1848 . . . the Emperor absently piped up, “I’m the sovereign and I’m the one to decide. Tell the people I agree with everything.”
That a feeble-minded man, who had little to do with the inner workings of government, was able to give success (albeit limited) to a revolution by one comment seems ridiculous. However, this is a prime example of the pyramid of society that informed the working of Austria’s society. It was almost a caste system, impossible to cross its lines within one’s lifetime. Society taught that God put people in their place by the family in which they were born, not by any virtues a person may possess.
In the pinnacle were the Hapsburgs, the demi-god Archdukes with the Emperor leading. Below them were the rest of the nobility (Hochadel and Adel); then the class, Honoratior, of non-noble bureaucrats, university graduates, and professionals; next were the middle-class shop workers, Bughers; and those crowded at the bottom, the Proleten (peasants), who generated the wealth of the nation.
The different classes only saw each other in specific circumstances. There was no marriage allowed between classes. The Hapsburgs were expected to choose mates from the Hochadel. Meaning, when Franz Ferdinand wanted to marry a mere countess in 1900, he had to sign documents that his children would not aspire to the crown and his wife was not allowed elevate her standing by ever standing or sitting by her husband and his equals. This points to how special it was that, far from Vienna, they were given special permission from the Emperor in celebration of their anniversary to sit next to each other in public. Tragically, they were also assassinated together, starting WWI.
Today, Language, education, and job choices still lean toward the class of the a person's family. A person from a less birth-related culture would be wise to keep this in mind to understand people's reactions and comments, especially in regards to the groups to which they do not belong.
While noble titles were abolished along with the monarchy in the 20th century, modern Viennese society still acts according to or in rebellion against the memory of these expectations. Most are still in love with the use of titles. The highest officially allowed is Professor Doctor (a PhD who teaches in university), thereby making education all more honored. To squeeze the last bit out of this, no matter the number of doctorates you have, they just it tack on in any written address. For one written example "Herr Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Schmidt," and so on. Academic titles are important, but so are practical accomplishments. Master craftsmen are addressed as "Herr Meister Schmidt."
In person, one should address a new acquaintance as Herr or Frau and their highest title until told differently. This also should be remembered when making and receiving business cards. Put all post graduate credentials at the end of your name so people will know how to address you. They only address certain titles outloud, but they will interested to know if you have a master's, for instance.
[Recent changes to the university system may affect the use of MA. As a title in the old system of Vienna's Universities this title was only given to those who had made a particular kind of degree called a "Magister". I'm not clear how they will adjust to the bachelor/masters system.]
