Austrian Manners Guide

Learn basic manners of Austrian culture.

To be comfortable and familiar with a new culture, learning basic etiquette is important. In this Android application you will get basic view of Austrian culture. Some of etiquette are mentioned in the app like:

>> Punctuality is highly valued in Austria. Being on time for meetings, appointments, services and parties is expected. Deadlines are expected to be met with little leeway. In social situations, one should arrive approximately five to 10 minutes before the designated time. If you expect delay, inform your Austrian counterpart or they may leave or begin the event without you.

>> When making or answering phone calls, it is the norm to introduce oneself by saying one’s name (typically the surname, but the first name can be used if preferred). It is considered impolite if the caller or receiver does not say their name, even if accompanied with other polite greetings such as ‘hello' or ‘good morning'.

>> Austrians follow a particular set of manners when eating. These include keeping one's hands on the table during meals, not gesturing with utensils and not placing elbows on the table while eating.

>> At a dinner party in someone’s home, hosts will usually always offer a second serving to their guests. However, they will also accept a polite ‘Nein, danke’ (no thank you).

>> Traditionally, the main meal of the day was usually midday. This is still common, but among some working people and students, it is more common to eat their main meal in the evening.

>> If invited to dine out, the person who extends the invitation typically pays the bill in the restaurant. Struggles over the bill are not usually appreciated.