gezapftes Bier
The English phrase "draft beer" is gezapftes Bier in German.
gezapftes Bier refers to beer served from a cask or keg rather than from a bottle or can. Germans often use the phrase vom Fass (from the cask) instead of the adjective gezapftes. A natural way to order a draft beer is to say ein Bier vom Fass, bitte.
What does it mean word for word?
The word gezapftes is the past participle of zapfen, which means "to tap" (as in tapping a keg).
How does it change in a sentence?
When ordering draft beer, Germans often use the phrase vom Fass (from the cask) instead of the adjective gezapftes.
Did you know?
- The root of the word Bier actually refers to the 'dross' or 'sediment' found in the brewing process. This suggests that the ancient name for the drink was defined by the impurities left behind rather than the liquid itself.
- Germany has a legal 'Reinheitsgebot' or purity law that historically dictated what ingredients could go into Bier.
- In many German beer gardens, you can order a maß of Bier vom Fass, which is a full litre of draft beer.
Examples in context
- Könnte ich bitte ein Glas Fassbier haben?Could I please have a glass of draft beer?
- Ein frisches Bier vom Fass, bitte.A fresh beer from the tap, please.
- Ich möchte gern ein gezapftes Bier bestellen.I would like to order a draft beer.
- Ist das ein gezapftes Bier oder aus der Flasche?Is that a draft beer or from a bottle?
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are sitting at a traditional German beer garden.
- HannahMöchtest du ein gezapftes Bier, Felix?Would you like a draft beer, Felix?
- FelixJa, bitte. Ein gezapftes Bier wäre toll.Yes, please. A draft beer would be great.
- HannahIch bestelle dann zwei große Maße.I will order two large mugs then.
- FelixDanke, Hannah. Das ist sehr nett.Thanks, Hannah. That is very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
