German beer is an alcoholic beverage made from water, barley, hops, and yeast, following the Reinheitsgebot purity law of 1516. It comes in many styles with alcohol content ranging from 2.8% to 10%, depending on the variety.
History
German beer production dates back to 736 in Geisenfeld, with the first beer delivery contract signed in 766. Monasteries played a significant role in brewing, with many modern beer names derived from religious orders. The Reinheitsgebot, established in 1516, mandated that beer could only be made with barley, hops, yeast, and water, becoming the world's first food purity law.
Types and styles
Germany produces numerous beer styles including Pilsner (4-4.8% ABV), Weizen (5-5.4% ABV), Altbier (4.8% ABV), Kölsch (4.8% ABV), Schwarzbir (4.8-5% ABV), and Bock (6-10% ABV). Other varieties include Berliner Weiße (2.8% ABV), Rauchbier (smoked beer), Roggenbier (rye beer), Märzen (March beer), and Weihnachtsbier (Christmas beer, 6-7.5% ABV).
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Немецкое пиво, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.