A traditional German breakfast-have you ever wondered what this entails? You might expect pancakes and cereal (but no, you would be wrong) so let’s dive into the details of German breakfast culture.
An authentic breakfast is an exquisite buffet of hearty bread rolls, a wondrous spread of cold cuts, buttery and tangy cheeses, and a strong aromatic cup of coffee that doesn’t just fill you up-it prepares you to conquer the day.
I am German, born and bred, and live here in Bremen with my husband and three children. We have German breakfast a lot (actually every day-huh, funnily enough), but every family is different. I don’t want to be presumptuous and speak for all of Germany, so I will add in some statistics to provide a broader picture.
Breakfast: Why 93% of Germans Start Their Day Right
The first meal of the day in Germany is called “Breakfast,” which translates as “Early Piece” in English. Germany is a nation of breakfast eaters. Only 8% of all Germans report never eating breakfast. During the week, 51% of Germans say they eat breakfast at work, school, or university, whereas 33% have it on the go.
During the week, breakfast usually takes place between 6-8 AM and is mainly functional. Timings are more leisurely on the weekends and can stretch into the late morning. They are more cozy and can turn into a brunch (breakfast-lunch hybrid).
German Bread Culture
It’s hard to imagine a German breakfast without a basket of crusty bread rolls as the centerpiece. Fresh rolls or dense rye bread are essential. While you can buy a loaf of sliced bread in Germany (called “Toast Brot”), most German toasters are actually used to crisp up the bread rolls you have bought that morning.
A typical German weekend ritual involves visiting the bakery for freshly baked rolls. Bakers wake extremely early to prepare their goods (my Uncles would be up at 3 AM), and homemade rolls, or reheating partially baked supermarket rolls, simply can’t compete with that professional touch. In our house, my husband’s Saturday mornings start by fetching poppy seed rolls and chocolate rolls for the kids-a tradition many German families share.
It’s also interesting to note the regional offerings you get depending on where in Germany you are. For example, in Bremen you can get Kanel rollswhich are slightly sweet cinnamon buns – you’ll never find them in Bayreuth where my sister lives. However, there you can get a regional croissant-like pastry called Bamberg croissants.
Try these German Breakfast Bread Recipes
The Topping Debate: Hearty Cold Cuts vs Sweet Spreads
A savory breakfast is still the most popular choice for breakfast in Germany, with 34% claiming they prefer a hearty breakfast, while 18% prefer a sweet breakfast (with jam etc.).
At a typical German breakfast buffet, you will find cold cuts such as salami, ham, or liverwurst (pâté), and cheeses such as Gouda, Emmental or cream cheese. Savory homemade spreads such as Herb Butter and Meat Salad Sweet spreads consist of honey and an array of jams. In Germany, people often make their own jam and other seasonal produce such as rhubarb compote or plum butter.
Try these homemade German Bread Toppings
Why Germans Ditched Sugary Cereals for DIY Muesli
Whereas in the UK the supermarket aisles are full of different cereal offerings, muesli dominates the aisles in German supermarkets. Originally from Switzerland, Müsli is a healthier breakfast of oats, nuts, and dried fruit often served with yogurt or milk and fresh berries. You can buy ready mixes in the supermarket, but many Germans like to mix their own to control the ingredients and sugar content. Muesli with fruit and yogurt is my personal breakfast choice during the week.
The Sacred Sunday Egg
You’ll also find a Frühsei (German breakfast egg) on the menu. In Germany, a soft-boiled egg is common, especially on a Sunday – the traditional Sonntagsei. We also eat them hard-boiled, scrambled, and as an omelet, but soft-boiled is the typical way.
Coffee Culture: Germany’s Morning Fuel
Over 50% of Germans say that a cup of coffee is a staple at breakfast. Although there is a difference in the age groups, with those over 55 are more likely to be coffee drinkers than the young ones. Other breakfast drinks include herbal teas or the famous Osfriesland tea. Also, fruit juices or mixes such as Apple Juice Spritzers are popular. Children love a cocoa (hot chocolate) for breakfast.
Here are some typical German coffee brands you can get in the UK and USA.
Regional breakfast dishes
Weisswurst breakfast – This is the famous white sausage from Bavaria that is simmered and then served with sweet mustard (affiliate link).
Farmer’s breakfast – German Breakfast Casserole – Translates as “Farmer’s breakfast” and is made with leftover pan-fried potatoes, bacon, and onions. A hearty breakfast that can also be served as lunch.
I hope this article gave you a short and brief insight about what a typical breakfast in Germany looks like. Share with us your memories, likes or dislikes of Breakfast in the comments.
