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".

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Buying wine

You will find a wide selection of wine at any grocery store. There is no need to go to a liquor store, although they exist. Among the best inexpensive wines to try are those from France, Italy, Greece and Yugoslavia. Californian wine is also sold, but it is usually more expensive. German wine (e.g. Riesling, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) is slightly cheaper than the others, but it is usually lighter (less alcohol). Your best bet for Beaujolais is the ALDI store.

Shopping Carts

You might be surprised to find that shopping carts are often chained up at the store entrance and can only be "freed" by inserting a 1 DM coin into a slot. That´s because the carts are very popular ´free furniture´: a lot got stolen before this method was introduced. Don´t worry, you will get you money back once you chain up the cart again. Also note: nobody will pack your groceries. You need to buy plastic bags and pack your goods yourself.

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.

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.

Rotwurst

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

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.

Visit university cafeterias

If you are in a German town which has a university, check out the cafeterias and the "Mensa". Several institutes have their own cafeterias in the basement. The "Mensa" serves complete meals. Some will only serve students with student IDs, but most students are willing to get you something with their card if you ask. It is a lot cheaper than going to a restaurant.

Leberkaese

Leberkaese is a mixture of pork and liver, which is baked in an oblong tin. It looks like a meatloaf, but it is skinless and has a shiny pink color. It can be eaten cold as is, or fried. It goes well with mustard or ketchup, with onions, sauerkraut and potato salad, or on buttered slices of bread. A lot of Leberkaese is eaten in Bavaria.

Verlorene Eier

Verlorene Eier (lost eggs) are added whole to a boiling soup. The soup is not stirred until the eggs are cooked. Inexpensive, but very tasty.

Toast

A pre-sliced wheat bread, also known as "Buttertoast" or "Vollkorntoast" (full grain). The health benefit of the latter is somewhat doubtful. However, toast is popular and inexpensive. it is sometimes called "Weissbrot", too, but then , it usually comes in a loaf, and is not sliced.

Federweisser

Federweisser is a young wine that has not stopped fermenting. It is sold in bottles with a hole on top. Must stand upright at room temperature for a few days to develop more alcohol and its typical "bubbly" flavor. The more residue on the bottom, the higher the alcohol content. Tastes great. Available in red or white. Seasonal item only. You find it in the fridge section in most supermarkets. Try this!

Soft Ice

In many cities you will find soft ice vendors in the street. The icecream, which comes in a cone, is cheap and very tasty. Never mind how tempting, try to resist. Over the years, there have been a lot of scandals involving soft ice, bacteria, stomach upsets, and worse. Go to an icecream parlour instead.

Buying bread

If possible, do not buy bread at the grocery store or supermarket. It may seem dirt cheap, but it usually does not taste that great. Check out the local bakeries for a wider (and fresher!) selection of bread, buns and rolls.

Mozartliquoer

This liquor is traditionally served after meals (for desert). It has a rich and creamy chocolate taste. You barely notice the alcohol, but it is there (caution!). Named after Mozart, the composer, but no real connection. Good with ice cream. Expensive. Product is of Austrian origin, but widely sold in Germany.

Eistich

Eistich is a mixture of egg and flour, which is poured into boiling soups to form little dumplings. It is an inexpensive way to stretch meals if you haven´t been grocery shopping lately.

Blutwurst

A German blodd sausage (Blutwurst) is made out of diced bacon and calf´s or pig´s lungs. It is seasoned with cloves, mace and marjoran. It is often served with potatoes and cooked apples.

Zwiebelkuchen

Zwiebelkuchen is a Swabian onion dish related to a pie or a quiche. It is traditionally served with Federweisser (young wine) and very tasty. Best eaten hot. Can be made at home using pizza dough. Inexpensive.

Bratwurst

A general term for any type of frying sausage (braten = to fry). Usually a fine-grained light gray sausage made of veal (sometimes veal and pork). It can be grilled outdoors or fried in a pan. Great with sweet Bavarian mustard and potato salad.

Creme Fraiche

Creme Fraiche is a popular dairy product similar to sour cream, but with a much higher fat content. It is used to thicken soups, or in baking. It even tastes good plain, on a slice of bread or on a roll.

Leberwurst

German Leberwurst (liver sausage) is usually smoked. It is made out of pig´s liver mixed with pork and/or veal. It may contain pieces of fat and liver. There are ´pure´ liver sausages made out of calf or fowl (Kalbsleberwurst, Truthahnleberwurst, Gaenseleberpastete). Leberwurst can be either coarse or fine. It is always spreadable. The ALDI store has a good selection of Leberwurst, which is reasonably priced.

Rollmops

A Rollmops is a Bismarckherring halved lengthwise, tightly rolled around peppercorns and slices of onion or pickles, fastened with a toothpick. Comes sold in jars with hot spiced white wine vinegar. A typical German party food.

Kuhns Delicatessen

Kuhns Delicatessen sells German specialty food. They offer 150 different types of sausages and 50 different types of bread. Call (847) 640 0222 for your free catalog.

Schnecke

A "Schnecke" (snail) is a sweet, dry cake, round and coiled like a snail´s house. It has melted sugar on top and is inexpensive. Nice snack if you can buy it fresh from a bakery.

Berliner Weisse

Berliner Weisse is a speciality beer, which comes with a straw and syrup. Warning: this is not for everyone. Most Americans I know do not care for it. It has a sweat and sour taste. However, it can be refreshing on a hot summer day.

Sarkoidosis sufferers - eat onions

13 years ago, I was diagnosed with sarkoidosis (an autoimmune disease) in stadium 2. There are only 3, the last one can be lethal. I did not want to take cortisone. My doctor recommended eating onions (raw, cooked in butter, sliced on bread ...)and drinking as much onion juice as I could stand. You can get this bottled from a health store or make it with a juicer. It takes about three days until your stomach gets used to this ´diet´, but in my case it actually worked. I have been diagnosed as totally healed over 10 years ago, and the disease never returned. I still eat a lot of onions ... The reason this works is that onions are full of anti-inflammatory "stuff" and actually boost your immune system.

Harzer Kaese

A crumbly, dry, low fat cheese with a grainy texture, sold in rolls. This cheese is a speciality from the Harz mountains, but it is available all over Germany. best eaten fresh, as it gets smellier and spicier with age. If it gets too old, it runs and stinks.

Schusterjunge

A Schusterjunge (cobbler´s apprentice) is a dark bread roll and a typical Berlin speciality. It is usually topped with cheese or goose fat (Schmaltz). Inexpensive, but very good. Buy it fresh at a bakery, not in the grocery store.

Weizenbier

Weizenbier is a very rich Bavarian beer variety made with wheat. Be aware that one bottle (0.5l) has about the same amount of calories as a meal. Weizenbier is available all over Germany, in both bottles and cans. It tastes better from bottles.

Suesswaren

Suesswaren is a generic term for candy, chocolate and cookies. You usually find it in supermarkets hanging over the specific isle (Suesswaren = sweet goods). Term is slightly dated.

Getting reduced bakery goods

German bakeries are open on Sundays for a limited time, but they can only sell cake. Try German bakeries on Saturdays before noon and ask for that day´s piece of cake, cookies or breadbuns. A lot of them sell them at half price. Try the same on Mondays, particularly for pieces of cake. They are usually just as fresh as the ´new´ items.

Mexican Restaurants

It is not advisable to go to Mexican restaurants in Germany, as they are truly expensive. Also, you might not get what you expect: instead of a bowl of chips and salsa, you might get less than a handful of chips and a tiny container of salsa ... (this happened in Berlin). Often, the food selection is limited. Even with the Dollar being strong, expect to pay at least twice as much as you would in the US, for an inferior meal.

Jewer Bier

Jewer Bier is a ´northern´ beer variety brewed in the town of Jewer in Ostfriesland. It tastes similar to Becks, but it is stronger. Available all over Germany, definitely worth trying.

Suelzwurst

Suelzwurst or Suelze is a jelly made with large pork pieces and vegetables, sometimes also egg slices. It is usually sold in a block, but you can also obtain it pre-sliced. Good with potatoes.

Tuerkische Pizza

A turkish pizza is a rollled up soft piece of flat dough, similar to a soft tortilla. Dough comes coated with meat and spices. It can be filled with salad if you ask for it. Very spicy, healthy and cheap.

Schultheiss Bier

The Schultheiss brewery in Berlin is the maker of a number of brand name products, such as Schultheiss Pilsener (a little bitter and very strong), Berliner Molle (a traditional Berlin beer with a mellower taste) and the popular Schultheiss Bock (higher alcohol content). Try them all, they are all great.

Saure Gurke

Saure Gurke is a spicy & sour cucumber, medium to large, usually sold at fairs from big barrels. Smaller versions are sold at the grocery store in jars. They are a Berlin speciality and also a typical German party food.

Leberwurst - details

Leberwurst is a rich liverwurst, either smooth or with tiny pieces of liver and other meat. Veal liverwurst is supposed to be the finest, but pork, turkey and chicken are also common ingredients. There are many varieties to choose from, starting with prices below DM 1 and going up to DM 3 (and more) for a 100 g piece.

Thueringer Wurst

This is a Cervelatwurst named after a sausage-producing area in Central Germany (Thueringen). In the US-Midwest, where many Germans settled, dozens of Cervelat sausages of this kind are still made today.

Kneipe

A Kneipe is the colloquial term for a type of local bar. Its implication is that drinks are sold, that it is not too expensive, and that it is frequented by a neighborhood. Sometimes, you can also buy snacks there. Berlin has a lot of Kneipen, mostly with an open end policy.

Rumkugel

A Rumkugel (rum ball) is a cheap but yummy cocoction made out of "leftover" cake, flavored with rum and rolled in chocolate bits. Usually found in bakeries on Mondays, inexpensive. Particularly popular with kids (no alcohol, just flavoring).

Shopping afterhours

In Germany´s bigger cities, you will encounter ´after hours stores´, where you can get groceries and alcoholic beverages, when other stores are already closed (i.e. at night, on Saturday afternoons, on Sundays). These stores are usually located at the train station or a major subway stop. As the goods sold there are totally overpriced, they should best be avoided.

Milchschnitte

A Milchschnitte (milk slice) is a popular snack for kids consisting of a soft spongy cake slice with a creamy white filling made out of vitamin-enriched milk. It is sold in the dairy section of supermarkets and needs to be refrigerated. It is expensive.

Armer Ritter

An Armer Ritter (poor knight) is a version of French toast. Breadslices are first dipped in egg and fried, then served hot, topped with fruit and sugar. An inexpensive dish, popular with kids.

Shopping at the market

Try to go to local grocery market squares on Saturdays (in general stores & food markets are closed on Sundays) to catch traders when they reduce prices before the weekend. It is possible to haggle over the prices. You will end up with bargains (bread, fruit, cheese) and might also be able to buy cheap flowers if you need some, or even get them for free. In order to get bargains, a good knowledge of German is essential.

Landjaeger

A Landjaeger is a tasty, spicy sausage named after the uniformed officials, who used to patrol the German Alpine regions and carried "Landjaegers" for food. The sausage is usually smoked and keeps well, so it can be transported over long periods of time without refrigeration. It is usually eaten in chunks with pieces of bread.

Bierbeisser

A Bierbeisser is a small smoked sausage, related to a salami in taste and traditionally served with beer. The Bifi brand is expensive, as it comes individually wrapped. Most supermarkets carry economy-sized pouches, which are a lot cheaper. Bierbeisser are a popular snack with school kids.

Zungenwurst

A Blutwurst interlaced with bits of tongue. It consists of pork fat, pig´s blood and tongue and does not contain any cereal additives. It usually comes pre-sliced and is eaten cold on crusty bread.

Frankfurter Wurst

A lightly smoked sausage sold in pairs. The classic accompaniments are potato salad, or sauerkraut and mustard. Frankfurters are also sometimes added to potato soup.

Presswurst

Presswurst tastes similar to head cheese. It consists of meast from the pig´s head, neck and feet, blood and seasoning (especially sage). It can be cased or uncased. It is cooked, lightly preserved and cooled until the mixture jells.

Hard to find ingredients for German recipes

If you want to cook a German dish, but cannot find the necessary ingredients, try ordering it online at Ethnicgrocer.com. They have 5.000 food items and a great collection of receipes from all over the world.

Silberzwiebeln

Silberzwiebeln (silver onions) are very small white onions (size of a cherry), sold in jars in a vinegar sauce. They are very flavorful and usually served at parties.

Nancy Potter´s Stollen

Legend has it that Stollen, a rich yeast cake, originated in either Germany or Switzerland centuries ago, and that its shape was to resemble Jesus Christ
in swaddling clothes. The cake includes butter, almonds, marzipan, spices and rum-soaked fruit. Interested in trying it? Contact Nancy Potter at
www.newglarusbakery.com. Orders are shipped all over the US. This cake is only available during the holiday season.

Pommes mit Majo

You have a choice to get your French fries (= Pommes, Fritten) with either ketchup or mayonaise. "Pommes mit Majo" (pronounced "maajoh") means the latter. Note: both ketchup and mayonaise may cost you something extra.

Schogetten

Schogetten chocolate comes in a bar, in which individual squares have already been pre-divided. Very good for traveling (no mess, no grubby hands). Comes in a variety of flavors, excellent chocolate, inexpensive. Buy it.

Limo

A "Limo" is a generic term for all kinds of lemonade. Popular brands are: Fanta, Sprite. Term also means "limousine" (car).

Pumpernickel

Pumpernickel is "the" party bread, it is rather small, dark, flavorful, healthy, but not inexpensive. Usually served as an appetizer, topped with cheese, meat, mayonaise, vegetables and pickles.

Tsadziki

Tsadziki, a Greek dairy product, has become so popular in Germany that you will find German brands in supermarkets. It has the texture of "Quark", but usually consits of yoghurt with chopped pickles, garlic and other spices. You find is next to dairy products and prepackaged salads. It tastes great with baked potatoes.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter (Erdnussbutter) is not as widely available in Germany as it is in the US. If you cannot do without, check the grocery store for peanut butter made in the Netherlands. A small jar is ca. DM 3.--. Some stores also carry peanut butter from the UK. Avoid the US brands, they are very expensive. You will also find ´organic´ peanut butter at most health food stores. It is not cheap, but tastes better.

Cervelatwurst

German Cervelatwurst is made of finely ground beef and pork. This type of sausage is very popular in Germany, as it is delicate, mild in taste and easy to slice.

Ice cubes and free refills

It is not common in Germany to bring out drinks on ice, unless it is coke. Neither are free refills for coffee and certain soft drinks common. You will not get a glass of icewater with your meal free of charge. If you want one, ask for one, but it might be tapwater.

Dimpfmeier Bakery Ltd.

The Dimpfmeier Bakery is an American German bread specialist. Order delicatessen such as Pumpernickel, Klosterbrot, Siebenkornbrot, Jagdschnitten and holiday specials (sold between October and December). These are: Stollen, Rum, Dresdner, Marzipan, Pfeffernuesse, Spitzkuchen and Honigkuchen. Get a free catalog at www.dimpfbreadex.com.

Knackwurst

A Knackwurst is a short, stumpy precooked sausage made out of finely ground pork, beef and fresh pork fat. It is flavored with salt, cumin and garlic. Often sold in long links or pairs. Good with sauerkraut and pea soup.

Wiesenhof Happy Chicken

Wiesenhof fowl is raised in the open and butchered no sooner than 56 days. It costs ca. DM 10 per kg. Find it in the cooling section of your supermarket. The meat is fresh, not frozen. - Wiesenhof also produces excellent cold cuts (turkey, chicken).

Schwarzwaelder Schinken

Schwarzwaelder Schinken is a ham from the Black Forest region. It is strongly brined and smoked. Its robust taste goes well with sourdough bread and pumpernickel.

Aventinus

This is the "king" of Bavarian beer: rich, dark, strong, with a nice foam. It is only available in restaurants and some speciality beer stores (or liquor stores). Excellent beer, but quite heavy, with a high alcoholic content (ca. 7). Origin: a Bavarian cloister brewery. Do not drink more than one 0,5 l bottle at a time.

Mettwurst

Mettwurst is a pork sausage. The word "Mett" is the medieval German word for lean, pounded pork. There is ´Grosse Mettwurst´, which is coarse in texture, and ´Feine Mettwurst´, which is pink and smooth enough to spread.

Leberknoedel

A Leberknoedel is a Bavarian variety of the popular meatball, with liver added. Usually sold in soup tins. Inexpensive and very good. A "Knoedel" would be a dumpling, but Leberknoedel are more related to meatballs than to dumplings.

Fritten

"Fritten" are French fried potatoes, term is derived from the French ´pommes frites´. Germans refer to their favorite fast food stall as a "Frittenbude" (Bude = hut, informal).

Bouletten

"Bouletten" is a regional term for meatballs. The term is derived from French immigrants and understood in Berlin and Brandenburg. This is typical fast food and available at butchers, groceries and fast food stalls.

Bockwurst

These fresh sausages are prepared in the same way as Frankfurters. In Germany they are traditionally eaten in the spring, when the winter-made Bockbier (beer) is ready. They are sometimes served wrapped in bacon with mustard, with potato salad, or wrapped in a bread roll.

Health Food Stores

I heard an American friend complain that German health food stores tend to be a lot more expensive than American health food stores. There are basically two varieties in Germany: Independent stores and "Reformhaeuser" (i.e. chains). Reformhaeuser tend to be a little less expensive and offer a bigger variety of goods, so that might be your best bet.

Semmelknoedel

Semmelknoedel are a Bavarian speciality and consist of potatoes and/or breadcrumbs. They look and taste similar to dumplings. You also find them cut into stripes and fried in fat. Tip: The Pfanni company makes great instant Semmelknoedel. Check them out at any supermarket.