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GERMAN WORD OF THE DAY

Austrian German phrase of the day: Des is mir Blunzn

This is an important phrase to express your opinion (or lack of it) in Austria.

Published: 9 October 2023 16:42 CEST

Austrian German phrase of the day: Des is mir Blunzn

Photo: Francesco Ungaro / Unsplash + Nicolas Raymond / flickr

Why do I need to know ‘des is mir Blunzn’?

Because sausage idioms are essential in German-speaking countries and this is a particularly helpful piece of Austrian slang.

What does it mean?

Blunzn is the Austrian word for blood sausage (which, by the way, is Blutwurst in high German). And ‘des is mir’ is Austrian dialect for ‘that is to me’. The phrase Des is mir Blunzn (sometimes written like ‘des is ma Blunzn’) literally means ‘that is blood sausage to me’.

Although it should be noted that Blunzn is an ingredient in lots of Austrian dishes, and often thrown into a pan and chopped up and fried with Erdäpfeln (the Austrian German word for potatoes), the phrase in this context doesn’t have anything to do with blood sausage.

Des is mir Blunzn means ‘I don’t care’. You can use it to express indifference to something. If you’ve learned German in a classroom you probably know its cousin: Das ist mir egal. It’s also similar to another German popular idiom – Das ist mir Wurst (literally “that is sausage to me).

READ ALSO: German phrase of the day – Das ist mir egal

The word (die) Blunzn can also be used as a derogatory term to describe a woman who’s acting unwisely.

Although this word never has a particularly positive connotation, it is used in a variety of ways. Depending on the tone of the speaker, it can be used in a loving and jokey manner.

Use it like this:

Wer wird heute das Fußballspiel gewinnen? Das weiß ich nicht. Des is mir Blunzn.

Who will win the football game today? I don’t know and couldn’t care less.

Des is mir Blunzn, in welche Bar wir gehen.

I really don’t care which bar we go to.

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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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