German cuisine

The term "German cuisine" encompasses various cooking styles and dishes, all of which have been developed within the borders of Germany and are now considered "typical".

However, every region has its specialties and these are generally based on what the local environment has to offer. For example, herring and fried potatoes are the staple foods in North Germany, whilst in South Germany you are more likely to be served roast pork and dumplings.

A well known German proverb says: "Taste is a matter of argument", whilst another states that "Whatever reaches the table will be eaten!” In this case: everyone should try typical German food at least once in order to determine for themselves whether or not they like it.

Our tip: if you ask the waiter in a local Gaststätte or Gasthaus for "something typical", please don’t expect to be served with haute cuisine. You are much more likely to receive something decidedly large and calorie-rich, usually served with wine or beer depending on the region.

Try it. And DON’T follow another well-known German proverb which says: "The farmer won’t eat what he doesn’t know". Enjoy your meal! Further info: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

Recipes

Some links to recipe collections on the internet:

• CMA cooking encyclopedia - The most widely used cooking terms briefly and precisely explained of The Central Marketing Society of the German Agricultural Industry
• Recipes from A to Z at www.Kochen-und-Schlemmen.de
• Recipes von www.Richtig-schoen-Kochen.de/
• Simple tasty recipes from goFeminin
• Typical Meat Dishes
• Huge Recipe database at www.daskochrezept.de
• CMA cooking encyclopedia : The most widely used cooking terms briefly and precisely explained
• Sauerkraut at Wikipedia
• Everyday German - Dialogue from Deutschen Welle

Recipes for Christmas:

[ download of recipe for "Stollen" as .pdf-file ]

• -> A few ideas for further reading: Business Etiquette : Business Dinners
• -> Photos – Cooking together at Sprachinstitut TREFFPUNKT: Christmas baking
• -> Photos - International Evenings with food from: Brasil, Turkey, Spain & Italy, France, and Germany.