Why do austrians speak german

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Austrians speak German because Austria was historically part of the German-speaking world and adopted Standard German as its official language. The Austrian Empire and later Austria-Hungary used German for administration, and after World War I, Austria retained German as its national language despite political separation from Germany. Today, about 88% of Austria's population speaks German as their first language, with Austrian German recognized as a national variety with distinct vocabulary and pronunciation.

Key Facts

Austria's population is approximately 9 million people, with about 88% speaking German as their first language
The Austrian Empire (1804-1867) and Austria-Hungary (1867-1918) used German as the primary administrative language
After World War I in 1918, Austria became a republic and maintained German as its official language despite political separation from Germany
Austrian German includes about 7,000-8,000 words distinct from Standard German, such as 'Marille' for apricot instead of 'Aprikose'
The German language in Austria is protected by the Austrian Dictionary (Österreichisches Wörterbuch), first published in 1951

Overview

Austrians speak German due to historical, political, and cultural factors rooted in Central European history. The region now known as Austria has been part of the German-speaking world since the Early Middle Ages, when Germanic tribes settled there following the collapse of the Roman Empire. During the Holy Roman Empire (800-1806), which included much of German-speaking Europe, the territory developed linguistic unity. The Habsburg Monarchy, which ruled Austria from the 13th century onward, used German for administration alongside Latin. After the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the Austrian Empire continued using German as its official language. Following World War I and the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918, the Republic of Austria maintained German as its national language, despite political separation from Germany. Today, Austrian German is recognized as a national variety with its own standardized form in the Austrian Dictionary.

How It Works

The German language in Austria operates through a combination of historical continuity, legal frameworks, and educational systems. Linguistically, Austrian German developed from Middle High German dialects spoken in the region, particularly Bavarian and Alemannic dialects. The standardization process began in the 18th century when Empress Maria Theresa's educational reforms promoted a unified German language in schools. Today, Austrian German is codified in the Austrian Dictionary (Österreichisches Wörterbuch), which defines the official standard for spelling, grammar, and vocabulary in Austria. The educational system teaches Standard German with Austrian characteristics, while regional dialects remain strong in everyday speech. Legal protection comes from Austria's constitution and language laws that recognize German as the official state language. Media, government, and education consistently use this standardized form, maintaining linguistic unity while allowing for regional variations.

Why It Matters

The German language in Austria matters for national identity, international relations, and cultural preservation. As Austria's official language, German serves as a unifying force in a country with historical regional divisions and immigrant communities. It facilitates Austria's participation in German-speaking economic and cultural spheres, particularly with Germany and Switzerland, creating a market of over 100 million German speakers. The distinct Austrian vocabulary and pronunciation preserve cultural heritage, with words reflecting Austria's unique history, cuisine, and traditions. This linguistic identity helps distinguish Austria from Germany despite their shared language, supporting national sovereignty since World War II. For tourism and business, Austrian German serves as an important bridge while maintaining local character.