Austria, a jewel in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery, imperial history, and vibrant culture. But when considering a visit or delving into Austrian society, a common question arises: what language do they speak in Austria? While there isn’t a language uniquely called “Austrian,” the official language is indeed German. However, it’s not quite as simple as that. Austrian German, influenced by Austro-Bavarian dialects, possesses its own distinct character compared to the German spoken in Germany. Beyond the official tongue, Austria boasts a rich tapestry of languages and dialects, reflecting its diverse history and cultural heritage. Let’s explore the fascinating linguistic landscape of Austria.
German: The Official Language of Austria
German holds the position of the official language throughout Austria. Serving as the nation’s lingua franca, it is the primary language for the vast majority of Austrians, with approximately 97% to 98% of the population speaking German. For over 93%, it’s their mother tongue. You’ll find German used in all official capacities, from government publications and announcements to media broadcasts and within the public education system.
But why is German the dominant language in Austria? The roots lie deep in history. Austria’s past is intertwined with Germany; both regions were once part of the Frankish Empire and later belonged to the Kingdom of Bavaria. This shared history laid the foundation for the German language to take hold and flourish in the region that is now Austria.
Officially Recognized Minority Languages in Austria
While German is the undisputed official language nationwide, Austria recognizes and protects the linguistic rights of several minority ethnic groups. Certain regions officially acknowledge languages spoken by these autonomous communities. These legally protected linguistic minorities include:
- Burgenland Croats and Burgenland Hungarians: Concentrated in the Burgenland region, bordering Hungary, these communities maintain their Croatian and Hungarian languages.
- Carinthian Slovenes: In the southern region of Carinthia, bordering Slovenia, the Slovene language is recognized and protected.
- Slovaks, Czechs, and Roma: Though smaller in number and geographically dispersed, these groups also have recognized linguistic rights.
Austria is committed to preserving its linguistic and cultural diversity. In specific regions, these ethnic groups are entitled to native language schooling and can officially communicate with authorities in their mother tongues. Examples of these recognized minority languages include Burgenland Croatian, Romani (the language of the Roma people), Slovak, Slovenian, Czech, and Hungarian. This commitment ensures that Austria’s linguistic heritage is valued and maintained for future generations.
A Glimpse into the History of Austria’s Languages
Austria’s linguistic diversity is deeply rooted in its ever-evolving history. As many know, Austria’s borders have shifted significantly over the centuries. Just a century ago, Austria was a central component of the sprawling multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire. This empire was a melting pot of languages, and many of those languages, such as Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, Croatian, and Slovenian, continue to be spoken in Austria to varying degrees today, legacies of this historical era.
More recently, immigration has further diversified the linguistic makeup of Austria. During the 1960s and 1970s, “guest workers” primarily from Turkey and Yugoslavia arrived in Austria, bringing with them their languages and cultures. This influx significantly enriched the existing linguistic mix. Even contemporary Austrian German bears testament to this history, incorporating numerous words and idioms borrowed and adapted from Czech, Hungarian, Italian, Yiddish, and South Slavic languages.
Beyond German: Other Languages Spoken in Austria
Beyond German and the recognized minority languages, Austria exhibits a notable level of multilingualism. English is widely spoken, with just over 40% of Austrians proficient in the language. This figure aligns with the average across European countries, making English the second most spoken language in Austria. French follows, spoken by approximately 7% of the population. Interestingly, less than 1% of Austrians consider English their mother tongue, highlighting its role as a widely learned foreign language.
The prevalence of other languages spoken in Austria decreases beyond English and French:
- Italian: 5.5%
- Spanish: 2.5%
- Croatian: 2.25%
- Turkish: 1.75%
- Russian: 1.3%
- Hungarian: 1.13%
- Slovenian: 1.07%
- Polish: 0.7%
- Slovak: 0.66%
These figures demonstrate the diverse linguistic influences present in Austria, reflecting migration patterns, historical connections, and the country’s role as a European crossroads.
Unprotected Minority Languages and Dialects
In addition to officially recognized minority languages, Austria is home to other minority languages that, while present, lack the formal protection of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Examples include “Jenisch” and “Windisch.” “Windisch” is a German term used to refer to various Slavic languages. In the Austrian regions of Carinthia and Styria, “Windisch” specifically describes local Slovenian dialects that are heavily interspersed with German words.
It’s important to note that while there is a significant number of Turkish speakers and immigrants from former Yugoslavia in Austria, their languages are not recognized as protected minority languages and are consequently not taught in public schools as minority languages. Among the less common languages spoken in Austria is Aramaic, primarily used by the Christian Assyrian diaspora community residing in Vienna.
Delving into Austrian Dialects
Austrian German exists as a standardized variety of the German language, used in both written and spoken forms as the “high language.” However, it’s important to recognize that Austrian German diverges from the German spoken and written in Germany and Switzerland in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Dialects within Austria operate along a dialect continuum. This means that Austria’s political borders do not constitute sharp linguistic boundaries. Instead, the German dialects spoken in Austria share characteristics with dialects found in the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as well as in eastern Switzerland, forming a broader dialect area.
With the exception of Vorarlberg, all Austrian states predominantly speak the Bavarian dialect or variations thereof. An estimated seven million Austrians speak either a central or southern Bavarian dialect or a colloquial form of language heavily influenced by these dialects. In eastern Austria, there’s a noticeable smooth transition between dialect and the standard language. This means that even in formal settings, you might hear dialect being spoken. In contrast, the westernmost region of Tyrol and Vorarlberg are characterized by Alemannic dialects, setting them apart from the rest of the country in terms of dialect.
Beyond these broader dialect regions, individual federal states also possess regional dialects, often influenced by the way people speak in the respective state capitals. The Viennese dialect stands out as the most prominent regional dialect, exerting influence on many other dialects, leading to mixtures of central and southern Bavarian with Viennese and standard German features.
Want to deepen your understanding of the fascinating linguistic nuances between Austria, Germany, and Switzerland? Explore the vocabulary differences to further enrich your linguistic knowledge!
In conclusion, while Austrian German serves as the official language of Austria, the country’s linguistic landscape is far from monolithic. It’s a vibrant and diverse tapestry woven from a rich history of empires, migration, and cultural exchange. From officially recognized minority languages to a spectrum of regional dialects and the widespread use of English, Austria presents a fascinating case study in European multilingualism.
