Austria

Austria is a beautiful country located in central Europe. It is known for its rich culture and history. The official language spoken in Austria is German, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas. Vienna is the capital of Austria and it is famous for its stunning architecture and historical landmarks.

Austria is divided into nine main territories, each with its own unique culture and history. The country is surrounded by the Austrian Alps, which is a popular destination for skiing and hiking. The rolling hills and forests in the north offer a peaceful and scenic landscape, while the cities in the east offer a more urban atmosphere.

Austrian cuisine is a mix of traditional and modern cooking techniques, with a focus on hearty and comforting dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Kaiserschmarrn. Wiener Schnitzel is a thin, breaded and fried cutlet made from veal or pork, while Tafelspitz is a boiled beef dish served with root vegetables. Kaiserschmarrn is a sweet and fluffy pancake dish, traditionally served with a fruit compote.

In conclusion, Austria is a country with a rich culture and history. It is famous for its beautiful landscapes, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are a fan of skiing, hiking, or just want to explore the history and culture of central Europe, Austria is a great destination to consider.

Activity 1: Read the text and answer the questions: 

1. What is the official language of Austria?

2. What is the capital of Austria?

3. How many main territories does Austria have?

4. What is the main focus of Austrian cuisine?

5. What is Wiener Schnitzel made of?

6. What is Kaiserschmarrn traditionally served with?

Activity 2. Match the words with the correct definitions:

1. located

2. stunning

3. hiking

4. comforting dish

5. root vegetables

6.  A sport or activity that involves walking in natural environments, often in mountainous regions.

7.  To be situated or placed in a particular area.

8.  Vegetables that grow underground and have a taproot, such as carrots, turnips, and beets.

9.  Extremely impressive or beautiful.

10.  A meal that provides a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Activity 3: Further reading - Go online and find interesting things about Austria in order to answer these questions:

Trivia questions about Austria: 

1. The main source of income in Austria is the service sector, particularly tourism.

2. The most famous landmark in Austria is the Schönbrunn Palace.

3. The currency used in Austria is the Euro.

4. The largest lake in Austria is Lake Constance.

5. The most famous classical music composer from Austria is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

6. The highest mountain in Austria is the Grossglockner.

7. The most famous skiing destination in Austria is the Tyrol region.

8. The population of Austria is approximately 8.9 million people.

9. The most famous museum in Austria is the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

10. The most famous opera house in Austria is the Wiener Staatsoper in Vienna.