Titles & Formality

Austria is a nation of titles. Nowhere in Europe is so much emphasis placed on correct address as here. What would be laughed at in Germany is taken deadly seriously in Austria: The academic degree is part of the name like the first name — and leaving it out is an affront.

The most important titles in practice:

• Mr./Ms. Magister (Mag.) — University degree, very common
• Mr./Ms. Doctor (Dr.) — Doctorate, almost always used in everyday life
• Mr./Ms. Graduate Engineer (DI or Dipl.-Ing.) — Technical degree
• Mr./Ms. Professor — not only university professors but also high school teachers and an honorary title awarded as a profession
• Court Councillor, Ministerial Councillor, Section Chief — Civil service titles still maintained today

In letters and emails, the title is written out in full: "Dear Mr. Mag. Dr. Müller". All titles are listed on business cards. In the phone book (yes, there still is one), titles are included. And in the obituary, they are definitely present — in Austria, a title has eternal value.

In everyday life, Austrians switch to informal address relatively quickly — faster than many Germans expect. But: The "Du" must be offered, ideally by the older or higher-ranking person. Using "Du" without being invited is considered impolite. In Vienna, when offering "Du," people often say: "Shall we say Du?" — a ritual moment.

The greeting is important: "Grüß Gott!" is the standard throughout Austria (not a religious confession, but politeness). "Hello" is considered more northern German/federal German. "Servus" is friendly and informal. In Vienna, you often hear "Küss die Hand" (from men to women, increasingly ironic).