Everyday life
Everyday lifeMoving Into a New Home in Austria: Phone, Internet, Cable and Parking
Moving home in Austria involves more than changing your address. Phone, internet, cable, ORF, parking and vehicle details may all require separate action.
Everyday lifeMoving Abroad from Austria: Deregistration and Essential Steps in 2026
Leaving Austria involves more than packing. Several services, registrations and contracts may need to be cancelled or updated, sometimes before your moving date.
Everyday lifeMoving to Austria with Pets: What You Need to Know in 2026
Moving to Austria with a dog, cat or ferret involves several requirements before and after arrival. This 2026 guide covers pet passports, dog tax, registration and local rules.
Everyday lifeAustrian Public Holidays and School Holidays in 2025
Plan work, school and family activities with this overview of Austria’s public holidays and school holidays in 2025. Dates are listed by federal province where they differ.
Everyday lifeThe History and Meaning of the Austrian Flag
Austria’s red-white-red flag is one of the world’s oldest national symbols still in use. Its history reaches back to the Babenberg dynasty and the year 1230.
Everyday lifeAustrian public holidays and school holidays in 2024
This guide lists Austria’s official and regional holidays in 2024. It also provides school holiday dates for Burgenland, Niederösterreich and Salzburg.
Everyday lifeID Austria and Digitales Amt: Registration and Key Information
ID Austria is Austria’s digital identification and electronic signature solution, accessed through the Digitales Amt app. This guide explains registration, switching from Handy-Signatur and the available functions.
Everyday lifeEmergency Numbers in Austria: Which Number to Call
Austria uses separate emergency numbers for the police, ambulance service and fire brigade, while the European emergency number 112 also works nationwide. Here is which number to call and what to do while help is on the way.
Everyday lifeHow to Follow Legal Changes and New Restrictions in Austria in 2026
News reports may describe proposals that are not yet binding laws. Find out how to track Austrian legal changes from consultation through publication in the Bundesgesetzblatt.
Everyday lifeSIM Card Registration in Austria and Essential Digital Safety
New prepaid SIM cards in Austria must be registered using personal identification. These practical tips also explain how to reduce the risks of spam, phishing, malware and online fraud.
Everyday lifeOnline Harassment and Hate Speech in Austria: What Is Punishable in 2026?
An insulting comment, leaked photo or inciting post can have serious legal consequences in Austria. Learn what may be punishable and how to respond.
Everyday lifeRight to Your Own Image, Erasure and Data Protection in Austria: What to Know in 2026
Austria protects people against unauthorised use of their image, intrusive cameras and certain online search results. This guide explains the main rights and practical steps available.
Everyday lifeOnline scams in Austria: phishing, webshop and social media fraud
Online fraud often relies on urgency, curiosity and offers that seem too good to be true. Learn how to spot common scams in Austria and where to get help.
Everyday lifeRights of Crime Victims in Austria: What to Know in 2026
If you are the victim of a crime in Austria, you have important rights during criminal and civil proceedings. This guide explains available support, protection and compensation options.
Everyday lifeReporting a Missing Person in Austria: What You Need to Know
You do not have to wait 24 or 48 hours to report someone missing in Austria. Find out where to report the disappearance, what details to provide and what to do if the person is abroad or later found.
Everyday lifePreventing Theft and Burglary in Austria: Official Tips and What to Do in 2026
Good locks, careful habits and neighbourly cooperation can reduce the risk of theft and burglary. Find out what to do if your property or documents are stolen in Austria.
Everyday lifeDisasters in Austria: Warning Systems, Power Cuts, Floods and Storms
Austria uses sirens, mobile alerts and ORF broadcasts to warn people about danger. Find out what the signals mean, what to keep at home and what to do after damage occurs.
Everyday lifeIn Trouble Abroad: Accidents, Arrest and Lost Documents
An accident, illness, theft or arrest can happen during any trip. Learn where to turn, what Austrian health insurance covers and how to replace lost documents.
Everyday lifeEU Roaming in 2026: Calls, SMS and Mobile Data Abroad
With an Austrian SIM card, you can generally use calls, SMS and mobile data in the EU at domestic prices. Learn about exceptions, fair-use rules and extra charges.
Everyday lifeWhat You Can Bring to Austria from Another EU Country
Most goods can move freely within the EU, but special rules apply to alcohol, tobacco, medicines and cash. Here are the key Austrian limits and conditions.
Everyday lifeAustria’s State Symbols: Anthem, Flag and Coat of Arms
Austria’s anthem, flag, coat of arms and other official symbols appear in everyday public life. Here is their history and the legal protection they receive.
Everyday lifeStarting and Running an Association in Austria in 2026
An Austrian association (Verein) can be founded by at least two people for a shared non-material purpose. This guide explains the required statutes, bodies, deadlines, costs and registration steps.
Everyday lifeDrone flying in Austria in 2026: rules you need to know
Flying a drone in Austria requires more than buying the aircraft. This guide explains the 2026 EU-based rules on registration, licences, insurance and safe operation.
Everyday lifeFireworks and New Year’s Eve in Austria: What Is Allowed?
Austria regulates fireworks according to their danger category, with different age limits and authorisations. Some fireworks are prohibited in built-up areas and near sensitive facilities.
Everyday lifeKeeping Dogs and Cats in Austria: Microchips, Dog Tax, Leads and Listed Breeds
Keeping a dog or cat in Austria involves national, provincial and local rules. Here is what you need to know about microchips, registration, dog tax, leads and listed dogs in 2026.
Everyday lifeFishing in Austria: Fishing Permits by Province in 2026
Austria has no nationwide fishing permit: each of its nine provinces sets its own rules. Here is what documents you need, where to get them and what fines may apply.
Everyday lifeCamping, hiking and mushroom picking in Austria: what is allowed in nature?
Anyone may enter Austria’s forests for recreation, but camping, fires, cycling and other activities may require permission. Rules for camping outside forests vary by federal state.
Everyday lifeOmbudsman Offices and Complaint Forums in Austria: Where to Turn
Austria has independent and public complaint forums for problems involving authorities, discrimination, healthcare, employment, insurance, finance and consumer issues. This guide explains which body handles each type of complaint.
Everyday lifeFirearms and pepper spray in Austria: what you need to know in 2026
Austria’s Waffengesetz regulates firearms, while pepper spray is also legally classified as a weapon. This guide explains permits, costs, storage, travel and self-defence rules.
Everyday lifeConsumer Protection in Austria: Guarantees, Repairs and Online Shopping
In Austria, statutory liability, voluntary guarantees and the right to repair are separate protections. Learn how they work, including for online purchases.
Everyday lifeForms of Wills in Austria: When Is Each One Valid?
Austrian law recognises several forms of wills, each with strict formal requirements. This guide explains the rules for handwritten, typed and oral wills.
Everyday lifeInheritance in Austria: Probate and Cross-Border Estates
If someone dies in Austria or leaves assets in more than one country, the applicable law and probate process can be complex. This guide explains the main Austrian rules.
Everyday lifeLay Judges and Jurors in Austria: What You Should Know
In serious criminal cases, Austrian courts may include randomly selected citizens as lay judges or jurors. Here is how selection, duties, exemptions and compensation work.
Everyday lifeCriminal Proceedings in Austria: Witness Summonses, Suspect Rights and Diversion
This guide explains what to expect in Austrian criminal proceedings, whether you are a witness, suspect or victim. It covers summonses, defence rights and Diversion.
Everyday lifeAdministrative Fines in Austria: Organmandat, Anonymverfügung, Strafverfügung and Appeals
Austrian administrative offences can lead to different types of fines, each with different deadlines and appeal options. This guide explains the main procedures and practical next steps.
Everyday lifeOfficial Letters in Austria: Postal and Electronic Delivery
Important official documents in Austria may arrive as registered letters or through electronic delivery. Find out how RSa letters work and how to use Mein Postkorb.
Everyday lifeLost Documents, Found Property and Theft: What to Do in Austria
In Austria, lost property is generally handled by the local authority, while theft must be reported to the police. Here are the key procedures, fees and deadlines.
Everyday lifeStrafregisterbescheinigung in Austria: How to Apply for a Criminal Record Certificate
An Austrian Strafregisterbescheinigung shows whether convictions are recorded in the Austrian criminal register. Here is where to apply, what it costs and which documents you need in 2026.
Everyday lifeUtilities in Austria: Electricity, Gas, Internet and Postal Services
Austria protects access to essential services such as electricity, gas, telecommunications and postal services. Find out what providers must offer and what to do if you cannot pay an energy bill.
Everyday lifeWaste Collection, Recycling and Deposit Refunds in Austria
Austria separates household waste into several collection streams. This guide explains local waste services, recycling rules and how to reclaim the 25-cent deposit.
Everyday lifeLawn Mowing and Quiet Hours in Austria: Rules by State and Municipality
Austria has no single nationwide rule for lawn mowing. Municipalities may set local quiet hours, while state laws and private-law protections against excessive noise can also apply.
Everyday lifeNeighbour Disputes in Austria: Noise, Fences, Trees and Smoke
Neighbourly disputes in Austria often involve noise, trees, fences, smoke or other disturbances. Learn the applicable standards and the usual steps for resolving a complaint.
Everyday lifeSafety for Older People in Austria: Scams and Home Emergency Call Systems
Older people are often targeted by callers, fake officials and doorstep scammers. Learn how to recognise these tactics and how Hausnotruf systems work in Austria.
Everyday lifeSmoking bans in Austria in 2026: where smoking is allowed and prohibited
Austria’s smoking rules cover cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, shisha and nicotine products. Here is where smoking is prohibited and where designated smoking areas may be possible.
Everyday lifeECTS, STEOP and Bologna: How Austria’s University System Works
Austria’s university system follows the Bologna structure and uses ECTS credits to measure study achievements. Learn how STEOP works, what can be recognised and how to qualify for admission.
Everyday lifeFachhochschule and Pädagogische Hochschule in Austria: What to Know in 2026
Austria offers practice-oriented higher education through Fachhochschulen and Pädagogische Hochschulen. This guide explains admission, study formats, graduation and reporting duties in 2026.
Everyday lifeStudying at an Austrian University: Admission and Tuition Fees
EEA and Swiss citizens can generally apply to Austrian universities under the same conditions as Austrian students. Learn about admission, German-language requirements, tuition fees and moving to Austria for your studies.
Everyday lifeZentralmatura: How Austria’s AHS and BHS School-Leaving Exam Works
Austria’s Zentralmatura is a partly standardised, competence-based school-leaving exam. This guide explains the three exam components, the differences between AHS and BHS, grading and practical next steps.
Everyday lifeORF Contribution in 2026: Who Pays and Who May Be Exempt?
The ORF Contribution replaced the former GIS fee on 1 January 2024 and is charged per household. Certain groups may apply for an exemption if their household income is below the applicable limit.
Everyday lifePublic holidays in Austria in 2026
Austria has 15 official public holidays in 2026, valid in every federal state. Use this overview to plan work, appointments and time off.
Everyday lifeSchool holidays in Austria in the 2025/2026 school year
Austria’s 2025/2026 school holidays include nationwide autumn, Christmas, Easter and Whitsun breaks. Half-term and summer holiday dates vary by region.
Everyday lifeSchool holidays in Austria in the 2026/2027 school year
Find the 2026/2027 school holiday dates in Austria, including province-specific winter and summer holidays. The overview also covers public holidays and school-autonomous days.
Everyday lifePublic Holidays in Austria in 2027: Holidays and Long Weekends
Austria has 13 statutory public holidays in 2027, with nine falling on weekdays. Here are the full dates, long weekends, regional holidays and important exceptions.
Everyday lifeThe German Alphabet: Letters, Pronunciation and Spelling
The German alphabet has 26 basic letters plus Ä, Ö, Ü and ß. Learn their names, approximate sounds and how to spell words in everyday situations.
Everyday lifeDouble Consonants in German (Doppelkonsonanten)
In German, double consonants do not indicate a long consonant. They usually show that the preceding vowel is pronounced briefly.
Everyday lifeGerman Modal Verbs in the Past Conditional: The Double Infinitive
German modal verbs use a double infinitive in the past conditional. Learn the structure, see practical examples, and avoid common mistakes.
Everyday lifePersonal Pronouns in German
German personal pronouns replace nouns referring to people, animals, objects or concepts. This guide explains their forms in all four cases.
Everyday lifeSubstantivised Adjectives in German
German adjectives can be used as nouns to describe people, nationalities and abstract concepts. Learn how to capitalise and decline them correctly.
Everyday lifeHow to Use the German zu + Infinitive Construction
The German zu + infinitive construction often replaces a dass subordinate clause, making sentences shorter and simpler. Learn when to use it and where zu belongs.
Everyday lifeHow to Use German Optative Sentences (Wunschsätze)
German optative sentences express wishes, hopes and desires. Learn the two main structures using Konjunktiv II, with or without wenn.
Everyday lifeThe Subjunctive II Forms of German Modal Verbs
German modal verbs have their own Konjunktiv II forms rather than using würde + Infinitiv. Learn how to use müsste, könnte, sollte, wollte, dürfte and möchte.
Everyday lifeThe Conditional Forms of haben and sein: hätte and wäre
The German verbs haben and sein have special conditional forms: hätte and wäre. Learn their conjugation, common uses and frequent mistakes.
Everyday lifePast Conditional Sentences with wenn
German past conditional sentences describe unreal situations in the past: something could have happened differently, but did not. Learn the structure, word order and common examples.
Everyday lifeGerman Reflexive Verbs: Reflexivverben and “sich” Verbs
German reflexive verbs use a reflexive pronoun to show that an action relates to the subject. Learn when to use Akkusativ or Dativ and how fixed prepositions work.
Everyday lifeGerman Practice: Writing to a Hospital Administrator
This practical German exercise shows how to contact a hospital’s financial department about a previous payment and a reminder received by post.
Everyday lifeAustrian Hallmarks: How to Check Precious-Metal Items
Austrian hallmarks provide information about the precious-metal content and origin of jewellery and valuables. Learn what the numbers mean and how to check an item before buying.
Everyday lifeNew e-card and ID-Austria registration points in Burgenland also available in Styria
Burgenland has expanded its e-card and ID-Austria registration services. Applicants from Styria can also use the new locations in Nickelsdorf and Heiligenkreuz.