The German culture is one of the greatest culture shocks for people who are not german. The from how they have a drink to how they eat their sausages, the food traditions in Germany are an even shocking revelation for foreigners. The roots of some of the customs in german food tradition are not known, but for the rest there are historical points as to where they arrived from. Let us look at some of the inquisitive and interesting habits that have evolved in eating and drinking that make the German culture and traditions so unique for us foreigners.

1. Sausage for Breakfast

It is no secret to the world that the Germans love their sausages. It is for a good reason that the germans have such an affinity towards Sausage. Be it the variety and availability of the sausages as you enter into the german soil, it takes you by surprise. The sausages range from the classical fried bratwurst sausage to the tangy currywurst sausages. These are only the most popular ones, but each region of the country has its own unique version breakfast sausages. The sausage in Germany is something that is being eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Having said that the Bavarian Weisswurst has a unique tradition as to the particular time of the day in which it can be consumed.

In Southern Germany believe that the Weisswurst is strictly to be consumed as a breakfast dish and strictly before noon. The restaurants of the region will refuse to sell them afternoon even for the eager tourists and patrons. A popular saying in the bavarian hills is that the Weisswurst should not hear the bells of 12 Pm ring. While the reason for the origin of this belief is not entirely known, it is believed that the Weisswurst was prepared early in the morning and to have it in its freshest state, the Weisswurst was consumed for breakfast itself. It was thought it was at its best before afternoon.

The Weisswurst is served with a soft fresh pretzel and a sweet grain mustard. The boiled Weisswurst is made from veal, pale colouring and mild flavour. Before you eat the Weisswurst, you peel the outer casing of the Sausage. The method to peel the Weisswurst is also a topic of debate among bavarian. One thing everyone agrees upon is that it is best washed down with a pure fresh beer, preferably Hefeweizen.

2. Schnapps

A few ounces of the world-famous Jagermeister or Obstler was the perfect combination after consuming heavy calorific meats and crabs which is said to give a better digestive process in your system. It is usually served after heavy dinners. Schnapps is one of the most famous traditions in german food and drinking culture. If you are someone who has digestive problems, the germans usually turn back to the Jagermeister or Obstler Schnapps, it sorts out an unsettled stomach. Many of the blends of the Schnapps included herbs, spices and is usually based on a variety of fruity flavours such as pear, plum or cherry. The pairing of herbs and spices and fruits along with alcohol was considered as the most potent medicines for the germans and not the pharmaceuticals. It is one of the important Food Traditions In Germany.

3. Kaffee und Kuchen

Kaffee und Kuchen is a famous translation of Coffee and Cake which is traditionally known as the unofficial the fourth meal of the day. The germans usually take a break in the middle of the afternoon post-lunch to have a hot piping cup of coffee with a slice or two of cake fresh from the pantry. The german way of drinking coffee is not the pick on the go coffee drink, they take their time to enjoy and savour the coffee for more than an hour. It is usually a weekend or a social custom in Germany. It is a time spent with family and friends, either at home or at a coffee shop. The german cakes are usually made with a lot of cream and fruits and usually is not made home. It can be purchased from one of the endless bakeries that can be found in street corners. Not so surprisingly, it is till date a beloved ritual of the germans.

The Unwritten Rule

On the topic of food traditions in German, this is the most seriously and religiously taken tradition in the germans. It is typical for many cultures to toast the people around you. For the germans, it is considered very serious no clink rule while raising the toast, and one should make eye contact while saying ‘Prost’ before drinking. In German culture, the toast is not just done at the beginning and the end, so for every few sips, a toast is done. You better hope your drink is not as potent. Not having eye to eye contact with the person and the head nod is usually considered as rude, even if it means having 18 rounds of drinks. It is one of the important Food Traditions In Germany. It is often said in Germany that if you do not make eye contact with the other person during a toast, the person will have ten years of bad lovemaking. No wonder the rule is taken so seriously.

4. A Prosperous Loaf

The germans love to produce this particular food item in abundance and with a lot of pride, the loaf. Bread is a staple food of the German country, and it is only fitting that it is such a traditional custom involved in the preparation and the process of creating a loaf. Bread and salt is said to be the representation of prosperity, so much so that they used to put it in the diaper of the baby when it is born. It is one of the important Food Traditions In Germany. The combination of bread and salt is used for some of the most important occasions in german society, be it marriage or moving into a new home, it is present there. Despite its simplicity, is a symbol of luck for Germany.

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