Are Austrians an Ethnicity of Their Own or Just a Regional Subset of Germans?

[Musso]

Austrians and Germans are quite close but not the same.

Why?

1) Differing nationality and historical directions, which started ever since a separate Austrian Empire.
2) Some cultural differences, e.g. Viennese culture takes more influence from Eastern Europe/Balkans than German capital.
3) A great majority of Austrians consider themselves Austrians NOT Germans.
4) Slight genetic differences

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That being said, if Austrians had remained part of the German Empire and never separated into the Austrian Empire and so forth, Austria would be like Bavaria is today, would be regionally different but German. But of course, that isn't a reason to label Austrians Germans. Many nationalities and ethnicities have been created as a result of political separation throughout history.

[Óttar]

Bring back the old flag and no one will be able to stop us.

Oh, now you like Germany and the HRE. How convenient.

[Norman]

Germans aren´t even the same within germany.
Why?
1) Differing national and historical directions, GDR-FRG). Prussia vs Bavaria etc.
2) Some cultural differences e.g. Hamburgs culture is not like Bavarias culture.
3) Slight genetic differences.


And why should Austria be like Bavaria? Why is Bavaria not like Hessia or Austria?
The last sentence is true though.

[Musso]

Germans aren´t even the same within germany.
Why?
1) Differing national and historical directions, GDR-FRG). Prussia vs Bavaria etc.
2) Some cultural differences e.g. Hamburgs culture is not like Bavarias culture.
3) Slight genetic differences.


And why should Austria be like Bavaria? Why is Bavaria not like Hessia or Austria?
The last sentence is true though.

But the main difference is that Bavaria stayed within the German national political power, while Austria separated. In history, ethnic groups and nationalities have resulted out of political and geographical divisions. Having a separate political entity, has made Austrians today a different group. That's why pretty much all Austrians view themselves as Austrians not Germans.

[Norman]

I haven`t denied it. Just made fun of the arguments as they could be applied to different people within the german border.
(Though your 3rd argument is hard to apply)
As I said, the last sentence is true.

[Ctwentysevenj]

What do you mean by slight genetic differences. More Slavic influence in the east and south?

[Musso]

I haven`t denied it. Just made fun of the arguments as they could be applied to different people within the german border.
(Though your 3rd argument is hard to apply)
As I said, the last sentence is true.

How you view Austrians?

[Musso]

What do you mean by slight genetic differences. More Slavic influence in the east and south?

They have slightly more Slavic/Balkan genetic input.