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SOCIAL

Top nine things Google wants to tell you about Austria

Top nine things Google wants to tell you about Austria

Google is a first stop for many people, so what is the search engine telling the world about Austria?

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<b>Why are Austrian... toilets different?</b> One thing that many foreigners notice when visiting Austria (and Germany) is that most toilets include a ‘shelf’ within the bowl that allows you to inspect what you just… ‘created’. This peculiar addition is in fact intended to reduce the effect of ‘splash’. Austrians certainly seem to avoid flushing away innovative ideas.Photo: Laura/Flickr
<b>Why is Austria... so small?</b>
The country measures 83,871 sq km, which out of 249 countries makes it the 115th largest - so by most of the world’s standards, Austria is actually a decent-sized nation. What many Americans may observe is that Austria looks a lot like the American state of Kentucky. On a map, both pieces of land resemble a chicken drumstick. Kentucky, however, is 104,659 sq km, so that drumstick is more likely to satisfy your hunger.Photo: Vienna4U
<b>Is Austria... in Germany?</b>
Ouch. Many predictive Google searches ask questions that revolve around this theme. The country shares a long and troubled history with its neighbour to the north-west, but whoever has the naivety to ask an Austrian why they are not part of Germany is likely to receive a nasty look, or maybe have a schnitzel thrown in their face. Though it is smaller and has many similarities, Austrians take pride in their sovereignty as a separate nation from Germany.Photo: crossed-flag-pins.com
<b>Are Austrians... real?</b>
Apparently, Google believes that many people question whether or not Austrians 
actually exist. Perhaps Austrians are mythical creatures, like nymphs or fairies? Sources tell The Local, however, that Austrians are, in fact, a real group of people. It’s good to see that confusing matter resolved.Photo: APA
<b>Are Austria... and Australia the same?</b>
Here is another question likely to make any Austrian gag, or laugh. Yes, the names sound the same. Yes, Australia is bigger and more recognizable throughout the 
world. Still, for those unfortunate few who need explanation, Austria is a completely different culture that sits well over 15,000 km away from Australia on a different continent. Photo: James @ Insight
<b>How to do an Austrian... accent</b> 
The only way to truly notice the differences between how Austrians and Germans speak is to spend years studying and speaking German. It is common to hear Austrians poke fun at how Germans speak and vice-versa. Many people think Austrian German sounds most similar to the Bavarian accent - but in actual fact Austrians have a different accent depending on what region of the country they come from. Photo: APA/Gindl

<b>Is Austrian... a language?</b>
It’s hard to completely fault someone for asking this question. With so many 
languages throughout the world, it can be difficult to keep track of which are spoken in which countries. Visitors to Austria asking someone how to speak ‘Austrian’ should expect laughter and an insult - in German, of course. Austrians do however have their own unique version of the German language - which has been given protected status by the EU.Photo: APA/Daniel Karmann

<b>Does Austria... have a navy?</b>
Since Austria is landlocked, this question sounds a little stupid. However, Austria did actually have sea power about a century ago. During World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire controlled a small navy. At the end of the conflict, the allied powers confiscated the navy, which marked the last time the Austrian military had a presence at sea.Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Phillip von Stubenrauch
<b>Do Austrians... speak English?</b>
While German is the national language, it is not difficult to find someone in Austria who speaks English to a fairly good standard. Asking someone “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” will either prompt a quick “yes” or “no,” which will let you know how to continue the conversation. Many Austrians start learning English in primary school, and will relish the opportunity to practise their English, but also appreciate any effort from you to speak German. Photo: APA


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