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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. The handshake is an acceptable form of greeting. Make sure your handshake is firm. The firm handshake is the standard greeting for men and women, upon meeting and again upon departure. When introduced to a woman, wait to see if she extends her hand before offering to shake. Friends, family and those who share some familiarity, however, do not use the handshake. Note that it is impolite to reach over someone's handshake.
2. Most greetings take place at a close distance. Yelling hello across a room would be considered culturally inappropriate. Wait until the person or persons with whom you are meeting are in close proximity to you where a quiet and polite greeting can be exchanged.
3. Until acquaintances become close friends, people generally use last name and titles when addressing each other. Younger people are more apt to move to less formal forms of address quickly. Among men, it is common for last names alone to be used in forms of address. Outside the personal sphere, however, it is advisable that professional and governmental titles be used. Note also, however, that in business, titles are used more rarely in verbal communication although they are customarily used in written communications.
4. Maintain direct eye contact during conversations.
5. It is considered rude to speak to someone with your hands in you pockets. Although many younger people may not be as careful in their self-presentation, care in this regard is suggested.
6. Proper table etiquette is important in most dining situations. When dining, make sure to keep your hands on the table rather than your lap. Note also that dining is typically continental-style with the fork steadfastly held in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.
7. Bring a gift such as flowers or chocolate for the host or hostess when invited to someone's home for dinner. A gift of red roses will convey romantic feelings, so be careful not to give these flowers unless romance is the message that is intended.
8. When making conversation with strangers, never ask personal questions such as "Why aren't you married?" or even "What do you do for a living?" Austrians, like many Europeans, may not appreciate the immediate assumption of familiarity. It is preferable to stick to more sundry conversational topics, such as the weather, sports, travel and Austria's natural beauty, and save more personal inquiries when some rapport has been established.
9. One should not expect to see public displays of affection or smiling between strangers passing on the street. Indeed, in general, loud and ardent displays, while more acceptable among younger Austrians, are best avoided in this more reserved culture. You may not see many smiles or displays of affection on Austrian streets. The avoidance of public spectacle is reflected in the way Austrians will get quite close to each other before offering a greeting. (Naturally, this is a generalization and exceptions are guaranteed to occur.)
10. Never arrive uninvited to an Austrian home. All visits, as in many Western countries, should be pre-arranged, and preferably should be at the behest of a host. Note also that when one is invited to any type of function, professional or personal, punctuality is imperative.
11. If you are talking to someone and you find the person you are talking to making a gesture as though they are pulling or stroking a beard, realize this may indicate the conversation is boring. While not true in all cases, many sources suggest it may be a good indication that a counterpart has decreasing interest in what is being discussed. (Again, this is a generalization, however, it may be a useful barometer of para-language to consider.)
12. Dress is generally casual and should conform to the temperate climate. Business wear is more conservative; suits are the norm for both men and women. Women generally to be more restrained in regard to makeup and jewelry, opting for a more natural look than other parts of Europe.
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