Why do I need to know Hausübung?
Hausübung means “homework”.
It’s specifically Austrian German. Learners who studied German in Germany are much more likely to know Hausaufgabe.
You’ll hear Hausübung from teachers, children and parents, and see it in school messages, exercise books and online learning platforms. It’s also often shortened to HÜ in school timetables and notes.
The timing is particularly apt this week. The 2026/27 school year begins on September 7th in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, while pupils in Austria’s other six provinces return on September 14th.
READ ALSO: When are Austria's school holidays in 2026/27?
What does it mean?
The word combines Haus, meaning “house” or “home”, with Übung, meaning an exercise or practice task.
So Hausübung is essentially an exercise you’re given to complete at home.
The equivalent of "Hausaufgabe" is understood in Austria as well, but "Hausübung" is the characteristically Austrian term. You may also simply hear pupils talk about their Aufgaben, or assignments.
And if a teacher writes HÜ on the board or in a school message, they’re not introducing another mysterious Austrian school acronym. It’s simply short for Hausübung.
READ ALSO: Four things foreigners in Austria need to know about the education system
Der, die or das?
It’s die Hausübung.
The word is feminine because its final element, Übung, is feminine: die Übung.
The plural is die Hausübungen.
Use it like this:
Ich muss noch meine Hausübung machen.
I still have to do my homework.
Hast du die Hausübung schon gemacht?
Have you done your homework yet?
Die Lehrerin hat keine Hausübung für morgen gegeben.
The teacher didn’t give us any homework for tomorrow.
So if a child in Austria announces that they still have a Hausübung to finish, don’t go looking for a workout to do at home - they’ve got homework.
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