Listen to some words and phrases connected to the imperial city of Vienna. They are pronounced in Austrian German. Some of them are linked to the history of the Habsburg family or to the geography of Vienna. You can also read the verbatim translation and a short explanation in English of what it means or refers to.
1. Schönbrunn
This is the name of the imperial castle in the west of Vienna, and translates as "the beautiful well".
2. Neugebäude
This translates as "the new building", referring to a renaissance palace in the east of Vienna.
3. Schottenstift
"The Scottish convent", a military barracks in central Vienna that was originally a convent of Irish monks.
4. Heuriger
"This year's" new wine, and the establishment where you can drink it; usually a pub on the outskirts of Vienna.
5. Gänsehäufel
"Goose heap", a shallow island in the river Danube originally used for breeding Geese.
6. die schöne Leich
Beethoven's grave at Vienna Central Cemetary
“The beautiful corpse”, an expression showing how much a good funeral means to the Viennese.
7. Biedermeier
The Concert of Europe ensured by the Austrian chancellor Clemens Wenzel von Metternich enabled a period of peace in which Biedermeier sensibilities developed.
A historical episode in the 1820s and 1830s—characterised by inward looking, apolitical, “cosyness”.
8. Alles Erdreich ist Österreich untertan
This translates as “All the world is subject to Austria”, and is one of the interpretations of Emperor Frederic’s symbol AEIOU—see the first letter of each word.
9. Kaisermelange
“Emperor’s medley”, a type of coffee typical in Vienna.
10. Österreich – klösterreich
Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey above the town of Melk, Lower Austria
“Austria – rich in monasteries”. A saying in the Counter-Reformation, indicating the new establishment of convents.
11. Kaiserlich und königlich, k.u.k.
“Imperial and royal“, or belonging to the dual monarchy of Austria and Hungary.
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