photo : Orin Zebest
Austrians are polite people and observing their cultural etiquette is most important – especially when attending a Viennese Ball.
Meeting and Greeting
When people meet in Austria – whether old friends or new acquaintances – hand shaking is expected. With everyone. Adults, elderly – even the children.
Ladies hands must be shaken first. The woman offers her hand. Whilst an Austrian man may kiss her hand, it’s seen as a ‘faux pas’ for foreign men to do likewise. They must gently shake the proffered paw.
And at the end of the meeting, hand-shakes all round must be repeated!
Naming without shaming
Names and titles are extremely important to Austrians. Until you get to know someone well, use their title and surname – ‘Herr Whoever’, for example. And if the person has a professional title too, this must be included – ‘Herr Professor Whoever’.
For women over 18 years, the greeting is always ‘Frau Whatnot’ – whether she’s married or not. And wives of professional men get greeted as ‘Frau Professor Whatnot’.
Titles are not to be understated – always find out what the person’s professional status is and use it. For example, at Chalet Lowonahill, Herr Pöschl is the Chalet Manager – even though it’s a self-catering sole occupancy place where the likelihood of you ever bumping into Herr Chalet Manager Pöschl is most unlikely, other than in the most adverse of circumstances!
Visiting and Dining Out
Punctuality is important. Arriving late when invited to someone’s home or meeting them in a restaurant, is considered cause for concern. If you’re going to be late, let them know!
Although home visiting may be a little more relaxed, when dining out in restaurants men enter first. They then hold the door for their female friend.
There are some serious rules to be observed when dining. These include:
- never start to eat until the host has said ‘Mahlzeit’ or ‘Guten Appetit’
- make sure you eat everything on your plate. Anything left is seen as a sign that you either want more or didn’t enjoy the food
- compliment the chef by using your fork to cut food. This demonstrates that the food is tender
- never cut your dumplings with a knife – this suggests they’re tough not tender
- at the end of the meal make sure you place your knife and fork at the 05:25 position – otherwise your host will keep filling your plate thinking you’re still hungry. That’s very insulting. Austrians pride themselves on their care and consideration of their guests and are very distressed if they feel they are failing.
A warning note – he who invites, pays the bill!
Best Behaviour
Unless at home with very close friends and family, Austrians tend to be somewhat reserved. They don’t usually hug and kiss in public and generally find compliments rather embarrassing. What the women don’t find embarrassing though, is when you take gifts (here’s a hint – neither do I!).
You may excused for thinking your hostess has a childlike innocence when you go bearing a gift. She’s likely to open it straight away (I don’t blame her – given the chance, I would too!).
But if it’s flowers you take, make sure they’re unwrapped first and only in odd numbers. Even numbers are considered bad luck. But don’t worry on my account, I’m not the slightest superstitious. I’ll take whatever I’m given!
Get Dressed For the Occasion
Needless to say, nudity’s not on.
Austrian folk are fond of their finery, so make sure you dress properly for the occasion. For formal affairs there are strict codes, but when dining at home dress may be more relaxed – but still smart!
Etiquette at the Balls
Like formal affairs anywhere in the world, Viennese Balls have a very well-defined code of conduct. All of the above apply, but in addition you must remember the following:
- at the dining table, the ladies always sit to the right of their escort
- if a woman gets up from the table, so must the man
- an escort must always dance with his companion – at least once!
- it’s good manners to ask all other women at the table to dance – but only after first asking for approval from their escorts
- when the dance has ended, the man must return the woman to the table
- ladies not wishing to dance with anyone other than their escort may decline the invitation – but you must do this with grace and elegance!
But the most important thing that everyone must remember- is to make sure their guests, partners and others, enjoy an absolutely fantastic time.
Chalet Lowonahill is an all-season, rustic style holiday home in Styria. It’s the ideal place for you to discover the delights of the 9 provinces of Austria. To find out more, simply click here.
