7 Phrases for Small Talk in a Viennese Office

Why small talk in Vienna is essential

In many international companies, people get straight to business. In Vienna, that's not the norm. There's an unwritten rule: relationship first, business second. Someone who skips small talk before a meeting or stays silent in the lift doesn’t come across as efficient – they come across as rude.

The challenge for international professionals: the line between too formal and too casual is hard to navigate in German. These 7 phrases will help you strike exactly the right tone.

The 7 phrases

1. „Wie war das Wochenende?“

Sounds simple – but this is the standard conversation opener on Monday mornings. Important: the answer can be brief. „Sehr entspannt, danke. Und bei dir?“ is perfectly fine. Nobody expects a detailed report.

Why it works: You show interest without being intrusive. In Vienna, that’s appreciated.

2. „Gehen wir einen Kaffee trinken?“

In Vienna, this isn’t just a question about a drink – it’s an invitation for an informal conversation. More decisions are often made over coffee than in meetings. If someone asks you, don’t automatically say no.

Tip: Respond with „Ja, gerne! Ich komm gleich nach.“ – even if you’re currently busy.

3. „Hast du davon schon gehört?“

This usually refers to news within the company, industry, or city. With this question, you position yourself as someone who’s informed and shares information. That builds trust.

Example: „Hast du schon gehört, dass die Abteilung umstrukturiert wird?“ – This shows you’re paying close attention to your environment.

4. „Das kenne ich gut.“

One of the most important small talk phrases of all. When someone talks about a problem, experience, or situation, this signals empathy and connection – without taking over the topic.

Instead of: „Bei mir war das so und so…“ (too self-centred)

Better: „Das kenne ich gut. Wie hast du das dann gelöst?“

5. „Na, alles klar bei dir?“

This is the Viennese equivalent of “How are you?“ – but more genuinely meant than in English. In the corridor, in the kitchen, before a meeting: this shows you notice the person, not just the colleague.

Important: If someone answers „Naja, geht so“, that’s an invitation to briefly follow up. Don’t just walk on.

6. „Schönen Feierabend!“

The most important farewell in the working day. Simple, friendly, and always appropriate – whether you know the person well or not. Works from around 3 pm onwards.

Variation: „Genieß den Abend!“ – slightly more personal, for colleagues you know better.

7. „Lass uns das bei einem Mittagessen besprechen.“

In Vienna, lunch is a social anchor point. Inviting someone to lunch signals: I’m making time for you. Especially effective when you want to raise a topic that would feel too formal in a meeting room.

Important: In Vienna, lunch is usually a hot meal. Plan for at least 45 minutes.

When to use them

• Monday morning: #1, #5 – weekend check-in and personal greeting
• Kitchen/coffee area: #2, #3 – informal exchange
• Before meetings: #4, #5 – building rapport
• After meetings / end of day: #6, #7 – positive close

Conclusion

Small talk in a Viennese office doesn’t follow a script – but it follows patterns. With these 7 phrases, you’ll strike the right tone without seeming too formal or too casual. The most important thing: be genuinely interested. Viennese people quickly notice whether someone is just talking or actually listening.