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German word of the day: Der Kosename

My mouse, my bunny, my boyfriend? It seems that Austrians take pet names very literally.

Published: 11 February 2020 15:39 CET
Updated: 2 February 2023 17:12 CET
German word of the day: Der Kosename
A 'love lock'/'Liebesschloss' hanging from a bridge in Munich. Photo: DPA

What does it mean? 

Despite their reputation for being somewhat reserved when it comes to dramatic expressions of love, Austrians are committed to using pet names with their romantic partners.

The word for these names in German is Der Kosename, the pet name, or Die Kosenamen in plural. This word comes from the verb kosen, which means to snuggle or to caress. Another word popularly used is Spitznamen, which means nicknames.

Some of the most popular include:

Mein Schatz(i): literally “my treasure trove” but also “my darling, sweetie, precious”  

Die Maus/Das Mäuschen: “the mouse/little mouse”

Der Hase/Das Häschen: “the rabbit/bunny” 

Der Kuschelbär: using a similar verb kuscheln, “to cuddle,” this means “cuddle bear” 

Based on this list, it appears that Austrians like to call their partners names resembling actual pets, taking the phrase pet names to a new level. 

In Austria, nicknames for a loved one are more common among younger generations. About one-third of 18 to 29 year olds understand the pet names as a sign of affection and use them to express intimacy, according to an ORF report.

Example Sentences: 

Es ist zu süß für mich, wenn die Österreicher Kosename für ihre Liebhaber verwenden. 

It is too sweet for me when the Austrians use pet names for their lovers. 

“Was sind eure Kosenamen füreinander?” Er nennt mich sein Mäuschen und ich nenne ihn meinen Schatz.“

What are your pet names for each other?” He calls me his little mouse, and I call him my darling.

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AUSTRIAN HABITS

Do Austrians still use the formal ‘Sie’ in German?

In Austria, addressing people with "Sie" has been a tradition for quite some time. However, has this tradition become more relaxed in recent years? And if so, how?

Published: 27 May 2024 13:31 CEST
Do Austrians still use the formal 'Sie' in German?

In Austria, people have been using “Sie” as a formal way of addressing each other for decades, if not centuries.

Using “Sie” is deeply integrated with Austrian culture and has been passed down through generations as a sign of respect and politeness.

But even if “Sie” is still commonly used in Austria today, younger generations tend to use it less frequently than older ones, and the more informal “Du” is increasing in popularity, Vienna’s IKI language academy told The Local.

The ‘du’ form has gained popularity

In general, using “du” is accepted in less formal settings or when you know someone well.

Over time, the use of “Sie” has decreased in informal and semi-official contexts in Austria, according to the IKI language academy.

The informal “du” form has gained popularity, especially among younger people and in digital communication. In social media, informal meetings, and among friends, the “du” form is more commonly used.

Heike Ziehr, Head of the German Language Department at Sprachenzentrum in Vienna, also agreed that “du” is gaining popularity but added that he does not think it’s appropriate in certain situations.

“‘Du’ is spreading, in social media, leisure time, or at workshops. In the mountains, people always use “du” above 2,000 meters. Occasionally, students address me informally at the university, then I point out to them that it is not appropriate. Sometimes there is a high level of familiarity between teachers and students, and then “du” is often used. I do not recommend it in a professional context”, he said.

READ NEXT: How to explore the Austrian mountains in the summer like a local

Formal and official situations

How “Sie” is used among the different generations depends on the situation and who is involved in it.

“Sie” is mainly used in formal and official situations in Austria. You use “Sie” in conversations with strangers, in professional contexts, during official appointments, in stores, and generally in scenarios where respect and distance are expected to be maintained.

It is also common to address older people or those in higher positions with “Sie”, as a sign of respect and acknowledgement.

Some examples of situations where you are expected to use “Sie” include when you have a doctors appointment, in formal business settings such as meetings with customers, or in daily life situations where you engage with strangers, such as in restaurants or other service establishments, especially when speaking to staff members.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: Austria wants to define its fundamental culture but what is it?

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