What Is the Difference Between Austria and Germany?

After World War I, many Austrians wanted to join Switzerland. They didn't want to stick with that leftover German-speaking part of Austria. But the Italian Swiss, the French Swiss, were against it because they weren't allowed to. So they had to stick with us. Now a lot of people just think Austria is Germany's little brother. How is Austria distinct from Germany? You speak the same language but there are terms that are completely different.