German kids typically eat a hearty, often cold, breakfast consisting of bread rolls (Brötchen) or rye bread with butter, cheese, cold cuts (like salami or liverwurst), jam, or hazelnut spread (Nutella). Popular options also include muesli, yogurt, fruit, and hot cocoa.
A German Breakfast (Frühstück) commonly consists of bread, toast, and/or bread rolls with cold cuts, cheese or jam (Konfitüre or more commonly called Marmelade), marmalade or honey, eggs, and (often strong) coffee or tea (milk, cocoa or fruit juices for children).
The tradition of filling the table edge to edge is common and even a running joke among Germans. In the past, the main hot meal was at midday, so a big breakfast helped people get through the morning. Today, even if some grab food on the way to work, the long weekend breakfast is still loved.
From creamy brie to tangy feta, there's a wide range of cheeses to choose from. 5. Eggs are not always scrambled: While scrambled eggs are popular in Germany, they're not the only way to eat eggs for breakfast. Germans also enjoy boiled eggs, fried eggs, and eggs baked in a dish called "Strata".
In Germany no other fruit is consumed as much as the apple. Four out of five Germans (79%) regularly eat apples. Followed closely by bananas (78%) and strawberries (77%).
Mealtimes: When and what do Germans eat? People in Germany generally have three or four meals a day: breakfast, a midday meal, an evening meal, and possibly Kaffee und Kuchen (we'll get to this in a minute) in the afternoon.
Cereals are also popular, particularly among the German youth. For example oat flakes or Müsli, which is usually a mixture of whole-grain oat flakes, nuts, and dried fruits. Mixed with Joghurt (yogurt), kefir or Milch (milk), Muesli is often topped with fresh fruit (Obst)!
Germany is famous for its sausages, and this is often a goldmine for picky eaters. Look for simpler, less spiced varieties like Bratwurst (often grilled pork sausage) or Wiener Würstchen (Frankfurter-style sausages).
In German school lunches there normally is 1 dish containing 1 carbohydrate source, 1 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of meat/fish/vegan meat replacement with sauce. Often there is a dessert but really never I saw it coming with any kind of bread.
Most people tip in restaurants, but it's okay if you don't. The waiter won't be rude to you if you don't tip. German waiters don't need tips to survive, but it's a big part of their income.
Crisp and salty pretzels and pretzel stick have been popular in Germany for centuries. Salzstangen (salty pretzel sticks) and Erdnussflips (peanut flips) are particularly popular snacks in Germany.
As of 2024, World Population Review ranks European countries such as Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, and Italy among some of the healthiest in the world. Meanwhile, America ranks 35th healthiest.
