It is customary to shake hands with women, too. Sometimes, when meeting you, they may say to you, instead of “Good afternoon,” a phrase such as “Thank God.” The phrase “I am your slave” is also common - something similar to our “I am at your service”, and you can even hear farewell “Always devoted to you...”. Similar phrases from the distant 19th century have been preserved in Austria, and you should not think that they are joking with you. In Austria, it is always customary to shake hands; do not be surprised if in a store or in a little-frequented boutique, a sales consultant extends his hand to you for a handshake, which is mandatory almost everywhere. For example, even if a person is late for a meeting, the action will be interrupted until the newcomer is greeted by hand.
You can switch to you on the initiative of an elder or a woman; between adults, the transition to you occurs after several days of communication, among young people after several hours, but among work colleagues this does not happen at all.
The residents of Vienna have their own characteristics in this regard. They love different titles and degrees. So, if you are a doctor, sooner or later they will start calling you “Mr. Doctor.” Here you can hear the phrases “I kiss your hand,” “dear sir,” or “my respects.”
Austrians are sympathetic, sociable and quite cultured people. They love a feast and everything that comes with it.
Austrians are also characterized by some arrogance, but at the same time they remain open and cheerful. The German trait of punctuality also applies to Austrians. At the same time, the Austrians always know how to joke about this fact. If your car breaks down, chances are every second Austrian will stop and help.
Each region of Austria has its own communication customs.
For the average Austrian, the most popular holidays are Christmas and Birthday. Nowadays, it is better to give some kind of memorable or practical souvenirs.
Customs of behavior in Austria are similar to Germany, however, there are some differences here, in Germany everything is simpler, but in Austria and neighboring Switzerland it is always necessary to indicate the status of the interlocutor, punctuality is very important for business partners, when meeting people here, as a rule, they avoid kissing on the cheek . The main thing in communication in Austria, perhaps, is politeness; you can avoid any unnecessary exaggerations, monitor your language level, and be precise in your expressions. Politeness in Austria for tourists from Ukraine or Russia, out of habit, may even seem like a manifestation of arrogance, but in fact it is just politeness and nothing more than that, this is how they communicate with everyone, not just with you.
In conversations with Austrians, do not bring up the topic of money when this can be avoided, account numbers and other financial details that could give away trade secrets; from everyday topics, you should avoid stories that are inextricably linked with fascism.
You can always touch on sports topics, since the Austrians are very fond of this matter. Austrian etiquette itself is close to British, so here it is customary for men to open doors for women, bosses for subordinates, and the owner of a house for guests. Austrians speak English in a very original way, they swallow some words, combine them, or shorten them, so communicating with Austrians in English may not always be as pleasant and understandable as with other people for whom English is not their native language.
Austrians are sure to the depths of their souls that their country is the most unusual in the world; they will always be pleased when foreigners are surprised at everything that strokes their pride.
Rules at the table
If you are invited to visit, then not only tea, but also schnapps can be served at the table; if you are a non-drinker, then that is another matter. The politeness of the 19th century has been preserved in modern Austria in all cities, despite their development, this is especially true in Vienna. Is it worth remembering that the rule of good manners is to start dinner only after the host of the party has raised his fork; you should not run away from the table before the host. In its etiquette, Austria is a real European Japan. At a dinner party, guests can begin their meal, for example, only after the host has made a toast to everyone present; the words “Bon appetit” mean that it’s time to start dinner.
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Austria is one of the few countries on whose territory the cultural traditions and customs of many peoples inhabiting these places have been intertwined for centuries. Ancient rituals relating to everyday life, holidays, clothing, cuisine, wedding events, New Year's Eve among the Austrians are one of a kind, unique and very original.
National rituals of the Austrians
At first glance, the locals may seem somewhat aloof and even arrogant to the traveler, but this is only an external manifestation. In fact, Austrians are very friendly, hospitable and welcoming, while respecting their traditions and tolerant of the customs of other countries.
Customs in each of the lands may differ, for example, in Lower Austria, it is customary for young men to express their feelings in a unique way: they throw a straw braid decorated with flowers and ribbons into the yard of a potential bride. Such a sign indicates that you are interested in the girl and you can expect matchmaking soon.
Austrians celebrate religious celebrations on a grand scale, Easter and Christmas are especially revered here, the celebration of which takes place at a common table where the whole family gathers. Adults are generous with surprises and sweets, and children are never left without gifts. The custom of lighting foods in churches, including salt, bread, meat, eggs and even horseradish, is still alive in Austria.
On a birthday, the birthday person and guests can walk for several days, so here it is customary to congratulate the hero of the occasion in advance. It is considered a sign of bad taste to set the table poorly; usually, the abundance of dishes makes one's eyes widen and one can sit at the festive table for as long as one likes without fear of putting the owner in an awkward position.
Coffee and wine customs
Austrians love gatherings over a cup of coffee or a glass of good wine. The drinking culture in this country is developed like nowhere else and is an integral part of the leisure time of local residents. A visit to coffee houses, where you will be offered an incredible variety of aromatic and rich drink, is revealing and will certainly be offered to any tourist as an opportunity to demonstrate the gastronomic richness of the country. The first “coffee houses” appeared thanks to the Zaporozhye Cossack Kulchitsky, who presented the Austrians with bags of coffee beans left behind by the Turks during the retreat as a gift. For centuries, coffee houses were a favorite meeting place for famous musicians, poets, writers and other artists, who turned such meetings into a kind of cultural club, where the latest events in the political and social life of Austria were discussed. Today, cozy and stylish cafes are a place where you can guarantee to socialize in a relaxed atmosphere and have a pleasant time surrounded by silence and tranquility. Heuriger establishments, or wine squashes, offer wine tastings from all over the world, although local varieties are especially valued, of which the Austrians are very proud, considering them the most exquisite.
Traditions of national clothing
It’s impossible not to notice how well the people of Austria know how to dress beautifully. Along with expensive and fashionable brands that can be purchased everywhere, Austrians are very fond of wearing the traditional Trachten suit, which is distinguished by its special elegance and the presence of many additional accessories. Seeing men and women dressed in classic folk attire in a crowd is not that uncommon, even if the dress, blouses, shirts and trousers are just a very successful antique stylization. Austrians dress up especially lavishly for the holidays - elegant bright sweaters with luxurious sleeves, gray vests with classic green embroidery, ribbons and flowers amaze with their variety, are considered an indicator of refined taste and emphasize the individuality of each person.
Austrian etiquette
Most people are very smiling and don’t mind making jokes, including at themselves. When meeting, Austrians exchange strong handshakes, kiss twice and greet with a phrase that translates as “God help.” Even if you meet several times in one day, a greeting is necessary. When entering a cafe or restaurant, it is customary to pay your respects to everyone present, and leaving without saying goodbye means offending your interlocutors. Elderly Austrians say “kiss hand” when meeting a woman, but this is not at all necessary. It is customary for women to open doors; they take off their hats in front of ladies, or at least touch them. Calling a person by name is only possible within the family circle; in public places the standard “Herr” is used for a man and “Frau” for a woman. If you are invited to dinner, you can present the hostess with a small souvenir or a bouquet of flowers (necessarily with an even number). It is not customary to talk loudly or discuss topics of politics, money, business, or private life at the table. All serious conversations begin after a meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Austria in its political structure is a federal country. Each of its provinces and lands has quite noticeable differences from its neighbors both in the ethnic composition of the population and in customs and traditions. For many centuries, the Alps served as natural boundaries of the regions, so even neighboring valleys were essentially isolated from each other. They developed their own dialects, dress, cooking, folklore and even architecture, which can be easily seen today. In addition, Austria is landlocked and surrounded by eight countries with their very characteristic and original cultures, which have had a significant influence on local traditions. Modern media and transportation have significantly reduced many of these differences. And now the Austrians consider themselves a single nation, with a single language and culture, although numerous local “subtle nuances” are visible on every corner and are even emphasized by local residents as an element of their national self-identification.
Austrian society has traditionally been highly stratified, with clear social divisions and hierarchies. However, the upheavals of the 20th century and the growing middle class noticeably leveled out differences in the social structure, and now Austria is one of the most liberal countries in Europe (many more citizens here consider themselves middle class than in any other country in the region). But rudiments of the old system are still found - foreign workers, immigrants and gypsies (even those who have long held Austrian citizenship) still have a rather precarious social status. But influential families, able to trace their history on this land back several generations, enjoy noticeable authority and successfully replace the almost extinct aristocracy.
Despite all the democratic trends of recent years, Austrian men, especially in rural areas, are still considered the heads of families. But in general, family arrangements here are not much different from those in neighboring EU countries.
Etiquette
Most Austrians greet each other by shaking hands when they meet. The usual form of greeting is Gruss Gott (literally “greets to God”, analogous to our “god help”) or Gruss dich (“greets”). With friends, a kiss on both cheeks is added to the handshake, although this is more typical for the southern provinces - in the north, relations are a little more prim.
When meeting again, even within the same day, it is customary to say hello again, although this is not obligatory. When entering a restaurant or store, it is considered polite to greet everyone present with the phrase Guten Tag ("good afternoon") or, more often, the universal Gruss Gott. Leaving without saying goodbye also means causing offense - Austrians have great respect for such formalities and use them with a certain grace.
People of respectable age adore gallantry and, when meeting a lady, signify a kiss on the hand with the greeting Kuss die Han (“I kiss your hand”; the kiss itself is an extremely rare occurrence). At the same time, clicking your heels in the manner of the Prussian aristocracy or taking off your hat (often just touching it) is a special chic. Young people use forms of greeting that are common throughout Europe, but at some formal meetings they are also not averse to showing off their knowledge of manners.
Women love to open doors. But in public transport it is customary to give up your seat only to the elderly and pregnant women. Before the start of the meal, they usually make some kind of general toast - Prosit or Guten Appetit. When addressing strangers, it is customary to use the standard German Frau (Madam, especially if the woman is married) or Herr (Mr.) and the surname. Calling by name is used extremely rarely - and only between well-known people.
When invited to lunch or dinner, it is customary to give small gifts to the house - usually flowers for the hostess (even numbers only - they don’t sell anything else here) or a bottle of good wine for the table. Communication at the table should also fit within certain limits - no questions about personal life or family, no talk about business, politics or religion, no frivolity or loud conversations. But if the owner asks the guest about something, then he is ready to answer such questions himself, so it’s easier to navigate the place. But after the meal, you can already talk about something serious, but only if it does not disrupt the general flow of the holiday and does not interfere with others.
Unlike many other European countries, in Austria it is customary to take off your shoes when entering a house, but not everywhere. In the rural areas of Tyrol, guests will probably be offered felt or fabric “slippers”, in Upper Austria - something like flip-flops, in the cities everything depends on the traditions of the owners of the house (here they often do not take off their shoes upon entering).
A characteristic feature of local life is a certain distance between people. Even well-known people rarely get closer to each other at a distance less than an outstretched arm and sit at the table at a considerable distance from each other by our standards. An attempt to get closer can be interpreted as an invasion of privacy, although in informal situations and with well-known people, few people usually pay attention to this. But on the street, in line, in transport and other crowded places, you should still avoid excessively close contact.
An important component of Austrian etiquette is a smile and humor. For some reason, many tourists consider local residents to be people of a stern character and a gloomy outlook on life. In fact, this is not at all true - a sincere smile can be very beneficial here. Also, you should not take your eyes off your interlocutor - this is considered a sign of insincerity. Meaningless conversations “about the weather” and long speeches are not in honor either - Austrians are quite specific and do not like to waste their own and other people’s time on nonsense.
The attitude towards clothes and shoes is quite free. The Austrians themselves have great respect for strong and practical clothing with obvious elements of folk style, although on the city streets you can see suits of literally all styles. But there is a special attitude towards the cleanliness of the dress and its grooming. The jacket may be worn and patched, but it must be clean; the shoes may also not quite match in color or style - but they should not be worn or broken. In general - the usual common sense attitude towards clothes.
On festive occasions, Austrians prefer the usual European “semi-business” suit, but much depends on the format of the meeting. But it is not customary to appear in the same dress for several days in a row, unless, of course, it is a friendly party or a work (sports) uniform. However, the latter is only permissible in a recreation area - appearing in a city restaurant in a ski suit means definitely earning the disapproval of local residents. But people here simply adore folk costumes, and not only their own. The main thing is that their elements do not carry any shocking or shocking element.
Moscow Humanitarian UniversityEssay
By
international protocol and business ethics
“National characteristics of business etiquette in Germany and Austria”
Completed by: Anna Abrosimova,3rd year student
Faculty of International Relations,
specialty "International Relations",
group MO-301
Received by: Zagainov Yuri Georgievich,
Assistant professor
Moscow, 2010
Introduction
Every country and every people has its own traditions and customs of communication and business ethics. And although a certain standard of business contacts is gradually emerging in the world, there are noticeable differences in the degree of openness, independence, and the degree of their responsibility. The last circumstance is of serious importance for assessing representatives of many organizations from countries with transition economies, with poorly developed commodity relations.
So, participants in international communication adhere to uniform norms and rules, however, national and cultural characteristics can be very significant in business relations.
Knowledge of national characteristics can serve as a kind of guide, a reference point for a partner’s possible behavior.
In this work, I would like to dwell in more detail on the issue of business communication and etiquette in two German-speaking countries - Germany and Austria, because despite the seeming absence of any obvious difficulties and problems in communication, there are some subtleties that need to be taken into account.
Germany
Foreigners, as a rule, see Germans in their social manifestations and never in their personal manifestations. The Germans are convinced that life is divided into two parts: public and private. Public life includes work, politics, business, bureaucracy. And personal life is family, friends, hobbies and relaxation. Therefore, what is appropriate in one life is unacceptable in another. And it often turns out that in public there is ostentatious decency, but at home there are all kinds of eccentricities.
Formal rules of etiquette in Germany are very simple. The accepted form of address in Germany is "you". A German will never address himself, especially to an unfamiliar person, as “you”. When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to address the interlocutor as “Herr” and “Frau” with the addition of the surname. Later, if you discover common interests or mutual acquaintances, you will be addressed by your first and last name. And only after months or years has passed is it possible to address someone as “you”. But you need to be prepared for the fact that the Germans are very reluctant to move on a friendly footing. This is evidence of their eternal seriousness, including in friendship. The Germans prefer to do everything slowly, gradually. Among young people, it is customary to address people as “you.”
A clear division into personal and public is a guarantee that Germans are open and sincere in their personal and private lives. The Germans are not very accommodating in communication, as they consider it an unnecessary frill; they are rather reserved with foreigners and are in no hurry to get close to strangers, but if you managed to get on a first-name basis with a German, then you are now friends.
In formal address in Germany, it is customary to give the title of everyone you are addressing. If the person's title is unknown to you, you can use the word "doctor" (for example, "Herr" doctor), since it applies to almost every educated person.
A married lady is addressed by her husband's title - for example, Frau Doctor or simply gracious empress - Gnedige Frau. Girls are addressed as Gnediges Fräulein, because only saleswomen and waitresses are simply called Fräulein.
Germans shake hands at every opportunity; shaking hands is an essential element of their life. It is customary to shake hands at meetings and partings, upon arrival and departure, as a sign of agreement and disagreement too. As a sign of friendly disposition, the hand is held as long as possible. When answering a phone call, a German usually says his name - this is a verbal substitute for a handshake.
When greeting and saying goodbye, Germans shake hands. It is not customary to kiss when meeting.
The Germans take life with incredible seriousness, so they very disapprovingly note any manifestations of frivolity, all sorts of accidents and surprises. For the same reason, all their conversations are serious and significant: they enjoy discussing all sorts of problems, illnesses, stress, work overload and other pressing topics.
In Germany, it is customary to answer the question “how are you?” in detail, without missing a single detail, to talk in detail about your problems at home and at work, about health, children, and so on. If you don't want to hear such reports, don't ask such questions.
In Germany, it is considered completely unacceptable to verbally insult another person. This usually leads to a break in the relationship.
By their nature, Germans are simply incapable of asking for a lie or a mistake. Their unshakable confidence in their right to interfere in everything makes them irreconcilable with the opinions of others if it differs from their own. And the German will immediately declare his disagreement, and he can make a remark without really choosing the form of presentation.
German etiquette is characterized by punctuality and clarity. It is customary to make appointments in advance; if you are unable to attend or may be late, you must be notified with an apology. They are critical of unplanned proposals and impromptu statements. In their opinion, this is what frivolous and unreliable people do.
If you are invited to visit or have dinner in a restaurant, it would be good form to come with a gift. These could be flowers for a lady or various souvenirs. An invitation home in Germany is considered a sign of special respect.
At a restaurant, upon arrival, it is customary to greet everyone around you, even strangers, with a wish of bon appetit. When paying at a restaurant, you need to add 15% to the bill as a tip. If you pay in cash, then only banknotes are taken from the change, and the coins are left to the waiter.
The Germans are distinguished by hard work, diligence, punctuality, frugality, rationality, organization, pedantry, skepticism, seriousness, prudence, and a desire for orderliness. Business connections with German companies can be established by exchanging letters with proposals for cooperation. To establish business relationships, you can use the German practice of cooperation through agency and intermediary firms.
The time of the upcoming meeting can be determined by telephone. All promises made over the phone are usually kept.
German employees are quite strict about their choice of clothing. The main type of clothing is a formal suit. Light-colored shoes should not be worn with any suit.
Negotiations are conducted with the participation of one or more partners. The introduction and introduction ceremony follows international standards: handshake and exchange of business cards.
The Germans prefer those negotiations in which they clearly see the possibility of finding a solution. They prepare very carefully for negotiations and work out their position. During negotiations, they like to discuss issues sequentially one after another.
When concluding a deal, the Germans will insist on strict compliance with the decisions made, as well as on the payment of fines in case of non-compliance. They will require a significant warranty period for the goods supplied to them, as well as a deposit in case of delivery of substandard goods. The Germans themselves strictly fulfill their obligations.
German accuracy and rationality often turns into pedantry. By our Russian standards, sometimes this can look downright offensive. For example, a German partner, leaving the office, can lock the telephone or photocopier. Even if your relationship is quite friendly, a German in your presence will calmly eat his sandwiches, taken from home, and will not offer it to you. In a restaurant, he will expect you to pay for yourself. This cannot be considered a sign of disrespect, it is simply a different upbringing and different traditions.
During negotiations, the Germans behave quite harshly. They provide excellent conditions for negotiations: premises, technology, equipment. During negotiations they are quite professional and formal.
If during a break in negotiations you are invited to a restaurant, then do not forget that the bills are paid separately: by the inviter and the invitee. At the table you should drink when the host says “prosit” or “prost.” You shouldn't talk about politics at the table.
Austria
Despite their apparent arrogance, the Austrians are hospitable people; they make contact easily and are always ready to help in difficulties. The distinctive features of the Austrians, which bring them closer to the Germans, are impeccable politeness and punctuality. At the same time, they are cheerful, sociable, love to eat well, drink and chat.
Communication
In Austria, it is important not to break a certain distance when communicating. “Social distance” here is equal to arm’s length. If you violate this distance, you are invading the Austrian’s intimate zone! The same goes for personal issues. They can only be asked to friends. All questions about marriage, personal life and family situation between office employees are undesirable.
When greeting each other, Austrians always shake hands - whether they are friends or colleagues. With friends, a kiss on both cheeks is added to the handshake.
Behavior at work
An important component of Austrian “office” etiquette is a smile and humor.
The handshake, which is used here not only between work colleagues, but also between friends, should not be too strong, but not too weak. You should shake your hand, not shake it. The handshake should last a split second. At the same time, look your interlocutor in the eyes. During a conversation, also make eye contact, but not intently. A wandering gaze is taboo, as is a “drilling” look at your interlocutor.
When greeting and introducing yourself, you must clearly state your full name.
When talking (in business etiquette) meaningless questions and template forms, like Wie geht’s? (How are you?) Austrian business etiquette experts advise avoiding.
If you are called to your boss and asked to sit down, sit not on the edge of the chair, but on the entire surface of the seat. Keep your back straight and your feet should touch the floor. Avoid conducting long monologues - if there is a need to speak out, give it free rein at home, but not at work.
If you receive a visitor when he enters, you need to stand up, if you are sitting, to greet him.
If at this moment you are having a telephone conversation that cannot be interrupted, signal to the person entering with gestures and facial expressions that he can come in and sit down. After the conversation is over, apologize briefly.
Late to meetings
It is customary for Austrians to emphasize the lateness of colleagues to general meetings and make the latecomer feel out of place. Therefore, they will briefly say “good afternoon” to someone who arrives late, and then they will ignore him for about 5 minutes or defiantly, silently watch him sit down, lay out his papers, etc. The latecomer is not informed about the content of the previous conversation.
There is also etiquette regarding the clothes and shoes you wear to work. Ideally, it is advised to adhere to the scheme - a suit: wear it once, then air it out, let it “hang” in the closet for several days; shoes: wear for a day, then take a break for a day.
The boss is addressed only as “you”. Despite good or very good relations. Offering to switch to “you” is taboo.
It is not advisable to linger at your workplace after work. This can be interpreted in two ways: either as a sign that you are not coping with your responsibilities during working hours, or as a transparent hint at a salary increase.
Telephone conversation at work
While talking, you can’t sort out papers on the table, not to mention smoking, eating, etc. Speak clearly and avoid arrogant phrases. The following phrases should be avoided when speaking in business in Austria, even if that's what you mean:
"Das ist false...",
"Das können Sie gar nicht wissen...",
"Passen Sie mal auf!"
("This is wrong...", "You can't know this at all...", "Listen!").
Letters
When writing an address, if you are addressing a letter to a couple, the man's name is written before the woman's name. In the letter itself, the order is reversed.
All titles (which are very loved and respected in Austria) are indicated only in the address of the letter. In the letter itself, only titles like “Doctor” (Dr.), “Professor” and others are omitted in circulation.
Among the addresses, use: Sehr geehrte Frau ...; Sehr geehrte Damen..., sehr geehrte Herren... (Dear Madam...; dear madams..., dear gentlemen...), (also allowed: Guten Tag, Herr... (Good afternoon, sir).
Use direct language! Instead of "Ich möchte Sie bitten..." ("I would like to ask you..."), it is preferable to write "Ich bitte Sie" ("I ask you") and so on.
When writing email, be brief and clear. Do not use capital letters - this irritates the recipient and creates a subconscious feeling of “screaming”. Emoticons are desirable in private correspondence, but absolutely unacceptable in official correspondence!
Features of national cuisine in Germany and Austria
Germans and Austrians can safely offer all dishes from vegetables, pork, poultry, game, veal, beef and fish. Boiled vegetables are especially appreciated. Side dishes - cauliflower, bean pods, carrots, red cabbage, boiled peas and beans, boiled potatoes, which partially replace bread.
Cold dishes and snacks - sandwiches with butter, cheese, sausage, curd mass, fish, etc., vegetable salads, ham, sausages, sprats, sardines, herring dishes with various sauces, meat and fish salads dressed with mayonnaise .
The first courses are broths with eggs, dumplings, rice and tomatoes, noodle soup, puree soup from peas, cauliflower, chicken and game, sometimes bread and beer soups.
Second courses - pork, chicken, boiled vegetables, especially potatoes.
Dessert - whipped cream, creams, jellies, mousses, confectionery with custard and butter cream, fruits in syrups.
Hot drinks - they are usually served after lunch and dinner: natural coffee, coffee with milk or coffee with cream.
Tea has become very popular in Germany these days. The most popular drink is beer.
Literature
Botavina R.N. Ethics of business relations. M.: Finance and Statistics, 2002.
Kanovskaya M. “Etiquette”. M.: AST, 2007.
Kibanov A.Ya., Zakharov D.K., Konovalova V.G. Textbook - Ethics of business relations. M.: INFRA-M 2002.
Maksimovsky M. Etiquette of a business person M., 1994.
Internet sources
Article “National characteristics of business communication. Germany" portal "All about business etiquette"
Article “Features of national cuisine (guests from Germany)” of the portal “World of Etiquette”
http://www.etiquette.ru/modern/guest/155.shtml
Article “Etiquette in Germany” of the online magazine “New Status”
Article “National characteristics of Austria”
http://www.justreal.ru/countries/Austria/nac/
Communication
Distance. In Austria, it is important not to violate a certain distance when communicating - “social distance” here is equal to arm’s length. If you violate this distance, you are invading the Austrian’s intimate zone! The same goes for personal issues. They can only be asked to friends. All questions about marriage, personal life and family situation between office employees are undesirable.
When greeting each other, Austrians always shake hands - whether they are friends or colleagues. With friends, a kiss on both cheeks is added to the handshake.
Gifts and flowers
Flowers in Austria are sold only in even numbers. Our signs are unknown to the Austrians. Therefore, if you receive an even number of flowers as a gift, do not be surprised - this is the custom here. Bouquets are also sold in “even” numbers. If the number of flowers in a bouquet is still important to you, buy flowers in large quantities - after the first ten, according to the same principle, the quantity - even or not - no longer matters.
The yellow color of flowers, unlike ours again, symbolizes in Austrian culture not separation and other sad things - but wealth, well-being and prosperity. Therefore, if you wish prosperity to the one you are giving to, buy him a bouquet of yellow roses, he will be delighted.
Gifts for colleagues. In Austria, among other things, it is customary to give a Gutschein (a product coupon or simply a document confirming that the bearer has a certain amount on his asset, for which he can receive goods for free. It is produced by the companies themselves and often looks like a banknote). They can be used for anything - a weekend in a hotel with thermal waters, buying a TV, or just going to a restaurant. Every store and every service company offers gutschein for various holidays for its services.
Wedding gifts. In Austria, you don’t have to rack your brains about what to give for the wedding you’ve been invited to. Because the tradition of so-called “wedding lists” - Hochzeitsliste - is widespread here. The list is compiled by the newlyweds in one of the stores in the city; they include a list of what they would like to receive as a gift (usually from the assortment of this store). You simply come to the store in advance, ask for Hochzeitsliste and select from the list the gifts that you can afford. You can leave gifts with a correspondingly labeled card right there in the store, and employees will deliver them, along with other gifts, directly to the couple.
Another reason for giving gifts in Austria is dismissal. If one of the employees leaves the company, sometimes farewell parties are even held. On this occasion, it is customary to give inscribed cards for this occasion. They are sold in bookstores or press kiosks and are identified by the inscription “Abschied” in all sorts of variations on them.
Behavior at work
An important component of Austrian “office” etiquette is a smile and humor.
The handshake, which is used here not only between work colleagues, but also between friends, should not be too strong, but not too weak. You should SHAKE your hand, not shake it. The handshake should last a split second. At the same time, look your interlocutor in the eyes. During a conversation, also make eye contact, but not intently. A wandering gaze is taboo, as is a “drilling” look at your interlocutor.
When greeting and introducing yourself, you must clearly state your full name.
When talking (in business etiquette) meaningless questions and template forms, like Wie geht’s? Austrian business etiquette experts advise avoiding.
If you are called to your boss and asked to sit down, sit not on the edge of the chair, but on the entire surface of the seat. Keep your back straight and your feet should touch the floor. Avoid conducting long monologues - if there is a need to speak out, give it free rein at home, but not at work.
If you receive a visitor when he enters, you need to stand up, if you are sitting, to greet him.
If at this moment you are having a telephone conversation that cannot be interrupted, signal to the person entering with gestures and facial expressions that he can come in and sit down. After the conversation is over, apologize briefly.
"Business lunches and dinners." The menu and choice of place are determined by the inviting party. It is not customary to talk about business before something has already been eaten. Therefore, the discussion of business begins after appetizers or the main course (if appetizers were not ordered).
Being late for meetings. It is customary for Austrians to emphasize the lateness of colleagues to general meetings and make the latecomer feel out of place. Therefore, they will briefly say “good afternoon” to someone who arrives late, and then they will ignore him for about 5 minutes or defiantly, silently watch him sit down, lay out his papers, etc. The latecomer is not informed about the content of the previous conversation.
There is also etiquette regarding the clothes and shoes you wear to work. Ideally, it is advised to adhere to the scheme - a suit: wear it once, then air it out, let it “hang” in the closet for several days; shoes: wear for a day, then take a break for a day.
The boss is addressed ONLY using “you”. Despite good or very good relations. Offering to switch to “you” is taboo.
It is not advisable to linger at your workplace after work. This can be interpreted in two ways: either as the fact that you are not coping with your responsibilities during working hours, or as a transparent hint at a salary increase.
Telephone conversation at work: while talking, you can’t sort out papers on the table, not to mention smoking, eating, etc. Speak clearly and avoid arrogant phrases. The following phrases should be avoided when speaking in business in Austria, even if that's what you mean:
"Das ist false...",
"Das können Sie gar nicht wissen...",
"Passen Sie mal auf!"
Letters
When writing an address, if you are addressing a letter to a couple, the man's name is written before the woman's name. In the letter itself, the order is reversed.
All titles (which are very loved and respected in Austria) are indicated only in the address of the letter. In the letter itself, only titles like “Doctor” (Dr.), “Professor” and others are omitted in circulation.
Among the addresses, use: Sehr geehrte Frau ...; Sehr geehrte Damen, sehr geehrte Herren... (also allowed: Guten Tag, Herr...).
Use direct language! Instead of "Ich möchte Sie bitten...", it is preferable to write "Ich bitte Sie" and so on.
When writing email, be brief and clear. Do not use capital letters - this irritates the recipient and creates a subconscious feeling of “screaming”. Emoticons are desirable in private correspondence, but absolutely unacceptable in official correspondence! Circular letters – sending them during business hours is not encouraged. In private too. Few people will be happy to receive another message from you with the instruction to “forward on.”
When replying, do not send the recipient his text again - it is impolite.
Mass mailings. If you send the same letter to several recipients at the same time, make sure that the addresses of other subscribers are invisible to the recipient.
When writing a business letter, make sure that your “business card” appears at the bottom. The recipient should have the opportunity to call you back. Required data: name, position in the company, telephone number. The rest is optional, but make sure that the electronic signature is not too long and cumbersome.
It is important to respond to the letter in a timely manner. The rules of etiquette are as follows: at the earliest you must respond an hour after receiving the letter, at the latest - 24 hours later.
It is a matter of etiquette to inform in the letter if you are also sending an attachment.
Greetings in e-mail. What is well received in English-speaking countries may seem impolite in Austria. We are talking about greetings like “Hi”. The greeting should be polite (overly familiar addresses like the one described above can be regarded as impolite). Also try to avoid old Austrian politeness phrases in email: “mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung”, for example. What looks appropriate in “paper” mail is unacceptable in electronic mail.
In friendly letters, abbreviations like mfg or cu are allowed, but in business correspondence such abbreviations are an absolute taboo!
Restaurant, hotel
Leaving a mobile phone on in a restaurant, especially during business lunches, is considered rude.
Tips. In a restaurant, tips are given by including them in the payment amount, and not by leaving them on the table, as is customary, for example, in America. Therefore, when you receive the bill, add your tip to this amount and then pay, stating the “total” amount in which you included the tip.
In a hotel, if you decide to tip, the following general rules apply: boys who help carry suitcases can be given 50 cents each, the maid receives a tip of at least about 3 euros per week.