Nine important things to know about eating and drinking in Germany
Alcohol/Beer
Alcohol is legal in Germany. The traditional place for drinking beer is the local "Kneipe" (Germany's equivalent of a bar or pub). Drinking is a part of daily life for many adults.
The most popular alcoholic drink in Germany is beer. On average, Germans drink over 100 liters per year. There is an abundance of regional beers - over 1,300 breweries make sure that people's thirst for beer is quenched. The Germans are particularly proud of what they call the "Reinheitsgebot," a "purity law" which has stipulated for over 500 years that beer can only be made from malt, hops, yeast and water.
In Germany, it is illegal to drive a car or ride a bike under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol consumption has been steadily decreasing. Still, each year, over 100,000 people end up in a hospital because of alcohol poisoning. Some 1.3 million Germans are addicted, and about 74,000 die every year because of alcohol abuse.
Bread
Germans love bread. Every year, they eat an average 82 kilos' worth and they have over 300 kinds to choose from. Leavened bread is traditional - based on sourdough or yeast, but it is possible to buy unleavened bread almost everywhere in Germany. Germans tend to eat fresh rolls in the morning that they buy from the local bakery. Bakers used to always make bread themselves but now over half of the baked goods bought in Germany are mass-produced and frozen –bakery assistants just have to stick them in the oven. Germans like to eat bread with butter, jam, cheese, ham or sausage for breakfast or as an evening meal.
Sausage
Germany is a paradise for lovers of sausage. There are an estimated 1,500 different types of sausage in the country. The average supermarket might have about 100 types on sale. On average, Germans eat about 30 kgs of sausage every year. This is almost half of their overall consumption of meat. Sausages tend to be made from pork but it is possible to buy beef, lamb or poultry sausages in Germany, as well as ones made from tofu for vegetarians.
Döner kebabs
Germany's favorite fast food originated in Turkey. The "Döner" kebab, a flatbread filled with grilled meat, onions, tomatoes, salad and various sauces. The meat can be lamb, beef or poultry, but never pork. There are over 16,000 kebab shops in Germany –altogether they sell 30 "Döners" a second. The Döner arrived in Germany at the beginning of the 1970s and has become increasingly popular over the years… and for vegetarians, there is a Turkish alternative: the felafel.
Barbecuing
As soon as it gets warmer, people in Germany start barbecuing, on balconies, in gardens, in parks, at the beach. Anything can be grilled of course - usually meat but also fish, tofu sausages, aubergines or other vegetables. Grilling has become an institution and the range of BBQs on sale at DIY stores is staggering. You can also buy a basic BBQ grill at most gas stations. Some parks even put up BBQs for people to use - if you're lucky they will be sheltered so you can take refuge if there's a sudden storm. It goes without saying that people are expected to clear up after themselves and to take care not to irritate their neighbors with the smoke and smell of barbecuing meat on the balcony - to avoid any unpleasantness, it's best to simply invite them over!
Water/Tap water
Water is highly regulated in Germany because it is such an important part of daily life. It is possible to drink tap water, although the quality will vary depending on city and region. Nonetheless, many people prefer to buy water in bottles. Bottled water comes in different forms - sparkling, slightly sparkling and still.
Shopping
Food is relatively cheap in Germany. There is tough competition between discount stores such as Aldi, Lidl or Plus. The average German spends about a third of their income on rent, whereas they only spend an eighth on food, drink and tobacco. Most food is bought in supermarkets, but there are also smaller stores such as butchers or bakeries. Organic stores and supermarkets are becoming increasingly popular in Germany - the food there tends to be more expensive but it has not been exposed to harmful pesticides. Weekly markets where people can buy seasonal and regional food remain a lasting tradition. It is not common to bargain in Germany - prices are fixed so that comparisons are easy to make. In most German cities, there are halal butchers and stores run by immigrants that sell products that were not always traditional in German cuisine.
Special dietary requirements
About 10 percent of the population in Germany is vegetarian, and the figure is rising. People have various reasons for choosing not to eat meat - some are influenced by Buddhism or Hinduism, others believe it is healthier, others dislike the mass industrialization of the meat industry and its harmful impact on the environment. Furthermore, allergies are becoming increasingly common - the number of people who are lactose or gluten intolerant is rising. Often people who have particular dietary requirements warn their hosts in advance if they are invited for lunch or dinner to prevent embarrassing misunderstandings at the table.
Fasting
About half of Germany's four million Muslims fast during Ramadan. Many employers take this into account although there is no official obligation to do this. Fasting is also traditional among Christians during Lent, the 40 days between the end of Carnival and Easter. Many non-practicing Germans will choose to fast during this time, giving up alcohol, meat or chocolate for example or completely giving up solids for health reasons.
Sources: http://www.dw.com/en/nine-important-things-to-know-about-eating-and-drinking-in-germany/a-19101744
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