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German food habits & traditions
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Table of content
1. German eating habits
2. Traditional food
3. Delevelopment & trends
2. Traditional food
3. Delevelopment & trends
1. Eating habits
In Germany, we usually eat three main meals throughout the day, which are supplemented in the morning and afternoon by snacks such as fruits. We start the day with breakfast, for which we take a lot of time. The classic German breakfast consists of various types of bread and rolls, jam and coffee, tea or cocoa.
If you prefer to start the day with a hearty breakfast, you can choose between different types of cheese and sausages. A hearty breakfast also includes boiled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit and cereals or cornflakes and a glass of juice. On weekends, many people like to invite friends to enjoy a late breakfast together and to talk extensively.
Lunch is usually eaten between 12 o´clock and 2 pm. It usually consists of a hot meal with fish or meat, vegetables and a side dish of potatoes, pasta or rice or soup.
Those who don’t have the opportunity or desire to cook for themselves or eat in a school or company cafeteria, like to buy a snack at a fast food chain or at a fast food restaurant around the corner.
There, they get sausages in all forms, French fries, meatballs or potato salad. The fast food offer is also complemented by doner kebabs, pizza, wraps or Asian food. Since many people work all day long, it is common for families to prepare a hot meal only in the evening. As a result, the habit of
a "hot" lunch has changed a little over time.
Dinner is served from 6 pm. At the latest at 8 pm everyone has eaten. As the name suggests, it is a rather smaller cold meal, where different types of bread, cheese and cold cuts as well as salad are eaten. In general, bread is an important part of German cuisine. In Germany, a total of more than 200 types of bread are baked. In addition to whole grain bread there are also rye mixed bread or white bread to be had.
During the week, while the majority of the population is working, there is nothing more until dinner. On the weekend, on the other hand, people like to invite family or friends to the so-called "coffee and cake". Generally, different types of cakes are baked depending on the season. In summer, for example, you get freshly baked plum cake or strawberry cake. In winter, Christmas stollen and fruit bread are served, both contain dried fruits. Some cakes are also known abroad, such as apple cake or Black Forest gateau, which is famous for our region.
Children at school or professionals at work often have a "Vesper" as a second breakfast. This consists of bread topped with cheese, sausage or other toppings suitable for eating out of hand. “Vesper” often includes fruit, vegetables, yogurt or a boiled egg.
2. Traditional food
The traditional German food, like any other cuisine, has a great variety. Yet, German cuisine is known for bread, potatoes, and meat, particularly pork. Surprisingly, cake, coffee, beer and spritzers, known as "Schorle", are very popular in Germany. Nowadays, the German tradition is carried by native Germans, especially elderly, but some traditional recipes are kept by youngsters too.
staple food:
We have more than 300 different types of bread that are eaten at any time of the day, especially for breakfast. The most famous bread is called Pumpernickel, which you will only find in Germany in its original form. Pumpernickel is a dark brown, small sliced bread with a caviar or salmon topping. Many traditional German dishes contain a variety of potatoes. Potatoes are traditionally served boiled as "Salzkartoffeln", mashed as "Kartoffelpüree" or even roasted as "Bratkartoffeln".
meat & butcher's:
Germany has a good reputation, when it comes to meat. Pork, beef and poultry are the most famous meat varieties, which come in typical German dishes like "Sauerbraten" or "Schnitzel". Therefore, Germany's butchers have their own place on the market as you will find at least one butcher in each town or village in Germany. The Germans prefer to have fresh meat from their local butcher instead of from the supermarket.
