What Makes Austrian German Different from Germany German?

The written German used in Austria and the written German used in Germany are mostly identical, with a few differences that stem from cultural and historical reasons. While both countries share a common standardized written language, regional vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar usage, and cultural conventions create meaningful distinctions.

The Austrian government maintains an official dictionary of the German language in the Republic of Austria called the Österreichisches Wörterbuch (the Austrian Dictionary). When there is a conflict between Austrian German and the German used in Germany, this official dictionary sets the correct usage for Austria.

Key Differences Between Austrian German and Germany German

German, as spoken in Austria (often referred to as “Austrian German”) and Germany, is the same language but has regional differences similar to the variations of English spoken in different parts of the English-speaking world.

Vocabulary Differences

Austrian German and Germany German use different words for certain everyday items and concepts. For example:

• In Germany, a potato is referred to as Kartoffel, while in Austria it is often called Erdapfel.
• In Germany, January is Januar, whereas in Austria it is commonly referred to as Jänner.

Many foods and culinary dishes are called by different names in Austria, reflecting cultural traditions and historical development.

Pronunciation

There are noticeable differences in pronunciation between Austria and Germany. This is comparable to the difference between British English and American English accents. Austrian German often has a softer tonal quality and regional phonetic characteristics.

Formality and Politeness

Austrian German is typically perceived as more formal in tone. The formal address “Sie” is often preferred in professional and business settings, sometimes more consistently than in Germany, where informal address may be more common depending on context.

Grammar Variations

There are minor grammatical differences between the two variants. For example, in Germany the past tense is frequently constructed using haben (to have), while in Austria the auxiliary verb sein (to be) may be more commonly used in certain constructions.

Names of Meals

Names of meals can also differ:

• In Germany, lunch is typically called Mittagessen and dinner Abendessen.
• In Austria, lunch may be called Mittagessen or simply Mittag, while dinner can be referred to as Abendessen or Abendbrot.

Influence from Other Languages

Austrian German has been influenced by other languages such as Hungarian, Czech, and Slovenian due to Austria’s historical ties within the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its geographic position in Central Europe. As a result, Austrian German includes vocabulary and expressions not commonly used in Germany.

Why These Differences Matter

For most general communication, Austrian German and Germany German are mutually intelligible. However, when preparing formal documents, legal materials, regulatory submissions, marketing content, or technical documentation, selecting the correct regional variant improves clarity, professionalism, and audience trust.

In Austria, official usage follows the standards set by the Österreichisches Wörterbuch. For companies doing business in Austria, understanding these distinctions can help ensure accurate localization and regulatory alignment.

For companies requiring accurate localization for Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, professional German translation services ensure regulatory compliance and market-appropriate terminology.

Types of Materials Requiring Austrian German Localization

Many types of content may require careful adaptation to Austrian German conventions, including:

• Website and web content
• Legal documents, contracts, and patents
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Technical manuals
• Financial and business documents
• Medical documentation for clinical studies
• New drug applications
• Case Report Forms (CRF)
• Informed Consent documentation
• Medical device manuals and IFUs

Understanding regional linguistic nuances ensures that translated content aligns with local expectations and regulatory standards.