Cultural Training

Decode Austrian culture before awkward moments teach you the hard way

Why does your Austrian colleague seem annoyed? Was it the email? The meeting? That time you said “du” instead of “Sie”? Austrian culture has unspoken rules that can make or break professional relationships. We help you understand what’s really going on—so you can navigate workplace dynamics and social situations without the guesswork.

What’s included:

Pre-session micro-videos covering the essentials (watch on your schedule)
90-minute live session diving into your specific questions (virtual or in-person)
Digital reference guide for when cultural questions pop up later

Why this matters

You can figure out Austrian culture eventually—through trial, error, and a collection of uncomfortable moments. Or you can understand it upfront and skip the part where you accidentally insult your colleague, confuse your landlord, or wonder why everyone seems annoyed with you. Cultural misunderstandings aren’t just awkward; they affect your professional relationships, your reputation, and how quickly you feel at home in Vienna. We help you get it right from the start.

Note: Oberhammer EOR and Relocation services are provided by our subsidiary, Oberhammer EOR and Relocation GmbH.

What we cover

The Hierarchy Thing

Austrian workplaces take titles and hierarchy seriously. Herr Doktor this, Frau Direktor that—it’s not pretentious, it’s protocol. We explain when titles matter, how to address colleagues properly, and why skipping straight to first names can backfire. You’ll know exactly when formality is required and when you can relax.

Communication That Actually Works

Austrians are direct. But also formal. Which sounds contradictory until you understand how it works. We walk through the Sie/du distinction (and why it matters more than you think), Austrian email style (spoiler: it’s formal even when friendly), how to read between the lines in meetings, and when “we’ll see” actually means “probably not.”

Social Situations Without the Awkwardness

Dinner invitations, neighbor interactions, Sunday expectations—Vienna has unwritten rules. We cover greeting etiquette (handshakes, not hugs), small talk that works (and topics to avoid), punctuality (yes, it’s serious), the “Wiener Grant” phenomenon (it’s not you, it’s Vienna), tipping culture, and quiet hours that people actually enforce.

Your Specific Situation

Managing an Austrian team? Working with Austrian clients? Just trying to understand why your landlord seems perpetually annoyed? We tailor the session to your actual needs—whether that’s workplace dynamics, social integration, or just surviving daily life without accidentally offending anyone.

How it works

Before We Meet

Watch a couple of short videos covering Austrian workplace basics—hierarchy, titles, the Sie/du distinction. This gives us a foundation so the live session can focus on what actually matters to you.

Live Session (90 Minutes)

We dig into the cultural dynamics that affect your daily work and life. We work through real scenarios and your specific questions—virtual or in-person, whichever works for you.

After the Session

You get a digital reference guide covering workplace etiquette, social norms, and those "wait, what do I do here?" moments that pop up when you least expect them.

Our Approach

Cultural training shouldn't feel like homework. Austrian culture makes sense once you understand the logic behind it—hierarchy isn't about being uptight, it's about clarity; formality isn't coldness, it's respect. We explain the "why" so you can read situations yourself, not just memorize rules.

Ready to understand Austrian culture?

Whether you're starting a new role in Vienna or have been here for months and want to understand the culture better, our training provides the cultural insight you need.

Book a consultation