Languages have a significant impact on mathematics learning, with visual languages and spoken languages in particular differing. The study presented here investigates how one can sign about notions in elementary algebra in different ways in Austrian Sign Language. In particular, the focus is on the question of what sign language signs of the notion of variable can represent and thus how they may impact on the understanding of variables. Distinctions from spoken language are identified. The study is part of a larger investigation into communicating about elementary algebra in sign languages.