Austria🕣
State in Central Europe. Official name – Republic of Austria. Population - 9 million people (as of 2021). Capital – Vienna. Official language – German. Government type – federal parliamentary republic. Main religion – Catholicism.
Austria
Greeting
The traditional form of greeting is a handshake. Austrians shake hands with everyone in the room before and at the end of the meeting.
The handshake should be short and energetic.
The woman is the first to extend her hand in greeting.
Рукопожатие сопровождается устным приветствием "Grüss Gott". При этом важен прямой зрительный контакт.
Those in a lower official position may, out of a sense of respect, allow those in a higher position to be the first to shake hands.
Physical contact during formal communication (hugging, patting the shoulder, kissing) is not welcomed.
Nevertheless, among friends in social situations, kissing is an accepted form of greeting.
Introduction
Formal address/greeting to a partner (it can be any official person) is as follows: Herr/Frau + professional / formal title + last name, e.g.: Herr Doctor Schmitz. The spouse of the person should be addressed in the same way, e.g.: Frau Doctor Schmitz.
Addressing any woman over the age of 18 should begin with the word Frau, regardless of her marital status.
When using German to ...
Exchange of Business Cards
On their business cards, Austrians often include their academic degrees or other titles in addition to their position. Such as a master's or doctoral degree in a particular field.
Sometimes you can see the year of the company's foundation on business cards, if it is really the oldest business. This is seen as giving status and some kind of guarantee of stability to the business card ho...
Small Talk: Overview
Small talk is an integral part of communication between Austrians and business partners.
Negotiations or business meetings start with rather a short (5-7 minutes) small talk....
Preferred Topics
Travel, trips and holidays. What was particularly enjoyable or memorable.
Of the sports, skiing is particularly popular. Trips to the mountains, skiing from the mountains and everything to do with skiing are often discussed.
Cultural leisure activities and in particular theatre performances, opera, ballet, cinema, exhibitions and museums.
The sights of Vienna and other A...
Taboo Topics
Political and religious topics are taboo topics.
Austrians distinguish between private life and business. Therefore avoid topics concerning family, personal life and health.
Avoid discussing almost any issue around World War II and Nazism as a political movement.
Refrain from comparing Austria with Germany, especially in favour of the latter.
The topic of compari...
Personal Space
The distance for comfortable communication in a business environment should be at least an arm's length. An Austrian will feel uncomfortable if the person he or she is talking to is standing too close to him or her.
Physical contact is not welcome in business communication. Touching, hugging and kissing are only possible between relatives or friends.
Eye contact, on the other ha...
Communication Specifics
During initial contacts, Austrians are rather reserved, formal and polite. As the business relationship develops, however, communication may gradually change towards greater openness and cordiality.
It is customary in Austrian society to speak frankly, honestly and clearly and to get down to business as quickly as possible, skipping unnecessary explanations. Austrians are particularly d...
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