Visiting Vienna should i learn German?

Question

Im visiting Vienna in a few weeks, is it nessacery to learn German? I've already bought some 'learn German CD's' and a Phrase book, but i still feel under educated to go. Can anyone give me any advice or tell me a very good Phrase book?

Ive never traveled abroad before so sorry if this sounds silly.

Answer 1

It doesn't sound silly, it's actually a very good thing. Just learn a few phrases, like please, thank you, do you speak English, and what's the appropriate way to greet people when you go into a shop. People really appreciate it when a foreigner makes the effort! But in a city like Vienna, you'll find a lot of people speak English.

The DK Eyewitness Guides have a lot of information, and a list of useful phrases with pronunciation at the back of the book. I suggest getting one of these.

Answer 2

Personally, I've found that learning German has allowed me to have a better experience in the German-speaking world. Germans are able to think of me as less of a tourist, and then I don't get those looks like I'm a complete idiot.

However, the German spoken in Vienna and Austria as a whole is much, much different than standard High German, which is what your phrase books will teach. I would reccomend taking your phrase book and getting a German-English Dictionary, preferably from Langenscheidt or Longman's (same company, the ones with the bright yellow covers.)

So, while German would help, the fact that Vienna is so popular with tourists means that you can get by rather well without any German at all. Although, if you go to any of the smaller towns in Austria, don't be surprised if they speak poor English or none at all.

Answer 3

German is the language of Austria, of which Vienna (Wien) is the capital. indications are frequently interior the close by language. whether, inspite of my rudimentary German, I had no hardship getting around. many human beings talk English. i stumbled on the Vienna Card improve right into a robust deal. I used it no longer purely on public transport, yet to savor quite a few cultural factors of interest as properly. I surely recommend spending time at Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere Palace. The Hofburg is likewise spectacular. do no longer pass over St. Stephan's Cathedral, the two. attempt to capture a overall performance on the opera, philharmonic or the Theatre an der Wien as properly. What a shame you purely have 2 days. hopefully you're travelling with a robust guidebook alongside with "enable's bypass" or Rick Steves' "Europe during the back Door" that should assist you including your making plans.

Answer 4

There are more sillier questions around.
You should learn it because it's helpful. I went to Germany last month completely uneducated if you know what I mean. But I survived and I have to thank my personal guide for being such a big help.

The only words I could manage were "entshuldigung", "danke", "wo ist die toilette, bitte?", "ich verstehe nicht", "ja/nein".. and um.. "scheiße" (s***).. lol
But certainly not enough to save my life. Hopeless, really. But you should learn how to ask for directions for example. Or ask for what you need, how to order food, how to introduce yourself, etc.

Any beginners guidebook for German should be helpful, just look for which is most helpful to you.
Don't be disappointed if you don't learn much. It's not an easy language. But it's good to get yourself acquainted with German. It will be very helpful.

If all else fails, just use English.

Answer 5

Capital of the Republic of Austria and one of Europe's many visited cities, Vienna (Wien) owes much of their appeal and wealthy history to their striking area on the banks of the beautiful Danube River. Vienna is the spot you wish to invest your holyday so don waste any moment and get additional information with hotelbye . Vienna was, for ages, the gateway between West and East Europe; it had been the natural nucleus of the once sprawling Habsburg Empire, and to this day remains Austria's most important commercial and social hub. Vienna continues to attract readers with its several great ancient web sites, as well as because of its active plan of activities and entertainment.

Answer 6

Most people in tourist areas can speak English. However, you'll be much better treated if you have made some effort to speak their language. Hello, Goodbye, Please and Thank-you are a good start.

When in Vienna, remember that coffee is not a drink, but a religion. It comes in about 40 varieties. If you ask for Eine Cappuccino (the Italian word) you get the French variety of stong black coffee with whipped cream. If you ask for Eine Melange (the French word) you get the Italian variety of strong black coffee with frothy milk on top.

Answer 7

Austria, like many non-English speaking European countries, requires that English be taught as a second language. You will find that most educated people in Austria speak English adequately for you to communicate with them. You will find that a smile, a few polite phrases and a pleasant demeanor will work just fine.
Have a wonderful time.

Answer 8

You don't need to learn German! Many Germans understand and can speak English!! But it would be polite to learn and use some phrases!!

Answer 9

Enjoy your trip and go with the knowledge you have. Most foreigners speak English far better than we do their language but those you meet will be thrilled you have made an attempt to learn their language. You will return with a far better knowledge than reading Phrase books now.

Answer 10

You'll be just fine in Vienna whether you know German or not but if you try speaking it people will appreciate the effort.