Learn how to understand the Austrian dialect
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Frustrated with Austrian German?
Everyday spoken language in Austria differs greatly from Standard German. Non-native speakers often struggle with the Austrian dialect, leading to feelings of exclusion and making integration difficult.
I am getting married soon, and I am afraid to interact with all the Austrians from my soon-to-be husband's side!
Caroline J.
My boyfriend is from Upper-Austria I don't understand a word he says.
Cathrine M.
I swear Styrian dialect might as well be Martian for allI understand it.
Jason H.
When people talk informally, it's very hard for me to jump in the conversation.
John B.
Although I know German, Hearing the locals speak, it makes me feel consciously incompetent. It makes me feel anxious.
Ben S.
The Austrian dialect is difficult for me to understand, especially with men's voices. It makes me look very awkward, even though I do know German.
Sara K.
Sometimes it feels like being the child at a wedding, sitting on a different table. People treat me slightly different.
Simeon O.
I am frustrated sometimes, not being able to engage in conversations. I tend to avoid situations where people speak in dialect.
Pooja J.
Good news! You can
learn to understand
Austrian German.
The Austrian dialect is defined by a distinct set of characteristics. Once you become familiar with them, everything will start to make sense, making it easier for you to understand.
STEP 1
Discover
key characteristics
shaping the Austrian dialect
(What are you doing?)
"Was machst du?"
↓ ↓
"Wos mochst du?"
rule | a → o
STEP 2
Improve
your hearing skills
through audio examples
"Tog und Nocht"
"I moch' dés."
"Wos host du?"
Servus! Gemma heit fuat?
? ? ?
↓
rule | wir → ma
(Let's go)
"Gehen wir"
"Geh'n ma"
↓
rule | eu → ei
(today)
"heute"
"heit'"
↓
rule | r → a
(out)
"fort"
"fuat"
(Ja, gerne.)
Jo, gean'!
What participants
say about my approach.
Feedback collected from people who have participated in my workshops or online sessions.
I liked that we received theoretical background but also had a chance to practice so the structure was perfect.
Ishika B.
It's really surprising to see those unwritten rules black on white. What I hear on a daily basis makes much more sense now.
James S.
The content is quite interesting and relevant for non-Austrians who want to feel more integrated.
D'Jeane P.
