Welcome to our guide on how to say good evening in Austrian! In this article, we will explore both formal and informal ways to greet someone in the evening, using the Austrian language. Additionally, we will provide you with some tips, examples, and regional variations. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Good Evening
When it comes to formal greetings in the evening, Austrians maintain a sense of politeness and respect. Here are a few phrases you can use:
1. Guten Abend – This is the standard formal way to say good evening in Austrian. It directly translates to “good evening” and is appropriate in most situations.
Guten Abend is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of formal contexts. It is commonly used when meeting someone for the first time or in professional environments.
2. Schönen Abend – This phrase means “beautiful evening” in Austrian and can be used to wish someone a pleasant evening.
While Schönen Abend lacks the direct translation of “good evening,” it is still considered a formal and polite way to greet someone in the evening. It is particularly suitable when saying goodbye or as a parting phrase.
Informal Ways to Say Good Evening
Switching gears to informal greetings, Austrians often employ a more relaxed tone. Here are a few phrases that can be used in informal settings:
1. Servus am Abend – Servus is a common informal greeting in Austria, regardless of the time of day. However, when combined with “am Abend” (in the evening), it becomes a friendly way to say good evening.
Servus is a versatile greeting that can be used among friends, family, and acquaintances. It captures the laid-back Austrian culture and is often accompanied by a casual wave or nod.
2. Hallo am Abend – This simple phrase translates to “hello in the evening” and is an informal, yet widely-used, way to greet someone in Austrian.
Similar to its English equivalent, Hallo is a common and friendly way to say hello or good evening in an informal setting. It can be used interchangeably with “Guten Abend” when interacting casually.
Tips and Examples
Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say good evening in Austrian, here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding:
Tone and Body Language
Austrians value not only the words spoken but also the overall tone and body language used during a greeting. Make sure to maintain a warm and welcoming tone when saying “Guten Abend” or “Servus am Abend.” A genuine smile and eye contact can enhance the sincerity of your greeting.
Informally, when using greetings like “Servus” or “Hallo,” a casual wave or nod can further accentuate the friendly nature of the exchange.
Regional Variations
Austria is a diverse country with distinct regional variations in dialect and greetings. While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood and accepted throughout the country, it’s worth mentioning a few notable regional differences:
- In Vienna, a common alternative to “Guten Abend” is “G’spitzter” or just “Spitzter,” meaning “pointy evening.”
- In Upper Austria, you may come across “Scheene Owend,” which translates to “nice evening.”
- In the western province of Vorarlberg, “En guata Obed” is occasionally used, directly translating to “a good evening.”
These regional variations highlight Austria’s linguistic diversity, but remember that the standard greetings mentioned earlier will serve you well in any Austrian context.
Examples
To provide you with a practical understanding of how to use these greetings, here are a few examples:
- Formal: When entering a business meeting, you can greet the attendees by saying, “Guten Abend, ich freue mich auf die Zusammenarbeit” (Good evening, I am looking forward to working together).
- Informal: When meeting friends for dinner, you can casually say, “Servus am Abend, hast du eine schöne Zeit gehabt?” (Hey in the evening, did you have a good time?).
These examples illustrate the practical usage of formal and informal greetings in Austrian and help establish a friendly atmosphere for conversation.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve completed our guide on how to say good evening in Austrian! Remember to adapt your greeting based on the level of formality in a given situation. Whether you choose the formal “Guten Abend” or the informal “Servus am Abend,” your warm and sincere tone will undoubtedly make a positive impression. So, go forth and use these greetings to connect with the Austrian people and immerse yourself in their rich and friendly culture.
