Visiting Vienna should i learn German?

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Orla C

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.

dardekkis

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

Spence

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!!

misskitti7Â®

you will find a lot know English so you will be ok

regards x kitti x

SYJ

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.

Sagda

Learn Japanese ;oD

You can if you want to but they all speak English perfectly!
Enjoy Vienna!

old know all

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.

Patricia S

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.

Matt

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.

skullian

you should be fine with a phrase book and you will find most people will have at least a smattering of english.

I went to hanover, germany, last year and found most people spoke excellent english, and the need for my phrase book was virtually non-existent!

but basics like thank you and please always go down well.

Mannequin

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.. "scheiÃŸe" (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.

erika h

I think it's always good to learn the language, but I wouldn't worry too much, they all speak English. Although some might be too arrogant to admit it.

Rommel

you will be serprised to find that a lot of them speak very good english. and its not how good your german is! that they will appreciate, its the fact that you showed respect by making an effort. may i take this oppertunity to say YOU LUCKY DEVIL. your goint to one of the lovelyest places in europe....ENJOY. hope you have a great time.

royaliscross

of course not, unless you really want to.
normal people would understand that you can't speak German. can you imagine how hard it is for people to learn japanase or Chinese simply because they want to travel there?
happy traveling to Vienna, don't forget to visit Mozart's house :)

tabulator32

No, but it would bode well if you liked sausage.

MEATBALL

At the least learn how to say, please, thank you, yes and no. That's just curious.

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