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The Ultimate Beer Lover’s Guide to German Beers [Infographic]

December 9, 2022

The Ultimate Beer Lover’s Guide to German Beers [Infographic]

german beers

When you think of Germany, beer is often the first thing that comes to mind. After all, Germany is one of the most beer-crazed countries in the world.

In fact, Germany is ranked third in the top 20 beer drinking countries, with each person consuming 115.8 liters of beer per year. What’s more, there’s an estimated 1,200 breweries in Germany alone.

And did we mention the world’s biggest celebration of beer—Oktoberfest—is held in the German city of Munich?

What is the Most Popular Beer in Germany?

The most popular beer in Germany is Beck’s, which is a pale lager that was first brewed in 1873. Beck’s is brewed in the city of Bremen and is one of the best-selling beers in the country, but other popular German beers include Warsteiner, Weihenstephaner, and Erdinger:

  • Warsteiner is a light, refreshing beer that originated in the city of Dusseldorf.
  • Weihenstephaner is a full-bodied beer that has been brewed in Bavaria for over 750 years.
  • Erdinger is a wheat beer that is particularly popular in the southern part of the country. 

No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find a German beer that you’ll enjoy. And there’s no better way to enjoy a German beer than to know exactly what you’re ordering. You can learn the German words for beer by taking German lessons. In addition, you’ll learn all the helpful tips you need to sound fluent, like what you see in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuGmc662HDg 

German Beers: Presentation, Quality, and Taste

Germans take drinking and brewing very seriously. Germans pride themselves on using only the highest quality ingredients, which is evident in the deliciously crisp and hoppy taste.

There’s even a strict purity law, named Reinheitsgebot, which dictates that German beers may only contain hops, malt (barley), yeast, and water.

Whereas in the U.S., most bartenders don’t pay attention to temperature and pour—Germans do. German beers are always served cold (but never too cold) in the appropriate glass or mug with a head of white foam.

According to Germans, to achieve the perfect head, draft beer can’t be properly poured in less than seven minutes.

German Beers: History and Culture

Beer is considered a huge part of the German history and culture. In the early middle ages, German monks brewed beer to pass time. Quickly, merchants and traders began to brew their own beer and the rest is history.

Culturally, beer is what brings many regions together. In fact, what region a person comes from is often identified by the beer he or she drinks.

During the summer months, Germans flock to beer gardens and beer halls to sit back, relax, and enjoy German beers with friends. The rest of the year is also spent celebrating with drinks.

What Are Some Famous German Beers?

In Germany, beer is more than just a beverage – it’s a cherished part of the national culture. With over 1,300 breweries producing over 5,000 different types of beer, Germans have a lot to choose from when it comes to their favorite brew. 

While there are many regional favorites, the most popular type of beer in Germany is Pilsner. Pilsner is a light, crisp beer that originated in the Czech Republic. It’s usually slightly bitter and has a higher alcohol content than other types of German beer. 

Germans consume an average of 96 liters of beer per person each year – that’s more than any other country in the world! So it’s no surprise that Pilsner is the most popular type of beer in Germany. 

Some of the other most famous German beers include Weihenstephaner, Erdinger, and Beck’s. Weihenstephaner is a pale wheat beer that originated in Bavaria, and it has a crisp, refreshing taste. Erdinger is another Bavarian beer, and it is a dark wheat beer that is full-bodied and slightly sweet. 

Beck’s is a pilsner that was first brewed in Bremen, and it has a clean, crisp flavor. There are many other excellent German beers as well, such as Spaten, Warsteiner, and Paulaner. 

If you call yourself a beer enthusiast, then brush up on your German beer knowledge with the infographic below.

german beers

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Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about German beers, here are a few German vocabulary words and phrases you can use next time you order a Helles or a Pilsner at the pub.

German Beer Vocabulary

Now that you know what kinds of German beer styles are popular, here’s a breakdown of some common German beer vocabulary to help you out in the beer garden:

  • Ein Bier (a beer)
  • Ich trinke gerne ( I would like to drink…)
  • Ein Bier, bitte ( A beer, please)
  • Dunkel (dark)
  • Hell (light)
  • Prost (cheers)
  • Die Brauerei (brewery)
  • Kneipe (pub)

What is a German Beer Garden?

A German beer garden, also known as a German beer hall, is a type of public park in which beer and other alcoholic beverages are served. These gardens typically feature picnic tables and benches, making them ideal places to relax with friends or family. 

Beer gardens are often located near breweries, so that fresh beer can be taps. They may also feature live music or other forms of entertainment. German beer gardens have a long history, dating back to the 16th century. 

At that time, Bavarian breweries would store their barrels of beer in underground caves during the winter months. In order to keep the barrels cool, they would plant chestnut trees above them. 

When spring came, the brewers would open up their gardens to the public, providing a place for people to enjoy the fresh beer and get some relief from the heat. 

Today, German beer gardens continue to be popular gathering places for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a cold pint or simply want to soak up some sun, a German beer garden is the perfect spot.

Relax With a Stein of One of the Best German Beer Brands – and Learn German Today!

Say “Prost!” to one of Germany’s most beloved exports – beer! In a country with a long and rich brewing tradition, there are many excellent German beer brands to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp, refreshing lager or a hearty, malty bock, you’ll find a beer to suit your taste. 

And what better way to relax after a day of exploring than by enjoying a stein of your favorite German beer? Not only is beer a delicious way to unwind, but it can also be a great way to learn German. l

By listening to locals order at the bar and reading menus and labels, you can pick up some useful vocabulary. So raise a glass and toast to your German language learning success! Salud!

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author

Brooke Neuman