I think I will like it in Austria. I just want to know the rules first. I found this on a website and hope it is true. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/austria-country-profile.html

Language in Austria

German is the official language spoken by 98% of the population as mother tongue . There are distinct differences between the many regional dialects, and also a wide variation in the 'standard' Hochdeutsch spoken from region to region. Slovene is an official language in the southern province of Carinthia. Other minority languages include Croatian (0.5%) and Hungarian (0.1%). All three languages are taught alongside German in some bilingual schools. Another minority language is Slovak.

Appearances Matter

. Presentation and dressing well are important to Austrians.
. Even when dressed informally, they are neat and conservative; their clothes are never ostentatious.
. There is sometimes a strict protocol for dressing appropriately in different situations: formal wear for the theatre or a concert, and semiformal wear for better restaurants.
. Some high level events may have a dress code and will turn away patrons who are not dressed properly.
. Most Austrian women dress up to go shopping, since they dress elegantly, if conservatively, at all times, especially when they will be public .








Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings are formal.
. A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting.
. Maintain eye contact during the greeting.
. Some Austrian men, particularly those who are older, may kiss the hand of a female.
. A male from another country should not kiss an Austrian woman's hand.
. Women may also kiss men, but men never kiss other men.
. Titles are very important and denote respect. Use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name.
. When entering a room, shake hands with everyone individually, including children.

Watch your table manners!

. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'mahlzeit' or 'Guten Appetit'.
. Cut as much of your food with your fork as possible, since this compliments the cook by saying the food is very tender.
. Finish everything on your plate.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.
. The host gives the first toast. Everyone lifts and clinks glasses, looks the person making the toast in the eye and says, 'Prost!'.
. An honoured guest offers a toast of thanks to the host at the end of the meal.


My next task is to look up some words and translate them into German as all three countries we will visit speak German.

Auf Widersehen!