Welcome to German Tips

Krapfen

Krapfen are similar to sugar doughnuts. They usually come with a sweet filling and are traditionally sold in February for carnival. Krapfen are also known as "Berliners".

Bierwurst

Bierwurst is a sausage which tastes similar to Jagdwurst. However, it is much larger. It is often flavored with garlic. If it has bits of ham in each slice it is called Bierschinken (Schinken = ham).

Buying cheese

Find quality cheeses from all over the world at the Butter Lindtner chain. They also sell excellent butter, soft drinks, milk, yoghurt and snacks. The chain is a little more expensive than a standard supermarket, but the difference in quality is considerable.

Schmand

Schmand is a dairy product, which is a lot like sour cream, as it has a lower fat content than Creme Fraiche. It is used in baking and cooking. Some people eat it plain, instead of yoghurt. The ALDI store sells an excellent and inexpensive brand for ca. DM 0,60.

Frikadellen

Frikadellen is a more formal term for "Fleischkloesschen" (meat balls). They are also known as "Bouletten" in Berlin. Frikadellen are made out of ground meat, usually half and half, with an egg and soaked bread bun added. They are fried in fat until the crust turns golden brown. You get them at fast food stalls, usually with ketchup or mustard.

Schwarzwurst

Schwarzwurst is a German blood sausage, which is smoked and air-dried, seasoned with garlic, cloves, pepper and salt. It looks almost black, hence the name.

Weisswurst

This is an extremely white Bratwurst with a fine consistency and delicated taste. It is a typical Bavarian dish and sold at the Oktoberfest in Munich. Excellent with sweet mustard.

Schrippe

A regional term for a Broetchen (Kaiser roll). Buy them at a bakery, as the factory-made ones available at supermarkets taste horrible. The overall term "Broetchen" means ´small bread´. There are varieties, such as "Zwiebelbroetchen" (onion), "Kaesebroetchen" (cheese), or Schinkenbroetchen (ham). Most are very good.

Saving money going to restaurants

The dollar is strong, so going out to eat in Germany should not be a problem. However, if you want to save money, avoid the hotels & restaurants in the city centers. Instead go to ethnic restaurants (Chinese, Italian, Turkish) or even cheaper, buy at the "Wuerstchenbude", "Currybude", the butcher, the local market, the bakery, a cafe or a hamburger joint. BTW, McDonalds is not as good over there as it is in the US! Speaking some German helps, as you can ask locals where they buy their lunch.

Haus des Frankenweins

The "Haus des Frankenweins" specialises in a particularly dry wine variety called "Bocksbeutel". For more information, contact their e-mail:

weinbauerverband.franken@t-online.de

Pizzeria

A Pizzeria denotes an Italian restaurant, but the term does not mean that they sell only pizza. You will find a variety of pasta dishes, meat dishes, seafood and alcoholic beverages. Eating at a Pizzeria is not expensive. Most Pizzerias have a ´to go´ service and also sell pizza by the slice.

Pepperoni pizza

If you order a pepperoni pizza in Germany, it will not be what you expect: you will get a meatless pizza topped with green Italian peppers. It will taste very good, but it will not be what an American expects as a pepperoni pizza.

Lebkuchen Schmidt

Lebkuchen Schmidt is a specialist for German gingerbread cookies. They sell festive tin boxes with 9 - 15 different types of Lebkuchen specialties. These make ideal gifts for Christmas. Find out more at www.germanlebkuchen.com.

Matjeshering

These herrings are considered to be the best salted herring available. They are fat female fish with translucent flesh. They do not need soaking prior to cooking.

Sauerkrautsaft

Sauerkrautsaft (juice) is a refreshing sour & salty beverage made out of pressed Sauerkraut. It is both sold in grocery stores and health food stores (Reformhaeuser). However, you have to limit your intake, or you will suffer.

Rotwurst

Rotwurst is a German blood sausage, which is usually sliced and served on pieces of bread. The name depicts the color (red).

Tapwater

It is generally safe to drink tapwater in Germany, as there are strict regulations concerning its quality. However, I recommend you buy the carbonated version ("Selters", "Sprudel"), available at any grocery store or supermarket. Those are fortified with minerals and actually much better for you. Some come from natural wells. The labels give you information on their particular contents and intended use/health benefits. They are also inexpensive.

Topfen

Topfen is a dairy product very similar to the German Quark. However, it is very dry and somewhat crumbly. It is excellent for homemade cheese cakes, but also good as a spread on bread. Very healthy snack, inexpensive.

Koelln Multikorn Flocken

Koelln has come up with a new multigrain cereal, which is ideal for your self-made muesli or baking. It comes in a 1 lb box and costs ca. DM 3,50.