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Food and Beer of Germany

German Culture: Food, Festivals & Beer!

German culture, history and traditions have had a profound impact not only on the country itself, but also on the rest of the world, shaping everything from philosophy and music to science and technology. From its delicious food and world-famous beer to its colourful festivals and celebrations, Germany offers a unique and exciting experience to everyone who visits or lives there. For expats living in Germany, or for those considering moving to this vibrant country, getting to know the local culture can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local community and feel more at home. In this blog, we will explore some of the most exciting aspects of German culture, including its famous beer, delicious food and vibrant festivals, to help you discover what makes this country such a special and fascinating place.

German Culture: Food!

When it comes to German cuisine, you might first think of sauerkraut and bratwurst, but there is much more to discover! From the delicious Black Forest Cherry Cake to the almost endless variety of breads, every region of Germany has its own culinary specialities. Germans are known for their love of hearty dishes such as pork, meat and poultry.

Did you know that the average German consumes a whopping 72 pounds of meat per year?

But don’t worry, if you’re watching your waistline, you can still enjoy German cuisine! These days, traditional dishes have been updated with healthier versions, and Germany has some of the best continental cuisine restaurants serving delicious pasta, noodles and cheesy bread with sausages. Get ready to fall in love with the diverse and delicious world of German food!

What do Germans eat throughout their day?

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is through food! Germans have a daily routine consisting of three meals, starting with a mouth-watering breakfast of various bread rolls, toast, Brötchen, Semmeln, Schrippen, Wecken, or Rundstücke served with delicious fruit jams. But the real culinary treat for Germans is lunch (Mittagessen), which is considered the main meal of the day. Expect to see pork, egg dishes, bread with various spreads, and meat on the menu, while vegetables are usually eaten as a side dish or in a stew. Interestingly, potatoes are so widely used that they are not even considered a vegetable in Germany! So why not try some local cuisine and indulge in the flavours of Germany?

German Culture: Food

Enjoy eating?? Celebrate it with German food festivals

If you are visiting Germany, then you will never have enough German food and beer. Five primary food and beer festivals are being celebrated every year. Germany celebrates the world’s largest wine festival hosted by the southwestern spa town of Bad Dürkheim in September, where more than 300 types of wine are served in 9 days.
Not only this, Oktoberfest is the daddy of all beverage festivals. This grand fest is held in Munich for 16 days in September and October. They tap the first barrel of beer on the first day, and a procession of people with flowers and beer barrels walk through the city. Thousands of people participate in parades with bands and props. People wear different Bavarian attire, and more than 30 tents are placed to give you the best experience. It’s best to book your favourite tent in advance.

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If you are not fond of drinks but want to eat something new and delicious, you can attend long live potatoes and Kale. As the name sounds, Potato is included in almost every Germans’ recipe, and they do have their ways to thank their favourite food. This festival is celebrated on the Usedom Island in September, where all dishes of Potato are served. After a few days, you will see Kale in the environment.
If you plan to visit Germany, then pack your bags and do not forget to keep antacids with you because this place will give you primary food goals.

German Culture: Festivals!

German culture is famous for its many colourful festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year. From the world-famous Oktoberfest to the colourful carnival celebrations, there is always something exciting going on in Germany. Attending these festivals is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet new people and have a lot of fun. Here are three of the most famous festivals that you definitely don’t want to miss:
Oktoberfest: This is perhaps the most famous festival in Germany and is held annually in Munich. The festival celebrates Bavarian culture, with lots of traditional food, music and of course beer. Visitors can also enjoy rides and games, as well as parades and other cultural events.
Carnival: Carnival is a festive season that takes place in the run-up to Lent and is particularly popular in the Rhineland. Celebrations usually include parades with elaborate floats, costumes and masks, as well as plenty of food and drink. Each city has its own traditions, so it’s worth visiting different places to experience carnival in all its diversity.
Christmas markets: During the Christmas season, Germany is famous for its traditional Christmas markets, which can be found in towns and cities all over the country. These markets are full of food, drink and handmade crafts and offer a festive atmosphere that is hard to beat. Among the most popular markets are those in Nuremberg, Dresden and Cologne.

German Culture: Beer!

It’s fascinating that Germany is the only country in the world that has a law specifically for the beer industry! But let’s take a step back in time. Did you know that Germans weren’t the original inventors of beer? Amazing, isn’t it? The art of brewing beer can be traced back to the Middle East 13,000 years ago, where roasted grains were steeped in water to make a delicious, slightly alcoholic drink. A recent discovery in Haifa, Israel, uncovered the remains of a historic brewery. From there, beer evolved into a staple food in almost every culture in the world, earning it the nickname “liquid bread.”
German Culture: Beer

For centuries, German cloisters have been known for producing some of the best beer in the world for the masses. These beer-producing monasteries date back to the first millennium, 1000 to be exact, and were mostly located in southern Germany. Many of these historic institutions still exist today, including the monasteries of Andechs, St. Gallen, Weihenstephan and Weltenburg, to name but a few. Interestingly, beer was once considered safer than water and was even considered nutritious and a great source of energy. Parents even gave it to their children to keep them happy and calm. Thanks to the introduction of the Beer Purity Law, beer has become one of the most popular drinks in the world.

Let’s delve into the fascinating story of the Beer Purity Law!

Did you know that beer was once cheaper than water in Germany? Pubs were so thirsty for profit that they signed exclusive contracts with breweries, which led to a deterioration in the quality of the beer. To cut costs and maximise profits, brewers filled the beer barrels with whatever they could find, including dangerous ingredients that endangered people’s lives. It wasn’t until 1516 that Bavaria passed the Purity Law, which ensured that beer was made from only three ingredients: Barley, hops and water. Later, yeast was also added to the list of permitted ingredients. This law revolutionised the beer industry and led to over 7,000 different types and flavours of beer.

Thanks to this law, beer became the safe and nutritious drink we know today and is even suitable for children! Germans take their beer very seriously and you can taste the difference in their famous beers, such as the crisp and refreshing Pilsner, the smooth and malty Bock and the light and tangy Kölsch. So the next time you treat yourself to a cold beer, remember the history of the Reinheitsgebot and raise your glass to a safe and delicious beer!

Some of the famous beers being produced by Germans are:

  • Pilsner
  • Larger
  • Witbier
  • Kölsch
  • Dunkel
  • Bock
  • Helles
  • Märzen
  • Altbier

Germany is a country with a rich and fascinating culture that has something to offer everyone. Whether you want to sample world-famous beers and delicious cuisine or immerse yourself in vibrant festivals and celebrations, Germany has it all. As an expat living in Germany or considering a move there, exploring the local culture is a great way to feel at home and connect with the local community. By attending festivals such as Oktoberfest or exploring the delicious local cuisine, you can become more familiar with the unique cultural heritage of this incredible country. So why not pack your bags and experience the wonders of German culture for yourself with a glass of chilled beer? You won’t be disappointed!

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