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 communicate, address your partner as "You" (in German "Sie"), especially at the beginning of the business relationship.

Degrees and titles, especially in situations of first contact or in formal communication in general, are very important.

It is not accepted to call a partner by his first name, while omitting the last name. Wait until the partner himself offers you to call him by name.

Young people are traditionally less formal in their communication, moving more quickly to the use of "you" (in German "du") and addressing each other by their first name rather than their last name.

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 holder.

Business cards as a whole should look restrained and even conservative. Bright colors, intricate designs and unusual images should be avoided. An exception may be young companies operating in the creative field.

The text of the business card can be in English. At the same time, it’s a good idea to offer its translation into German on the back of the business card.

The exchange of business cards usually takes place at the beginning of a business meeting in a first contact situation. There is no specific procedure or protocol for exchanging business cards.

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 Austrian cities and the historical events associated with them.

Local (and other) cuisine, different types of dishes, wines.

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 comparing Vienna with other cities/regions in the country can be sensitive, but is often discussed by Austrians themselves. Foreigners should not participate in such discussions.

Do not ask questions about salary, career development or professional status.

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 hand, is important. It should be maintained with the person you are talking to, especially during the greeting. Maintaining eye contact indicates the interest of the other person in the subject of the conversation.

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 direct when it comes to written communication.

Being modest and reserved by nature, Austrians are careful not to draw others' attention to their own personality, for example by speaking loudly, dressing or behaving inappropriately. It is considered rude and indecent to scream, shout or otherwise show your emotions.