Austrians

Austrians (German: Österreicher) are the citizens and nationals of Austria. The word Austrians has been used since the 17th or 18th century to talk about the people of Habsburg Austria. It later described people from the Empire of Austria (1804–1867) and then from Cisleithania from 1867 to 1918. In its narrowest sense, the term Austria originally talked about the old March of Austria, which was about the same size as the Vienna Basin in today’s Lower Austria.

Historically, Austrians were often seen as Germans and many thought of themselves that way. Their lands were part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. When Germany became a country in 1871, Austria was not part of it. In 1867, Austria joined with Hungary to form the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I ended in 1918, Austria became a smaller state called the Republic of German-Austria, but it could not join Germany because of the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1919). The First Austrian Republic started in 1919. In 1938, Nazi Germany took over Austria through the Anschluss.

After World War II, many Austrians stopped thinking of themselves as part of Germany. Today, most Austrians see themselves as their own unique group with a strong national identity.

Name

Further information: Name of Austria

The word Austrian comes from the name Austria. This name means "eastern borderland" in German. People started using the word Austrian in English around the 1600s to talk about people from the area ruled by the House of Habsburg. Later, it just meant anyone who lived in Austria.

History

Main article: History of Austria

The land that is now Austria was home to many different groups over time. In ancient times, it was split into areas known as Raetia, Noricum, and Pannonia. Noricum was a Celtic kingdom. The Raetians were an alpine people.

During the Migration period, the area was settled by Bavarians and other groups. By the 8th century, the region fell under Carolingian rule. Vienna, founded in Celtic times, grew in importance during the High Middle Ages.

After the Battle of Lechfeld, the area became part of the Holy Roman Empire. Over time, territories united under the Archduchy of Austria. The term "Austrian" began to refer to subjects of the House of Austria.

The Habsburg rulers grew more powerful. Centralized rule grew under Maria Theresa and Joseph II.

After the French Revolution and Napoleon’s rise, Emperor Franz II created the Austrian Empire. Following Prussia’s victory over Austria, Austria joined Hungary to form the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In the 19th century, debates about German unity often included Austria. After Austria’s defeat, it was excluded from German unity.

After World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire ended. In 1918, German-speaking parts of Austria sought to join Germany. However, this union was forbidden, and the new Republic of Austria was established.

During World War II, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. After the war, Austria was occupied but declared independence in 1945, establishing the Second Republic. The country developed a distinct Austrian national identity.

Language

Further information: German language and High German languages

People in Austria mainly speak German. The official language is called Austrian German. This special form of German is used on websites, in official messages, and on the news.

Many people also speak local dialects. These belong to two groups: Austro-Bavarian and Allemannic. Different parts of Austria have their own versions of these dialects. Most Austrians can also speak standard Austrian German and learn English in school.

Some areas in Austria also recognize minority languages such as Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian.

Naturalization

Main articles: Austrian nationality law and Immigration to Austria

Austria, like many places in Central Europe, has had many people move there since the 1970s. The biggest group from another country living in Austria comes from Turkey.

Since 1995, more people have been allowed to become official citizens of Austria. They can still stay citizens of their home country too, like in Turkey. But rules became stricter after 2007, so fewer people became Austrian citizens each year.

Today, the largest group of people living in Austria who are not Austrian citizens comes from Germany.

Culture

Main article: Austrian culture

Vienna, Austria's capital, has been important for music for a long time. Many famous composers lived there, like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, and Johann Strauss, Jr.. Austrian writers and poets have also been well known, with names like Arthur Schnitzler and Stefan Zweig.

Austrian food comes from many places, including nearby countries like Germany, Hungary, and Italy. Famous dishes include goulash, and Austria is especially known for its sweet treats. Most Austrians have historically been Catholic, which has shaped the country's culture and history. Today, fewer people follow this religion, and there are also people who follow other beliefs or none at all.