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Beer (German:Bier,pronounced[biːɐ̯]ⓘ) is a major part ofGerman culture. According theReinheitsgebot (German beer purity law), only water,hops,yeast andmalt are permitted as ingredients in its production.[1] Beers not exclusively using barley-malt, such aswheat beer, must betop-fermented.[2][3]
In 2023, Germany ranked fourth in beer exports and in 2020, Germanyranked third in Europe in terms of per-capita beer consumption, trailing behind theCzech Republic andAustria.[4][5]
While the beer market is weaker but more centralized in northern Germany, southern Germany has many smaller, local breweries. Almost half of all German breweries are in Bavaria,[13] where the seven main breweries produce 158 million US gal (6.0 million hl) annually.[14] 5,000 different beer types are produced across 1,500 breweries in Destination Germany. Half of this number is found in Bavaria.[15]
The highest density of breweries in the world is found inAufseß near the city ofBamberg, in theFranconia region of Bavaria, with four breweries and only 1,352 citizens.[16] TheBenedictine abbeyWeihenstephan brewery (established in 725) is reputedly the oldest existing brewery in the world (brewing since 1040).In 2004, Oettinger replaced Krombacher as the best selling brand in Germany.[17]
| Brewery | Location | Output in 2012[18] | Output in 2015[19] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oettinger | Oettingen | 5.89 | 5.39 |
| Krombacher | Kreuztal | 5.46 | 5.49 |
| Bitburger | Bitburg | 4.07 | 3.84 |
| Beck's | Bremen | 2.78 | 2.59 |
| Warsteiner | Warstein | 2.77 | 2.34 |
| Hasseröder | Wernigerode | 2.75 | 2.25 |
| Veltins | Meschede | 2.72 | 2.79 |
| Paulaner | Munich | 2.30 | 2.42 |
| Radeberger | Radeberg | 1.91 | 1.90 |
| Erdinger | Erding | 1.72 | 1.80 |
Beer tax applies to the production or import of beer and beer-based mixed drinks. Exceptions include beer supplied free of charge by licensed breweries to employees and beer brewed by home or hobby brewers, up to 200 liters per calendar year.[20]
Thealcohol-by-volume, orABV, content of beers in Germany is usually between 4.7% and 5.4% for most traditional brews.Bockbier or Doppelbock (double Bockbier) can have an alcohol content of up to 16%, making it stronger than many wines.
Children aged 14 to 15 may consume beverages containing up to 1.2% alcohol when accompanied by a parent or guardian. From age 16, they may purchase and consume such drinks without supervision. At 18, they are permitted to buy and consume all alcoholic beverages regardless of alcohol content.[21]
AWeizen glass is used to servewheat beer. Originating in Germany, the glass is narrow at the bottom and slightly wider at the top; the width both releasing aroma, and providing room for the often thick, fluffy heads produced by wheat beer.[22][self-published source?] It tends to be taller than a pint glass, and generally holds 500 millilitres with room for foam or "head". In some countries, such as Belgium, the glass may be 250 ml or 330 ml.
Wheat beers tend to foam a lot, especially if poured incorrectly. A customary manner is to swirl around a bit of (preferably cold) water in the glass to wet it and afterwards pouring the beer slowly, holding the glass in an angle of approximately 45 °.
Abeer stein (or simply astein/ˈstaɪn/STYNE) is an Englishneologism for a traditional type of beer mug. Steins may be made ofstoneware (rarely the inferiorearthenware),pewter,porcelain,silver,glass, orwood. They may have open tops or may have hinged pewter lids with a thumb-lever.
Steins usually come in sizes of a half-litre or full litre (or comparable historical sizes). Like decorativetankards, they are often decorated in nostalgic themes, generally showing allusions to Germany orBavaria.
It is believed by some that the lid was implemented during the time of theBlack Plague to prevent diseased flies from getting into the beer.[23]
TheMaß (pronounced[maːs]) is a term used in German-speaking countries for a unit of volume, now typically used only for measuringbeer sold for immediate on-site consumption. In modern times, aMaß is defined as exactly 1 litre. As a Maß is a unit of measure, various designs are possible: modernMaßkrugs (Maßkrüge in German) are often handled glass tankards, although they may also be in the form ofsteins. At the Octoberfest beer is available in Maßkrug or half-litre 'Halb'.
AStange (stick or rod) is a cylindrical glass that is traditionally used forKölsch beer. ABecher (tumbler), traditionally used forAltbier, is similar to aStange but is slightly shorter and much thicker.Stangen are carried by placing them into holes in a special tray called aKranz (wreath). In Cologne Stanges are usually served by traditional waiters calledKöbes.
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ThePilstulpe ("Pilsner Tulip") orBiertulpe ("Beer tulip") is the traditional glass for German pilsner beers. Sizes are typically around 300 millilitres (11 imp fl oz; 10 US fl oz), but can be as large as 500 millilitres (18 imp fl oz; 17 US fl oz). When used in restaurant settings, a small piece of absorbent paper is placed around the base to absorb any drips from spilling or condensation.
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Beer boots (Bierstiefel in German) have over a century of history and culture behind them. It is commonly believed that a general somewhere promised his troops to drink beer from his boot if they were successful in battle. When the troops prevailed, the general had a glassmaker fashion a boot from glass to fulfill his promise without tasting his own feet and to avoid spoiling the beer in his leather boot. Since then, soldiers have enjoyed toasting to their victories with a beer boot. At gatherings in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, beer boots are often passed among the guests for a festive drinking challenge. Since the movieBeerfest appeared in 2006, beer boots have become increasingly popular in the United States. Glass beer boots are either manufactured using a mold or frommouth-blown glass by skilled artisans.
In Germany, beer boots usually contain between 2 and 4 litres and are passed from one guest at the table to the next one clockwise. When almost reaching the bottom of the boot, it suddenly starts bubbling. By some accounts, drinker who caused the bubbling has to order the next boot. There are also boots known with 6 and 8 litres. That being said, beer boots are almost never seen in Germany, even among friends who do drink as much and more beer on an evening out together; normal glasses are preferred. They are, however, very commonly used in drinking games in fraternities.
Oktoberfest is a 16- to 18-day festival held annually inMunich,Bavaria,Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. Only beer which is brewed within the city limits of Munich with a minimum of 13.5%Stammwürze (approximately 6% alcohol by volume) is allowed to be served in this festival. Upon passing this criterion, a beer is designated Oktoberfest Beer. Large quantities of German beer are consumed, with almost 7 million liters served during the 16-day festival in 2007. In 2015 the festival officially served 7.3 million liters of beer.[24]
Other festivals include
In many cases, the beer festival is part of a general funfair orvolksfest.
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