Page "Austrian German" Paragraph 9

For many years, Austria had a special form of the language for official government documents.

This form is known as: " Österreichische Kanzleisprache " or " Austrian chancellery language " in English.

It is a very traditional form of the language, probably derived from medieval deeds and documents, and has a very complicated structure and vocabulary which is generally reserved only for such documents.

For most speakers ( even native speakers ), this form of the language is generally difficult to understand, as it contains many highly specialised terms for diplomatic, internal, official, and military matters.

There are no regional variations, because this special written form has mainly been used by a government that has now for centuries been based in Vienna.

" Österreichische Kanzleisprache " is now used less and less, thanks to various administrative reforms which have led to there being fewer of the classic civil servants, the Beamter.

As a result, Standard German is replacing it in government and administrative texts.