Can you watch movies in English in Vienna?

One of the most popular English cinemas in Vienna is The Haydn English Cinema . Located right on Mariahilfer Street, this English cinema offers a wide range of films, from blockbusters to independent productions, all in English. The cozy atmosphere of the cinema contributes to making the experience truly special.

Can you get around Vienna speaking English?

Americans are notorious (and regarded as extremely obnoxious) in expecting that people will speak English. In the first district of Vienna, a major tourist area, many people do in fact speak English . But outside that district most shop people, even restaurant people do not, or speak very little.

Is English understood in Vienna?

Speaking English in Vienna Though it is not such a sure thing as in the Scandinavian countries, most people in Austria understand English at least to some extent . Children generally learn English at school from an early age and for most of them it is the primary foreign language.

Can I survive in Austria with English?

English is enough to study in Austria, but it might not be enough to live there . While various statistics show that around 70-75% of the Austrian population speak English to some degree, this can vary significantly from one area to another. You might face challenges when shopping, travelling or asking for help.

Can we speak English by watching English movies?

Therefore, people watch TV series or movies to make the English words and grammar rules they learn more permanent . Additionally, another contribution is that words and phrases frequently used in daily life are often featured in TV series and movies. This can also contribute to individuals when speaking English.

What are the do's and don'ts of Austria?

A Guide to Austrian Etiquette Shake hands. When introduced to new people, or greeting ones you have already met, shake hands and make eye contact with everyone you meet; start with women, then greet men (if there are kids, shake their hands, too!). ... Err on the side of formality. Titles are very important. ... Dress well.

Are Austrians friendly to foreigners?

Even though it ticks many expat boxes, it can be hard to settle into living in Austria. Many expats ascribe this to a lack of overall friendliness in the local Austrian population. In fact, a study found that less than 9% of expats surveyed considered Austrians to be very friendly .

How do you tip in Austria?

Plan to tip around 10-15% in Austrian restaurants . However, the exact tip amount when eating out in Austria depends on the place, occasion, and order size. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.

Does Austria dub movies?

Austria: the dubbing nation While most countries show movies in their original language with subtitles, Austrians have developed a predilection for dubbed dialogues . The dubbing culture of German-speaking countries is stronger and more developed than anywhere else.

Are there any English TV channels in Austria?

For example, Sky offers some English channels , while A1 allows cable subscribers to toggle their TV audio between German and English if the show or movie's original language is English. And, of course, you can always use apps to access your favorite English channels and shows.

Is University of Vienna English speaking?

In general, the language of instruction of degree programmes at the University of Vienna is German .

Find English cinemas in Vienna (2024)

Vienna has more English-language cinemas than many British and US cities (I made that fact up, but it feels plausible).

If you do want to catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster or arthouse release, you should have few problems.

Many movie theatres specialise entirely in English-language films
Look for the abbreviations OV, OmU or OmdU
…all mean shown in the original language
See also:
- What to do in Vienna
- Suggestions for the evenings
- Film festivals

International cinema

The number of screens showing films without dubbing is only partly due to Vienna’s large international community and visiting tourists.

Many locals want to watch films in English; partly to improve their language skills and partly because their English is often good enough for them to enjoy the movie as it was intended.

As a result, even German-language cinemas may have the occasional showing in English. However, several places specialise in original-language film.

For popular, mainstream movies, try these English cinemas:

The Haydn Kino

Artis International

(Conveniently located in the very centre of town)

Part of the Cineplexx chain and the most central of the English cinemas, slap bang in the middle of the old town between the famous Ankeruhr and Judenplatz (which has the Jewish Museum and Holocaust Memorial).

Address: Schultergasse 5, 1010 Vienna | Website

The Burg Kino

(Home to showings of The Third Man)

Another central one, close to the grand old Kunsthistorisches Museum. This cinema also does regular specials, such as Austrian and international films with English subtitles, vintage screenings or discussion evenings.

Most importantly, the Burg shows The Third Man every week.

This 1949 Oscar-winning movie based (and filmed) in Vienna is worth seeing for the locations alone. They didn’t have to build any sets for the war-torn outdoor shots: they just filmed the reality of the post-WWII city.

For further The Third Man experiences, check out my extensive location guide (with photos), the dedicated museum and the themed sewer tour.

Address: Opernring 19, 1010 Vienna | Website

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Other English-language cinemas

For less mainstream English-language movies, try the list below. When browsing, look for these abbreviations:

OV: Originalversion – original version. This means it’s shown in the original language the film was made in

OmU: Original mit Untertitel – original with subtitles. So the same as OV, but showings feature subtitles (usually meaning subtitles in German)

OmdU: Original mit deutschem Untertitel. As OmU but making it very clear the film’s subtitles are in German

OmeU: Original mit englischem Untertitel – original with English subtitles. Again, the same as OV but subtitles are in English

(A movie’s original language may, of course, be something other than English.)

(The Votiv Kino. Also home to, for example, the Festival du Film Francophone)

The first three cinemas in this list are relatively central, being close to (or on) the Ring boulevard that surrounds the old town:

Votiv Kino (often participates in film festivals so look out for special showings)
- Währingerstarsse 12 (9th district) | Website
De France
- Schottenring 5 (1st district) | Website (shared with the Votiv Kino)
Gartenbaukino (possibly the most prestigious address)
- Parkring 12 (1st district) | Website
Filmcasino (another film festival favourite)
- Margaretenstraße 78 (5th district) | Website
Shikaneder
- Margaretenstraße 24 (4th district)| Website
Top Kino
- Rahlgasse 1 (6th district) | Website

Film festivals

Vienna also hosts various international film festivals and film events, many featuring movies in English (with subtitles) or movies in other languages with English subtitles.

And finally…

For the record, the German for cinema is Kino.

As mentioned earlier, some local cinemas also have the occasional showing in English. If you’re checking listings in a paper or outside a movie theater, look out for these abbreviations given above that tell you about languages and subtitles.

For more English-language culture, note that opera houses, theatres, etc. in Vienna often now have English subtitles either above the stage, available through an app, or appearing on a small screen at your seat.

Oh…and enjoy your popcorn.