];
Avoid exaggeration and extravagant compliments;
Avoid public displays of affection and even casual pats on the back;
Try not to introduce yourself to others, but wait to be introduced by a third person whenever possible;
Look your interlocutor directly in the eyes both when listening and when talking [otherwise you may seem insincere];
Attract another person's attention by raising your index finger with your palm open and facing outward.
Never keep your hands in your pockets when talking with others or even when standing alone [older Austrians in particular find this offensively bad manners];
Keep your hands above the table when dining [placing the hands below the table is considered impolite in many European countries];
Do not jaywalk [even when there is no traffic in sight, Austrians normally obey the 'don't walk' sign, not because of the fine, but because of their respect for authority].
Courtesy and an almost exaggerated politeness are integral features of Austrian behaviour. Viennese Schmalz may not be to everyone's taste but it is more than just skin-deep and is rooted in genuine respect for others.
In accordance with Austrian etiquette, you should acknowledge people with a formal greeting before jumping into conversation; the most common salutation is Grüß Gott. This includes everyone in the room [and applies equally to café staff, shop assistants, receptionists, indeed anyone you meet in whatever context] and not just your primary contacts. If you know the positions of the people you are meeting, extend your hand to the most senior individuals first. When shaking hands, be sure to give a quick yet confident handshake. Men should wait for a woman to initiate any handshake.
As in most European countries, a handshake should be extended when leaving as a way of confirming what has been discussed and solidifying your friendship. Again, it is impolite to take one's leave from any room or building without saying Auf Wiedersehen or Auf Wiederschauen to all those present.
Women are often still treated with a greater degree of ritualised respect by men. Some older Austrians, in fact, may take the woman's hand [always after she has offered it] and raise it towards their lips as they bow from the waist saying küßdiehand, gnädige Frau. It is important that the hand does not actually touch the lips and that the 'kiss' is merely symbolic. Like a handshake between men, this gesture may even be accompanied by a gentle clicking of the heels.
Respect, conservatism, and a respect for conservatism are the keys to business success in Austria.
As befits a highly traditional nation, Austrians conduct themselves in public with a tremendous amount of polite formality. You should, therefore, comport yourself with similar dignity and avoid doing anything that might draw attention to yourself:
Do not dress flamboyantly [or scruffily];
Avoid exaggeration and extravagant compliments;
Avoid public displays of affection and even casual pats on the back;
Try not to introduce yourself to others, but wait to be introduced by a third person whenever possible;
Look your interlocutor directly in the eyes both when listening and when talking [otherwise you may seem insincere];
Attract another person's attention by raising your index finger with your palm open and facing outward.
Never keep your hands in your pockets when talking with others or even when standing alone [older Austrians in particular find this offensively bad manners];
Keep your hands above the table when dining [placing the hands below the table is considered impolite in many European countries];
Do not jaywalk [even when there is no traffic in sight, Austrians normally obey the 'don't walk' sign, not because of the fine, but because of their respect for authority].
Courtesy and an almost exaggerated politeness are integral features of Austrian behaviour. Viennese Schmalz may not be to everyone's taste but it is more than just skin-deep and is rooted in genuine respect for others.
In accordance with Austrian etiquette, you should acknowledge people with a formal greeting before jumping into conversation; the most common salutation is Grüß Gott. This includes everyone in the room [and applies equally to café staff, shop assistants, receptionists, indeed anyone you meet in whatever context] and not just your primary contacts. If you know the positions of the people you are meeting, extend your hand to the most senior individuals first. When shaking hands, be sure to give a quick yet confident handshake. Men should wait for a woman to initiate any handshake.
As in most European countries, a handshake should be extended when leaving as a way of confirming what has been discussed and solidifying your friendship. Again, it is impolite to take one's leave from any room or building without saying Auf Wiedersehen or Auf Wiederschauen to all those present.
Women are often still treated with a greater degree of ritualised respect by men. Some older Austrians, in fact, may take the woman's hand [always after she has offered it] and raise it towards their lips as they bow from the waist saying küßdiehand, gnädige Frau. It is important that the hand does not actually touch the lips and that the 'kiss' is merely symbolic. Like a handshake between men, this gesture may even be accompanied by a gentle clicking of the heels.
Public Behavior
(Part 2)
More guidelines for public conduct
Although Austrians try to be patient when waiting in line, you will also find that they can become aggravated by this practice. If they move forward and make you feel as though they are closing in behind you, you should remain composed.
In a restaurant do not wait to be seated as you will probably be expected you to seat yourself but do not under any circumstances sit at the Stammtisch which is reserved for regulars in a bar or pub.
Restaurants and cafés usually include a service charge in the bill. If a tip is not included, you should add 10-15% for the service. Even if the gratuity is included, you should still round the bill up as an additional reward for good service. It is not common practice to leave a tip on the table; instead, you should state the total amount you want to pay when you hand over your credit card or cash.
Taxis cannot be hailed on the street. When you are leaving a hotel, ask the concierge to call one for you; otherwise the best way to get a taxi is to go to one of the designated taxi ranks. The standard tip is 10% of your fare. If the driver assists you with your luggage, be prepared to give slightly more than just your gratuity.
In order to drive on Austrian motorways, you must purchase an Autobahn-Vignette, which is available at border crossings and from most petrol stations and tobacconists; failure to display a valid sticker will result in an on-the-spot fine.
Finally, if you need to visit the bathroom, you ask for das WC [pronounced 'vay-tsay'] or die Toilette and, in a public place, you should be sure to go with change in hand either to pay the attendant or to insert a coin in the door to unlock the cubicle.
Although Austrians try to be patient when waiting in line, you will also find that they can become aggravated by this practice. If they move forward and make you feel as though they are closing in behind you, you should remain composed.
In a restaurant do not wait to be seated as you will probably be expected you to seat yourself but do not under any circumstances sit at the Stammtisch which is reserved for regulars in a bar or pub.
Restaurants and cafés usually include a service charge in the bill. If a tip is not included, you should add 10-15% for the service. Even if the gratuity is included, you should still round the bill up as an additional reward for good service. It is not common practice to leave a tip on the table; instead, you should state the total amount you want to pay when you hand over your credit card or cash.
Taxis cannot be hailed on the street. When you are leaving a hotel, ask the concierge to call one for you; otherwise the best way to get a taxi is to go to one of the designated taxi ranks. The standard tip is 10% of your fare. If the driver assists you with your luggage, be prepared to give slightly more than just your gratuity.
In order to drive on Austrian motorways, you must purchase an Autobahn-Vignette, which is available at border crossings and from most petrol stations and tobacconists; failure to display a valid sticker will result in an on-the-spot fine.
Finally, if you need to visit the bathroom, you ask for das WC [pronounced 'vay-tsay'] or die Toilette and, in a public place, you should be sure to go with change in hand either to pay the attendant or to insert a coin in the door to unlock the cubicle.
About ...
About Austria
An Introduction
The Republic of Austria [die Republik Österreich] is situated geographically, historically, and culturally at the heart of central Europe [Mitteleuropa]. Its official language is German, although some accents and regional dialects may prove difficult to comprehend even for a highly proficient German-speaker, but it would be a foolish, offensive and potentially highly expensive misconception to regard Austria as merely an extension of its much bigger neighbour. Germany is indeed Austria's most important trading partner by far and certainly there is a common bond that unites all the alpine regions not just geographically and linguistically but also culturally. It is worth distinguishing, therefore, between 'German' and 'Germanic.' Austrians are indeed Germanic but they are not German any more than Canadians are American or New Zealanders Australian. Through the Habsburg dynasty, Austria was a leading player in the Holy Roman Empire of German Nations for over 500 years until its dissolution in 1806 but, apart from the Anschluss of 1938-45, it can be argued that Austria has not been 'part of Germany' since Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa created the Duchy of Austria, independent from the Duchy of Bavaria, in 1156.
The Habsburgs ruled Austria-Hungary until 1918 and the post-war settlement defined the nation's borders and created a republic but the history of modern Austria really begins in 1955 when the Allied Powers that had occupied Vienna since 1945 ratified the State Treaty that proclaimed Austria to be a permanently neutral, independent, sovereign republic and Austria joined the United Nations.
Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995 and is one of the twelve member states to have embraced the single currency [the euro]. With the imminent accession of a further ten states it looks set to consolidate its position in central Europe and to enhance its historical ties to the east, particularly with Hungary.
Nearly 20% of the total population of 8.1m live in Vienna [Wien] and the cosmopolitan sophistication of the capital contrasts somewhat with the simpler lifestyle and mentality of the provinces but, perhaps surprisingly, this federal republic of nine states [Bundesländer] is not highly centralised; Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck are also significant commercial centres with distinctive rhythms of their own.
In terms of culture and ethnicity [and religion], Austria is remarkably homogeneous. Its varying geography creates different balances between agriculture and tourism in the alpine areas and industry and commerce elsewhere, but the Austrian character is consistently conservative. Moreover, despite its long history as a trading nation and the heart of a great empire, Austria has remained a closed, even introverted, society. Tradition plays an important part in their way of life from the wearing of national costume [Tracht] to delight in the glories of Austrian classical music.
Finally, you are likely to find relatively few Austrians speak much English outside the senior management [also secretaries and receptionists] of multinational companies and/or in the larger cities and that even competent English-speakers prefer to communicate in German whenever possible.