Austrian German is the language used in Austria for formal purposes, such as in education, websites, and mass media. Dating from the mid-1700s, the language has prestigious sociolinguistic connotations. Austrian German closely resembles Germany's standard German language, though there are minor differences in vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. Nevertheless, the two languages are mutually intelligible, meaning someone speaking Austrian German will understand a person speaking standard German and vice-versa.
It's also worth noting that in casual or informal situations, most Austrians speak in the German dialect called Austro-Bavarian. Those in western Austria, meanwhile, favor an Alemannic idiom in their everyday speech.
