From a very early point in life on, young Austrians learn to shake hands with adults when greeting. Shaking hands when greeting and parting is an important social courtesy. Next to this gesture, common greetings include Grüß Gott (literally “Greet God”), Guten Morgen (“Good Morning”), and Guten Abend (“Good evening”) and Auf Wiedersehen (“Good-bye”). Popular casual greetings include Servus (“Hi”) and Grüß dich (“Greetings to you”). Also, Austrians do not ask How are you? (“Wie geht es Ihnen?”) unless they wish to hear a detailed account.
Professional titles are important among the adult population and are used whenever they are known. 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.
Gestures
Hand gestures are used conservatively in polite company, as verbal communication is preferred. Motioning with the entire hand is more polite than using the index finger. Twisting the index finger at the side of one’s forehead is an insult. People are generally polite and courteous in public. Men often open doors for women and usually help them with their coats. It is impolite for adults to chew gum in public.
Visiting
Austrians are very convivial people: They enjoy entertaining in their homes and having guests. However, note that simply dropping in unannounced is viewed as impolite. Therefore, it is advisable to make arrangements in advance or via telephone ahead of an impromptu visit. When being invited to an Austrian home, make sure to arrive on time since this is very important to Austrians – in their professional as well as in their private lives. Customarily, guests remove their shoes when entering a home, although this practice is not always followed. Following guests remain standing until they are instructed where to sit. Hosts customarily offer the best seats to their guests. Men stand when a woman enters the room or when talking to a woman who is standing herself.
Guests are usually offered a drink. This can range from tea, to coffee, mineral water, juice, or soda - entirely depending on the hosts. It is custom that the invited guests bring flowers, candy, or small gifts (such as a handcrafted item or something appropriate for the occasion). This is also common when married children visit their parents. Here are a few words on the handling the gifts: Gifts are exclusively given to the wife, or perhaps the children, but not to the husband – even if the gift is for the family. When presenting the host(s) with flowers, make sure that you only give flowers in odd numbers (for even numbers are considered bad luck). Also, flowers are to be unwrapped before they are being given to the hostess. (Giving purchased flowers is more polite than flowers from one’s own garden.)
To show courtesy to the hosts, guests do not ask to use the telephone unless the need to call is urgent. In addition, guests do not offer to help make any preparations unless they are well acquainted with the hosts.
Austrians also like to meet friends or acquaintances in restaurants or other public places. Especially in the rural parts of the country, following the Sunday church services many men customarily go to a Gasthaus (pub) to do business, exchange ideas, and drink. Note, however, that such socialising is less about drinking and much more about networking with friends.
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