Austrian slang in crime fiction: Viennese insults decoded!

Transparenz: Redaktionell erstellt und geprüft.
Veröffentlicht am

Find out how Austrian slang embodies Viennese insults in crime series such as “Kommissar Rex” and “Tatort”.

Erfahren Sie, wie der österreichische Slang in Krimiserien wie "Kommissar Rex" und "Tatort" Wiener Schmäh verkörpert.
Find out how Austrian slang embodies Viennese insults in crime series such as “Kommissar Rex” and “Tatort”.

Austrian slang in crime fiction: Viennese insults decoded!

In the colorful world of Austrian television, crime thrillers occupy a very special place. Especially series like “Commissioner Rex”, “Wien-Krimi” and “Tatort” are prime examples of how the characteristic Viennese slang and the famous Viennese insult combine perfectly with each other. An article by Sylvia Loth explains that these productions not only tell exciting stories, but also have a subtle sense of humor that is deeply rooted in the Viennese dialect.

The use of special terms and expressions ensures that the crime dialect appears very colorful and entertaining. Terms like “Häfn” for prison or “Hinicher” for corpse are used, which make even crime novelists smile. Anyone who hears about a “filutator” immediately knows that they are a fraud. The variety of terms is impressive and gives the viewer a completely new perspective on the world of investigators.

Austrian slang and its diversity

But what exactly makes Austrian slang? In another article Babble It becomes clear that the national language, which is German, differs significantly from federal German. There are countless words and expressions that are typical of Austria. For example, “Grüß Gott” is used as a polite greeting, while “Servus” is more popular with younger people. The use of “Sackerl” for a bag or “Erdapfel” for potatoes also shows how lively and creative the Austrian language is.

Some typically Austrian terms are:

  • Grüß Gott / Servus / Griaß di
  • Jause, die: Zwischenmahlzeit
  • Verlängerter, der: Kaffee
  • Topfen, der: Quark
  • Tschecherl, das: Kneipe

Viennese Schmäh – The special charm

The real core of Viennese humor lies in Viennese disgrace, which is not just an expression, but a whole communication style. This humor is characterized by a sharp mind and a subtle, often indirect way of joking. Typically you will encounter charming sayings and sometimes a certain amount of flattery, which is not always meant seriously.

An example of this is when someone, in an attempt to comfort another, says, "Don't take it so hard. I'm sure I'll get married again!" This shows how Viennese insults often come with a pinch of irony and a deep understanding of human relationships. The Viennese Schmäh is strongly linked to the culture of cabaret and stand-up comedy and thus reflects the city's very own attitude to life.

In summary, it can be said that Austrian slang and Viennese insults not only give crime films their own character, but also provide a deep insight into the cultural subtleties and way of life of the people in this country. Whether it's a cozy evening in a Tschecherl or watching an exciting crime thriller - the humor and charm of the Viennese remain unforgettable.