German Drinking Preferences: Beer Vs. Wine

Germany is known for its beer, but do Germans drink more wine or beer? On average, Germans consume about 100 litres of beer a year. However, beer is not one of the top three most purchased beverages in the country. In fact, Germans drink more coffee, with an average of 150 to 160 litres per year. So, while Germany may be renowned for its beer, it seems that coffee is the beverage of choice for many.

Germans drink more coffee than beer

Coffee is an integral part of everyday life in Germany. The tradition of afternoon coffee is regarded as a German invention, dating back to the first coffee houses in Germany in the 17th century. This custom then spread to Austria, England, and even the USA. In the present day, Germans drink more coffee than beer, with an average consumption of 150 or 164 litres of coffee per year, compared to 100 litres of beer.

The popularity of coffee in Germany can be traced back to the 17th century when it was a luxury product consumed by the privileged classes. Concerts were held in coffee houses, and coffee became a status symbol. In 1734, Johann Sebastian Bach performed the famous Coffee Cantata, satirizing coffee drinking as a bad habit. With industrialization, coffee became more accessible to the common people and was increasingly drunk at home.

During World War I and World War II, various coffee substitutes were created, such as 'muckefuck' and coffees made from malt or chicory. Real coffee became a luxury once again and was often reserved for Sundays, served with special crockery and homemade cakes for visitors.

Today, coffee is more popular than ever in Germany, surpassing even mineral water and fruit juices as the drink of choice. Tea, on the other hand, is preferred in Britain, while Germans opt for coffee. This preference for coffee has become almost a question of national identity.

Beer was historically healthier than water

While mineral water is the most purchased and consumed beverage in Germany, beer is also a popular drink. Beer consumption per capita has been dropping significantly compared to the 1970s and 1980s, and as of 2023, was still on a downward trend.

Historically, beer was often considered healthier than water, and this belief was not entirely unfounded. Water sources were often contaminated with human or animal waste, leading to the spread of diseases such as cholera. Even modern waterworks are not entirely safe from parasites and bacteria. Fermented drinks like beer were generally safer, as the boiling and fermentation process killed harmful microorganisms.

In the past, beer was also a significant source of nutrition and calories. Medieval beer was weaker than modern beer, with an estimated ABV of around 3%. It was consumed as a snack and to provide energy, especially for those performing hard labor. However, the belief that people exclusively drank beer or wine because water was unsafe is a myth. Natural water sources such as rivers and streams were relatively clean, and communities took measures to ensure their water sources remained unpolluted.

The preference for beer over water also varied across different regions and social classes. In Sweden and Denmark, for example, it was common to brew beer regularly, and beer was the everyday drink. In contrast, Norwegian farmers only brewed beer once or twice a year and consumed other drinks like blaand, a milky beverage.

Beer is an ingrained part of German culture

The German Beer Purity Law, enacted in 1516, further solidified beer's importance in the country. This law, also known as the Reinheitsgebot, mandates that only specific ingredients be used in beer production: water, hops, yeast, and malt. This law is the oldest consumer protection law in the world, ensuring that beer is produced with clear and regulated ingredients. It is not just a promise of quality but a standard that is recognised worldwide.

The diversity of beer in Germany is remarkable, with around 5,000 different types produced in approximately 1,300-1,500 breweries across the country. Bavaria, in particular, is a hub for brewing, with almost half of the nation's breweries located in this southern German state. The Benedictine abbey Weihenstephan brewery, established in 725 and brewing since 1040, is believed to be the oldest existing brewery in the world.

The love for beer is deeply ingrained in German culture, even influencing their language. Germans have idioms related to beer, such as "something is brewing," which indicates that trouble or a quarrel is imminent, and "hops and malt are lost," meaning a situation is hopeless.

While beer consumption in Germany has been on a downward trend in recent years, it remains an integral part of German culture and social life. Beer festivals, such as Oktoberfest in Munich, further showcase the significance of beer in German traditions.

Germany has over 1,300 breweries

Germany has a long history of brewing beer, and this tradition continues to the present day with over 1,300 breweries in operation across the country. These breweries range from small and micro companies with a regionally limited market to large international conglomerates. The top five largest breweries in Germany are:

• Radeberger Gruppe KG, Frankfurt: The Radeberger Gruppe is the largest brewery conglomerate in Germany and is part of the Oetker Group. It owns over a dozen breweries throughout Germany and is also a manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages, a beverage wholesaler, and a provider of system solutions for the catering trade.
• Anheuser-Busch InBev Germany Holding GmbH, Bremen: Anheuser-Busch InBev is the world’s largest brewery group, formed in 2008 when the Belgian-Brazilian InBev group merged with the American brewer Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser-Busch InBev Germany comprises several German breweries, which operate as separate subsidiaries.
• Krombacher Brauerei Bernhard Schadeberg GmbH & Co.KG, Kreuztal-Krombach: Krombacher began as a local restaurant brewery in 1803 and became one of Germany's largest brewers in the 1950s. Today, the company has about 1,000 employees and owns various beer brands, including "Krombacher" and "Vitamalz."
• Bitburger Brewery Group, Bitburg: The Bitburger Braugruppe is a sister company of Bitburger Holding GmbH, with roots dating back to 1817. Over time, they have added several breweries to their portfolio and now employ around 1,700 people.
• Oettinger Brauerei GmbH, Oettingen: Oettinger Brauerei is a family-owned business that has achieved success through direct sales to supermarkets, beverage markets, and petrol stations. They produce a wide range of beers under their brand and also supply supermarkets' private labels.

While the number of breweries has decreased slightly in recent years, the industry remains an essential part of German culture and the food and beverage sector, with a variety of beer styles and brands available.

Germans drink less wine than beer

Germany is known for its long-standing beer production industry and its active consumption habits. However, beer is not among the top three most purchased beverages in the country. In fact, Germans drink less wine than beer. While the average German consumes about 100 litres of beer a year, they only drink 20 litres of wine annually. Beer is deeply ingrained in German culture, with around 1,300 breweries producing more than 5,000 brands—more than in any other country. The country's love for beer is even reflected in its language, with various idioms related to the beverage.

The popularity of beer in Germany can be traced back to historical factors. In the past, when hygiene was an issue and water was often contaminated, beer served as a healthier alternative. Even in the 19th century, factory owners encouraged their staff in mines and steel plants to drink beer, as it was rich in calories and seen as a better option than schnapps. Additionally, the enactment of the Beer Purity Law contributed to the popularity of beer in Germany, ensuring that only specific ingredients—water, malt, hops, and yeast—were used in its production.

While wine has its admirers in Germany, with annual crowning of a "wine queen" and some of the country's oldest and best wine regions dating back to monks, it has not surpassed the preference for beer. The higher consumption of beer compared to wine may be due to historical, cultural, and even economic factors that have shaped drinking habits over time.

It is worth noting that neither wine nor beer is the most consumed drink in Germany. That title goes to mineral water, with around 86% of the population purchasing it in 2022. Germans are known for their preference for fizzy drinking water, and it is followed by other non-alcoholic beverages such as fruit juices, drinks, nectars, and caffeinated coffee.

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