What Language Is Spoken In Austria?

How Many People Speak German in Austria?

Austria has a population of about 9 million people, and almost everyone speaks German. However, some also speak minority and immigrant languages.

✅ German is the official language of Austria and spoken by almost the entire population.
✅ Austrian German is slightly different from the German spoken in Germany.

📌 Fun Fact: Austrians often use "Grüß Gott" instead of "Hallo" to say hello!

Austrian German: What Makes It Unique?

Although German is the official language, Austrian German has its own accent, words, and phrases.

Key Features of Austrian German:

🔹 Vocabulary Differences – Some words are different from Standard German in Germany.
🔹 Softer Pronunciation – Austrian German sounds more melodic and gentle.
🔹 Regional Dialects – People in different parts of Austria speak slightly different versions of German.

✅ If you visit Austria, you’ll notice the difference in how German sounds!

Minority Languages in Austria

Austria has officially recognized minority languages, spoken by different ethnic groups.

✅ Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian are officially recognized in some Austrian regions.
✅ Vienna, Austria’s capital, is home to many immigrant languages.

📌 Did you know? In Carinthia, some road signs are written in both German and Slovenian!

Immigrant Languages in Austria

Austria has many immigrants from different countries, which adds to the country’s language diversity.

✅ Turkish and Serbian are the most common immigrant languages.
✅ Vienna has the most multilingual population in Austria.

📌 Did you know? Many Turkish-Austrians speak both Turkish and German fluently!

English and Other Foreign Languages in Austria

While German is the main language, many Austrians learn English as a second language, especially in schools.

✅ English is widely understood, especially among younger Austrians.
✅ French and Italian are also popular foreign languages in Austria.

📌 Did you know? Many Austrians watch English movies with subtitles instead of dubbing them!

Why Does Austria Have So Many Languages?

1️⃣ History – Austria was once part of a large empire with many ethnic groups.
2️⃣ Borders – Austria shares borders with Slovenia, Hungary, and other countries.
3️⃣ Immigration – Many people from Turkey, Serbia, and Bosnia moved to Austria.

Common Mistakes & Misconceptions

❌ "Austrian German is the same as German in Germany."
✅ No! Austrian German has unique vocabulary and pronunciation.

❌ "Everyone in Austria speaks only German."
✅ False! Many Austrians also speak Croatian, Hungarian, and Turkish.

❌ "English is an official language in Austria."
✅ No, but many Austrians speak it well.

FAQs – Common Questions About Languages in Austria

What is the official language of Austria?

German is the official language of Austria.

How many people speak German in Austria?

About 8.5 million people (95% of the population) speak German.

What are the most spoken minority languages in Austria?

The most spoken minority languages are Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian.

Do Austrians speak English?

Yes! Many younger Austrians and people in tourist areas speak English.

Is Austrian German different from German in Germany?

Yes! Austrian German has different words and a softer accent.

Does Austria speak German?

Yes, Austria speaks German as its official language.