German quirks
Jamie's Guide - Part A
By
Jan 6, 2006, 00:08

Jamie McDine's Englishman's guide to what makes Germany different

Part A: Beer and bubbly

Beer

A girly drink?

If you thought beer in England was good, then you will love your stay in Germany.  There are plenty of good beers to choose from, which will vary from region to region, but if you are ordering in a pub, the best bet is to go for either the local beer or whichever is the main listed beer (this is the most popular). 

If you ask for a large beer you will get the most popular, and it sure does taste good on a hot summer's day! 

“Ein grosses Pils bitte!” - one of the most important phrases you will need to know for the duration of the World Cup! 

If you are used to drinking Guinness you will not be able to find this in most pubs in Germany, although there is the odd Irish theme pub in most cities.  However, beware ordering "Schwarzes Bier" - this dark beer is not similar to Guinness, other than in colour and is considered a ladies' beer for its rather sweet taste.

Bubbly

If you want to celebrate a Rooney hat-trick in style, the best thing to order in Germany is a bottle of Sekt.  This is the local equivalent of Champagne. 

Perhaps the best sparkling wine in Germany is “Rottkäppchen” which translates as “Red Riding Hood”, because of the red packaging and top around the cork. 

Historically, this East German brand of Sekt is one of the cheapest and is so good that since the fall of the Berlin Wall it has become one of the best loved sparkling wines in Germany.

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