Austria

Summary

Official Name
Population: 8,933,000
Principal Languages: Standard German
Literacy Rate: 98% (Roser and Ortiz-Ospina 2018)
International Conventions: CPPDCE (2006), CSICH (2012), ECRML (1992), FCPNM (1998), ICCPR (1966), UNCRPD (2006), UNDRIP (2007)
General References: Comrie 1987, Stephens 1976
Deaf Population: 482,300
Language Counts: The number of established languages listed for Austria is 18. All are living languages. Of these, 9 are indigenous and 9 are non-indigenous. Furthermore, 3 are institutional, 11 are developing, and 4 are in trouble. Also listed are 27 unestablished languages.

Languages

Albanian, Tosk als: Users: 28,200 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Albanian, Tosk
Alemannic gsw: Vorarlberg state. Users: 300,000 in Austria (1991 A. Schmidt). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Alemannisch Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Upper German, Alemannic
Arabic, North Levantine Spoken apc: Users: 17,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic
Austrian Sign Language asq: Scattered. Users: 8,000 (2014 EUD). EUD estimates 8,000–10,000 deaf sign language users. Another estimate: 39,500 deaf (2014 IMB). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2005, Constitution, Section 8(3) as amended). Alternate Names: Carinthian Sign Language, KGS, OEGS, ÖGS, Österreichische Gebärdensprache Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Bavarian bar: Lower Austria and Salzburg states; Burgenland, Carinthia, and Styria (Northern Bavarian dialect). Users: 8,280,000 in Austria (European Commission 2012). Total users in all countries: 14,539,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bairisch, Bavarian Austrian, Bayerisch, Ost-Oberdeutsch Autonym: Boarisch Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Upper German, Bavarian-Austrian
Bosnian bos: Users: 34,900 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Western
Bulgarian bul: Users: 5,390 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Eastern
Burgenland Croatian ckm: Burgenland state. Users: 30,000 in Austria (2002 UNESCO). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna), under the name of ‘Croatian’. Alternate Names: Burgenlandkroatische Sprache, Chakavian, Gradišćanskohrvatski jezik Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Western
Chinese zho: Users: 9,960 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished.
Croatian hrv: Burgenland, Lower Austria and Vienna states. Users: 109,000 in Austria (2017 World Factbook). Status: 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna). Alternate Names: Hrvatski, Serbo-Croatian Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Western
Czech ces: Lower Austria. Users: 17,700 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna). Alternate Names: Čeština, Český jazyk Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, West, Czech-Slovak
Dutch nld: Users: 3,800 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, Low Saxon-Low Franconian, Low Franconian
English eng: Widespread. Users: 6,558,600 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 58,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD). L2 users: 6,500,000 (2019). Status: 4 (Educational). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English
French fra: Scattered. Users: 1,186,900 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 16,900 in Austria (2018 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 1,170,000 (Marcoux et al 2022). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
German, Standard deu: Widespread. Users: 182,000 in Austria (2017 Eurostat), based on nationality. Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1929, Constitution, Article 8), constitution reinstated 1945. Alternate Names: Deutsch Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Middle German, East Middle German
Greek ell: Users: 3,100 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Greek, Attic
Hungarian hun: Burgenland, Lower Austria, Styria, and Vienna states. Users: 40,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Ethnic population: 60,000 (Laakso et al 2013). Status: 4 (Educational). Recognized language (1976, Ethnic Groups Act, Articles 13–15). Alternate Names: Magyar, Ungarisch Classification: Uralic
Italian ita: Users: 794,700 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 10,700 in Austria (2003 UNSD). L2 users: 784,000 (European Commission 2012). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Italo-Dalmatian
Macedonian mkd: Users: 5,150 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Eastern
Persian, Iranian pes: Users: 10,700 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Southwestern, Persian
Polish pol: Users: 30,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, West, Lechitic
Portuguese por: Users: 3,200 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Portuguese-Galician
Romani, Carpathian rmc: Burgenland province. Users: 6,270 in Austria (2003 UNSD). All Romani in Austria. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Burgenland Romani, Central Romani, Romanes Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Romani, Northern
Romani, Sinte rmo: Upper Austria. Users: 6,270: All Romani in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Recognized language (1993, Federal Act of 16 December). Alternate Names: Manuš, Romanes, Sinte, Sinti, Sintitikes Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Romani, Northern
Romani, Vlax rmy: Burgenland state: Oberwart district and Oberwart city. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Romani, Vlax
Romanian ron: Users: 16,900 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Eastern
Russian rus: Users: 150,000 in Austria (Arefyev 2012), all users. L1 users: 40,000 (European Commission 2012). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, East
Serbian srp: Users: 177,000 in Austria (2017 World Factbook). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Western
Slovak slk: Scattered, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria, Vienna. Users: 10,200 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna). Alternate Names: Slovenčina, Slovenský Jazyk Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, West, Czech-Slovak
Slovene slv: Carinthia and Styria states. Users: 24,900 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna). Alternate Names: Slovenščina, Slovenian, “Windisch” (pej.) Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Western
Spanish spa: Users: 299,980 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 9,980 in Austria (2003 UNSD). L2 users: 290,000 (2019). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Castilian
Swabian swg: Tyrol state: Reutte district, Reutte town area. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Schwäbisch Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Upper German, Alemannic
Swedish swe: Users: 2,680 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, North, East Scandinavian, Danish-Swedish, Swedish
Tagalog tgl: Users: 5,580 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Tagalog
Turkish tur: Users: 197,000 in Austria (2015). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Turkic, Southern, Turkish
Walser wae: Tyrol state: Paznauntal area, Brandnertal, Galtur, Lech, Reintal, Schricken, Silbertal, and Warth; Vorarlberg state: Grosses Walsertal, Kleinwalsertal, Tannberg areas. Users: 8,080 in Austria (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Walscher Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Upper German, Alemannic

Languages by Status

1 (National)

German, Standard

[deu] 1 (National). Statutory national language (1929, Constitution, Article 8), constitution reinstated 1945. 182,000 in Austria (2017 Eurostat), based on nationality.

4 (Educational)

English

[eng] 4 (Educational). 6,558,600 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 58,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD). L2 users: 6,500,000 (2019).

Hungarian

[hun] 4 (Educational). Recognized language (1976, Ethnic Groups Act, Articles 13–15). 40,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD). Ethnic population: 60,000 (Laakso et al 2013).

5 (Dispersed)

Czech

[ces] 5* (Dispersed). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna). 17,700 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

French

[fra] 5* (Dispersed). 1,186,900 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 16,900 in Austria (2018 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 1,170,000 (Marcoux et al 2022).

Italian

[ita] 5* (Dispersed). 794,700 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 10,700 in Austria (2003 UNSD). L2 users: 784,000 (European Commission 2012).

Romani, Sinte

[rmo] 5* (Dispersed). Recognized language (1993, Federal Act of 16 December). 6,270: All Romani in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Slovak

[slk] 5* (Dispersed). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna). 10,200 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Slovene

[slv] 5* (Dispersed). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna). 24,900 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

5 (Developing)

Alemannic

[gsw] 5* (Developing). 300,000 in Austria (1991 A. Schmidt).

Austrian Sign Language

[asq] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2005, Constitution, Section 8(3) as amended). 8,000 (2014 EUD). EUD estimates 8,000–10,000 deaf sign language users. Another estimate: 39,500 deaf (2014 IMB).

Bavarian

[bar] 5* (Developing). 8,280,000 in Austria (European Commission 2012). Total users in all countries: 14,539,000.

Romani, Carpathian

[rmc] 5* (Developing). 6,270 in Austria (2003 UNSD). All Romani in Austria.

Swabian

[swg] 5* (Developing).

6b (Threatened)

Burgenland Croatian

[ckm] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna), under the name of ‘Croatian’. 30,000 in Austria (2002 UNESCO).

Croatian

[hrv] 6b (Threatened). Recognized language (1955, Treaty of Vienna). 109,000 in Austria (2017 World Factbook).

Romani, Vlax

[rmy] 6b* (Threatened).

Walser

[wae] 6b* (Threatened). 8,080 in Austria (2000).

Unestablished

Albanian, Tosk

[als] Unestablished. 28,200 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Arabic, North Levantine Spoken

[apc] Unestablished. 17,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Bosnian

[bos] Unestablished. 34,900 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Bulgarian

[bul] Unestablished. 5,390 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Chinese

[zho] Unestablished. 9,960 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Dutch

[nld] Unestablished. 3,800 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Greek

[ell] Unestablished. 3,100 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Macedonian

[mkd] Unestablished. 5,150 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Persian, Iranian

[pes] Unestablished. 10,700 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Polish

[pol] Unestablished. 30,600 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Portuguese

[por] Unestablished. 3,200 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Romanian

[ron] Unestablished. 16,900 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Russian

[rus] Unestablished. 150,000 in Austria (Arefyev 2012), all users. L1 users: 40,000 (European Commission 2012).

Serbian

[srp] Unestablished. 177,000 in Austria (2017 World Factbook).

Spanish

[spa] Unestablished. 299,980 in Austria, all users. L1 users: 9,980 in Austria (2003 UNSD). L2 users: 290,000 (2019).

Swedish

[swe] Unestablished. 2,680 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Tagalog

[tgl] Unestablished. 5,580 in Austria (2003 UNSD).

Turkish

[tur] Unestablished. 197,000 in Austria (2015).

Maps

Austria

Graphs

Language Vitality Profile
Full explanation
This graph shows the profile of languages in Austria with respect to their level of language vitality. Each individual language that has an entry for Austria is included in the profile. The horizontal axis represents the estimated level of vitality. The height of each bar indicates the number of languages that are estimated to be at the given level.
The vitality levels and the color coding of the bars match the scheme used in the guide on How many languages are endangered? In this scheme, the levels and colors are as follows:
- Dark green = Institutional (EGIDS 0-4) — The language has been developed to the point that it is used and sustained by institutions beyond the home and community.
- Light green = Stable (EGIDS 5-6a) — The language is not being sustained by formal institutions, but It is still the norm in the home and community that all children learn and use the language.
- Red = Endangered (EGIDS 6b-9) — It is no longer the norm that children learn and use this language.
These three summary levels have been derived by grouping levels in the Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS), which is the more fine-grained scale that Ethnologue uses to assess the status of every language in terms of development versus endangerment; see the Language Status page for a description of the levels of that scale. See also the pages on Development and Endangerment for more discussion.
Language Status Profile
Full explanation
This graph shows the profile of languages in Austria with respect to their status of language development versus language endangerment. Each individual language that has an entry for Austria is included in the profile. The horizontal axis represents the estimated level of development or endangerment as measured on the EGIDS scale. (See the pages on Development and Endangerment for a fuller explanation.) The height of each bar indicates the number of languages that are estimated to be at the given level. Consult the Status listings for Austria in order to see the specific languages for each level.
The color coding of the bars matches the color scheme used in the summary profile graphs on the navigation maps for the site. In this scheme, the EGIDS levels are grouped as follows:
- Purple = Institutional (EGIDS 0-4) — The language has been developed to the point that it is used and sustained by institutions beyond the home and community.
- Blue = Developing (EGIDS 5) — The language is in vigorous use, with literature in a standardized form being used by some though this is not yet widespread or sustainable.
- Green = Vigorous (EGIDS 6a) — The language is unstandardized and in vigorous use among all generations.
- Yellow = In trouble (EGIDS 6b-7) — Intergenerational transmission is in the process of being broken, but the child-bearing generation can still use the language so it is possible that revitalization efforts could restore transmission of the language in the home.
- Red = Dying (EGIDS 8a-9) — The only fluent users (if any) are older than child-bearing age, so it is too late to restore natural intergenerational transmission through the home; a mechanism outside the home would need to be developed.
- Black = Extinct (EGIDS 10) — The language has fallen completely out of use and no one retains a sense of ethnic identity associated with the language.

Resources

View Terms
Each Ethnologue country digest is a licensed product with restricted terms of use. Before downloading the product, you must agree to the following terms:
- This is a license for individual use. Just as with a conventionally published book, it is a violation of copyright to make a copy and give it to others.
- You may not redistribute this work in any form, including ingesting the contents into a database that is shared with others or posting it on a web site (whether public or private).
To inquire about permission for reuse or redistribution, please use the Contact Us form in the footer.
I agree to the digest terms of use.
Digest of the languages of Austria ($149.95, 25 page PDF)

Austria

Summary

Languages

Languages by Status

Maps

Austria

Graphs

Language Vitality Profile

Language Status Profile

Resources

Contributions

Editorial Action