According to the Bavarian beer purity law adopted in 1516, only four ingredients may be used to produce this beverage: water, barley malt, yeast, and hops. Many think that this law is still in effect. However, this is not the case: it was repealed in EU countries back in 1987. Yet many German brewers still brew beer according to the traditional recipe.
The beer purity law was repealed almost three decades ago, but the profession of brewer still exists in Germany. There are especially many breweries in Berlin. In recent years, immigrants have also become actively involved in brewing. Particularly celebrated in the German capital are breweries such as Schoppe Bräu, Heidenpeters, Ale Mania, BrauKunstKeller, and Crew Republic.
Worldwide, 15,000 types of beer are produced. A third of them are made in Germany. There are 1,500 breweries in this country. But contrary to popular belief, Germans are not world champions in beer consumption. According to statistics, per capita beer consumption in Germany is 110 liters per year. Meanwhile, the average Czech drinks up to 150 liters of beer per year.
When ordering beer in a German restaurant, specify the specific type. Otherwise, you will definitely be served a local one: in Munich – the traditional Bavarian wheat beer (Weizenbier), in Cologne – Cologne beer (Kölsch), and in Hamburg – beer of the Astra brand. But Düsseldorf Altbier, for example, is better not ordered in Cologne pubs: Cologne and Düsseldorf look down on each other.
Each type of German beer has its own special vessel. Kölsch, for example, is drunk from special thin glasses (Kölner Stange) with a capacity of 0.2 liters, Weizenbier – from tall half-liter or even liter mugs, and Pils – from glasses resembling wine goblets in the shape of a tulip.
Most types of German beer contain approximately five percent alcohol. However, in Bavaria, you need to be careful when drinking beer. The beer produced there sometimes has an alcohol content of six percent. Incidentally, a traditional Bavarian breakfast is complemented by a mug of light unfiltered beer (Helles). So don't be surprised if in Munich they treat you to it in the morning.
Not all Germans prefer beer in its pure form. Mixing beer with other drinks is even loved by refined gourmets in Germany. The most popular beer cocktail in this country is the Radler. It consists of beer and lemonade. Many Germans also like to drink a mixture of beer and Coca-Cola.
As for making beer cocktails, Berliners are perhaps the most inventive. In the capital's restaurants, you might be offered Berliner Weisse even combined with raspberry syrup or woodruff. The drink becomes bright pink or toxic green. It is served in wide thin-glass glasses.
Unlike many other countries, in Germany it is allowed to drink beer even right on the street. However, on public transport – for example, in Cologne and Berlin – alcohol consumption is generally prohibited.
Environmental protection is one of the most important tasks for Germans. And Germany has fully earned the title of world champion in waste disposal and recycling. In Germany, bottles of beer and other drinks are generally not thrown away but returned to the store, as a deposit for the container (Pfand) is included in the price of the product: for plastic bottles usually 25 cents, and for glass bottles 8 cents.