Abstract:
The German language is pluricentric, with regional varieties alongside Standard German. In Austria, these regionalisms, known as Austriacisms, differ from Standard German and are integral to Austrian culture. In foreign language instruction, introducing learners to Austriacisms has multiple benefits, fostering understanding of Austrian culture, easing communication, and enhancing the learning process. Austriacisms can be categorized into words, expressions, and grammatical structures, and various exercises like identification, translation, and usage in sentences can effectively be employed in language teaching. It is crucial to emphasize the plurality of the German language, distinguishing Austriacisms from errors and recognizing their role in linguistic evolution. Additionally, acknowledging the ongoing development of Austriacisms and incorporating creative approaches like games and projects enriches language education, providing advantages for both learners and educators.