As the days stretch longer and the sun warms the soul, Germany awakens in full colour. Blossoming parks, buzzing beer gardens, and the scent of fresh Spargel (yes, it’s asparagus season!) fill the air.
May begins with Maifeiertag, a beloved public holiday brimming with tradition, and rolls into a season of spring fairs, open-air concerts, and festive markets.
It is the perfect time for outdoor adventures — from hiking scenic trails to lingering at sun-drenched cafés or enjoying a crisp drink in a beer garden.
With a mix of tradition, fresh flavours, and lively events, May is a wonderful time to soak up Germany’s vibrant spring energy.
And for our South African community? Why not give Spargelzeit a twist with a creamy biltong-infused Hollandaise or a boerewors-and-asparagus braai platter. Because nothing says “spring” like tradition — with a taste of home.
Central European Time (CET), Summertime – the same time as South Africa until the last Sunday of October, when Wintertime starts.
Spring.
It’s a time when nature is in full bloom, temperatures are mild, and the days become noticeably longer as summer approaches.
With pollen season in full swing, taking care of your allergies is important. You can stay up-to-date with the latest information using the Allergie website‘s Pollenkalender.
May in Germany brings mild and pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging between 7.2 and 16.8 degrees Celsius. The days become noticeably longer, offering more hours of sunshine to enjoy the outdoors. Spring is in full swing, with warmer afternoons perfect for strolls through blooming parks, while cooler mornings and evenings still call for a light jacket.
May 1st – May Day (Tag der Arbeit) and Maypole Traditions
May begins with May Day (Tag der Arbeit) on the 1st of May, a public holiday in Germany. While trade unions organize marches and demonstrations in larger cities, many smaller towns celebrate with traditional Maypole (Maibaum) festivities. Villages come together to erect a beautifully decorated pole, often accompanied by locals wearing traditional Bavarian or regional attire. A fun and mischievous tradition in rural areas involves stealing the Maypole from neighbouring villages. To reclaim it, the town must pay a ransom—usually in beer, adding to the festive spirit. Once the Maypole is in place, the real celebration begins with music, dancing, and feasting.
The tradition of raising the Maypole dates back to the 16th century, and several customs are associated with this time. The night before, many people take part in “Tanz in den Mai” (Dance into May), an evening of parties and dancing to welcome the new month. Another old custom, the “Maisprung” (May Jump), sees the daring leap over bonfires at midnight, symbolizing renewal and good fortune.
Mother’s Day & Father’s Day in Germany
Like in South Africa, Mother’s Day (Muttertag) is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, a time when families express their appreciation with flowers, gifts, and special meals.
While Father’s Day (Vatertag) falls in June in South Africa, in Germany, it is celebrated on Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt), a public holiday that always falls on a Thursday. On this day, it is common for groups of men to go on day-long outings, often with handcarts (Bollerwagen) full of beer, enjoying the countryside, beer gardens, or barbecues with friends.
Swimming options Private swimming pools are not so popular in Germany, but there are good public swimming options available. Public swimming pools / Öffentliche Schimmbäder / Freibad Freiseitparks like Europapark Baggersee (Man-made lakes) Lakes The ocean / Nordsee or Ostsee Rules for swimming in Lakes Never dive/jump into a lake
With such beautiful weather, endless opportunities exist to indulge in fun outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, picnicking, or simply soaking up the radiant sunshine, the possibilities are endless.
Many of the public swimming facilities (Freibad) will open. Other swimming options are to swim in the ocean, a Baggersee, or a lake.
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White asparagus (Spargel) is one of Germany’s most beloved seasonal delicacies, marking the arrival of spring. The official asparagus season starts towards the end of April and lasts until June 24th, known as St. John the Baptist Day (Johannistag). During this time, asparagus is featured on menus across the country, with traditional dishes pairing it with hollandaise sauce, buttered potatoes, and ham or schnitzel. Grown under soil to maintain its pale color and delicate flavor, white asparagus is celebrated with festivals, fresh market stalls, and even dedicated “Spargel menus” in restaurants. Its short but highly anticipated season makes it a true highlight of German spring cuisine.
May marks the beginning of strawberry season (Erdbeerzeit) in Germany, when locally grown strawberries start appearing at markets, farm stands, and supermarkets. Known for their sweetness and intense flavour, German strawberries are often smaller but packed with taste, thanks to the mild spring temperatures and long daylight hours that allow them to ripen slowly.
These juicy red berries are a favourite ingredient in Erdbeerkuchen (strawberry cake), served with fresh cream, or used to make homemade jams. Many farms also offer Erdbeerselbstpflücke (pick-your-own strawberry fields), where visitors can gather their own fresh berries straight from the plants.
Rhubarb has a tart flavour that becomes sweeter when cooked with sugar. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium.
Rhubarb is commonly used to make pies, crisps, jams, and sauces. It can also be stewed or roasted to bring out its natural sweetness.
Maibock is a traditional strong lager brewed specifically for spring, marking the transition from the darker, heavier winter beers to the lighter summer varieties. This golden to amber-colored beer has a smooth, malty sweetness with hints of caramel, bread, and a touch of spice. Despite its refreshing taste, Maibock has a higher alcohol content than typical lagers, usually ranging between 6–7.5% ABV.
Brewed in late winter and released in May, Maibock is a popular choice during spring festivals, beer gardens, and May celebrations. It pairs well with traditional German dishes like pretzels, sausages, roasted meats, and asparagus dishes.
Maibowle is a quintessential German springtime drink, often enjoyed during May Day festivities or as part of gatherings celebrating the arrival of warmer weather. This traditional May punch is made by combining white wine or sparkling wine with a touch of sweetness from sugar and the distinctive flavor of sweet woodruff (Waldmeister), a fragrant herb that grows in forests during spring.
The woodruff gives Maibowle its unique aroma—herbal, slightly sweet, and grassy—which blends beautifully with the wine, creating a refreshing and aromatic drink. Some variations of Maibowle include slices of fresh fruits, such as strawberries or citrus, and can be served chilled with ice for a cooling effect.
This crunchy, mild-flavored vegetable is part of the cabbage family and typically harvested in spring and early summer. In May, you’ll find fresh Kohlrabi at local markets, where it’s often sold with its leafy green tops still attached.
Kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw, sliced into salads or paired with dips, or cooked in soups and stews. It has a slightly sweet and peppery taste, similar to a mild radish, but with a crisp texture. It’s also popular in German dishes like Kohlrabisalat (Kohlrabi salad) or sautéed as a side dish. The versatility and fresh, light flavor of Kohlrabi make it a perfect addition to spring meals.
| Maypole | der Maibaum |
| A state or feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. | die Gemütlichkeit |
| Man-made quarry filled with water |
der Baggersee |
| Lake | der See |
| Ocean | das Meer |
| Beach | der Strand/der Badestrand |
Yearly Festivals and Events in Germany We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and events to attend throughout the year. If you have any ideas or recommendations regarding events or festivals that we should add to our list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us through the contact form. We value your input and suggestions in making our list as comprehensive and accurate as possible. We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and events to attend throughout the year. If you have any ideas or recommendations regarding events or festivals that we should add to our list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us through the contact form. We value your input and suggestions in making our list as comprehensive and accurate as possible. Special days and observations Germany has 16 Federal states. Make sure the event is celebrated in the Federal state you live in Festivals and Celebrations Germany has 16 Federal states. Make sure the event is celebrated in the Federal state you live inUse the search function to search by month, region, or event Date Range City or Region Type Event and Link 01-Jan All Celebration New Years Day 06-Jan All Celebration Heilige Drei Könige January and February Various Karneval Zunfttermine February and March Köln Karneval Karneval in Köln February Berlin Film Festival Berlinale March Frankfurt Traditional Festival Spring Dippemess March or April All Celebration Easter Traditions March and April Nürnberg Frühlingsfest / Volksfest Nürnberger Volksfest April and May Stuttgart Frühlingsfest / Volksfest https://www.stuttgarter-fruehlingsfest.de/de/home/ April and May Munich Frühlingsfest / Volksfest Münchner Frühlingsfest May and June Emerkingen Music Festival Musikertage in Emerkingen 01-May Various May Day May Day Traditions May Bonn Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen May Frankfrurt Volksfest Frankfurter Wäldschestag May (over Pentacost) Rothenburg ob der Tauber Traditional Festival Meistertrunk May Hamburg Celebration Port Anniversary May and June Würzburg Wine Festival Weindorf Würzburg June Kiel Martime Kieler Woche June Wittenberg Traditional Festival Luthers Hochzeit June and July Frankfurt Traditional Festival Grüne Soße Festspiele June and July Landshut Traditional Festival Landshuter Hochzeit July Ulm Volksfest Ulmer Volksfest July Ulm Traditional Festival Ulmer Nabada July Biberach Traditional Festival Biberarcher Schützenfest July Konstanz Wine Festival Konstanzer Weinfest July Bingen Rüdesheim Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen July Schloss Kaltenberg Medieval Festival Kaltenberger Ritterturnier August and September Bonn Traditional Festival Pützchens Markt August October November BW August and September Pfullendorf Music Festival Pfullywood Festival August and September Frankfurt Wine Festival Rheingau Wine Festival August and September Nürnberg Herbstfest / Volksfest Nürnberger Volksfest August and September Stuttgart Wine Festival Stuttgarter Weindorf August and September Bietigheim-Bissingen Horse show with market and events Bietigheimer Pferdemarkt August and September Bad Dürkheim Wine Festival Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt August Cohem Wine Festival Heimat-und Weinfest August Spay Koblenz Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen August Frankfurt Traditional Festival Mainfest August Frankfurt Town Festival Museumsuferfest July or August Stuttgart International Firework Festival lInternational Fireworks Festival August Potsdam Traditional Festival August Konstanz Fireworks Konstanzer Seenachtfest August Rothenburg ob der Tauber Wine Festival Rothenburg Wine Festival August Bamberg Traditional Festival Bamberger Sandkerwa September Selb Medieval Festival Festival-Mediaval September Konstanz Music Festival Gute Zeit Festival September Berlin Beer Festival Berlin Beer Week September St. Goar Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen September Oberwesel Fireworks Den Rhein in Flammen September Rothenburg ob der Tauber Traditional Festival Reichsstadt Festival September Frankfurt Traditional Festival Autumn Dippmess September and October Bayern dem Allgäu Tirol September and October Neustadt an der Weinstraße Wine Festival Wine Harvest Festival September and October Munich Oktoberfest Official Oktoberfest website September and October Stuttgart Volksfest Cannstatter Volksfest September and October Berlin Oktoberfest Oktoberfest in Berlin First Sunday in October Various Harvest Festival Information in German about the Ertedankfest October Wiemar Traditional Festival Zwiebelmarkt Weimar October Berlin Celebration Berlin Festival of lights 11-Nov Various Celebration Martinstag November Bad Tölz Traditional Festival TÖLZER LEONHARDIFAHRT November and December Various Christmas Markets Christmas Markets December and January Various Christmas Gardens Christmas Garden Christmas Various Christmas Christmas Traditions 31-Dec Various Sylvester New Year’s Eve Celebrations Postdame Schlössernacht“ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [events_listcategory=”yearly-events-list”scope=”12-months”order=”ASC”pagination=”1″format=””] Month Event Town Link #_EVENTDATES{M} #_EVENTNAME #_LOCATIONTOWN View Event Karneval/Fasching/Fastnacht It is also called the fifth season, and things can get a bit “Narrisch” So what is Carnival, Fastnacht and Faching? These are the same, but they differ from region to region. Fasching – Austria, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Sachsen Fastnacht – Baden, Franconia, Hesse, Saarland, Mainz, Swabenland, Switzerland and Luxembourg Karneval – Rhineland: Aachen, Bonn, Köln and Düsseldorf Carnival is a celebration of excess and includes parades, floats, dancing, formal balls, wearing costumes, noise and a lot of partying. It is the period before Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday.Lent is a time of repentance and abstinence in preparation for Easter. NarrenzunftThis is yet another version of the carnival.The local carnival clubs of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival and some of the Rhenish carnival describe themselves as fools’ guilds. These guilds are mostly organised in the legal form of a registered association (Verein).You can find the “Zunfttermine” here.You can find a list of the associations / Vereine here. Karneval/Fasching/Fastnacht It is also called the fifth season, and things can get a bit “Narrisch” So what is Carnival, Fastnacht and Faching? These are the same, but they differ from region to region. Fasching – Austria, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Sachsen Fastnacht – Baden, Franconia, Hesse, Saarland, Mainz, Swabenland, Switzerland and Luxembourg Karneval – Rhineland: Aachen, Bonn, Köln and Düsseldorf Carnival is a celebration of excess and includes parades, floats, dancing, formal balls, wearing costumes, noise and a lot of partying. It is the period before Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday.Lent is a time of repentance and abstinence in preparation for Easter. NarrenzunftThis is yet another version of the carnival.The local carnival clubs of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival and some of the Rhenish carnival describe themselves as fools’ guilds. These guilds are mostly organised in the legal form of a registered association (Verein).You can find the “Zunfttermine” here.You
🇿🇦 Meat the Difference: A South African’s Guide to Buying Meat in Germany 🇩🇪 Looking for proper boerewors? Wondering why German Rindfleisch doesn’t taste quite like home? Or scratching your head at all the unfamiliar beef cuts? Get to know the difference between German and South African beef cuts, learn the right words at the butcher, and discover where to find quality meat that feels like home. German beef cuts German Cut English Equivalent Notes Rinderhals / Kamm / Nacken Chuck steak / Neck Good for stews and minced beef; flavourful but needs slow cooking. Querrippe Short ribs Rich and meaty; great for slow cooking or braising. Rinderbrust Brisket Ideal for corned beef, smoked brisket, or pot roast. Hochrippe / Fehlrippe Standing rib roast Tender and marbled; excellent for roasting or steaks. Vorderrippe Front rib section Leaner part before the rib-eye; good roasting cut. Flaches Roastbeef / Rostbraten Sirloin / Striploin Classic steak cut; tender and flavourful. Filet Fillet / Tenderloin Most tender muscle; minimal fat. Dünnung / Bauchlappen Flank steak Flat, lean, and full of flavour; slice across the grain. Falsches Filet / Schulter / Bug / Schaufel Shoulder / Chuck tender Good for biltong or stews; lean but firm texture. Oberschale Topside / Inside round Excellent for biltong; lean and uniform texture. Unterschale Silverside / Outside round Ideal for biltong; dries evenly and slices beautifully. Nuss Knuckle / Sirloin tip Lean and versatile; used for roasts or schnitzel. Hüfte / Hüftsteak Rump / Top sirloin Tender and tasty; good for grilling or roasting. Schwanzstück / Tafelspitz Rump tip / Tri-tip Austrian favourite; excellent for boiling or roasting, pricier cut. Hesse / Wade Beef shank / Shin Full of collagen; great for soups and slow-cooking. Fricandeau Lean roast (upper leg) Old-fashioned French term; overlaps with Nuss or Oberschale. Schwanz / Ochsenschwanz Oxtail Used for rich stews and soups; gelatinous and flavourful. Source: Wikipedia: Cut of beef 📄 Download the German Beef Cuts poster (PDF) Pork (Schweinefleisch) German Name English Name Description Schweinenacken Pork Neck Juicy, marbled, and full of flavour — ideal for slow roasting, pulled pork, or hearty chops. Schweineschulter / Schaufel Pork Shoulder Perfect for long, slow cooking, stews, or mincing for sausages. A robust and versatile cut. Schweinerücken / Schweinelende Pork Loin Lean, tender, and similar to a South African pork chop. Available bone-in or boneless. Schweinefilet / Schweinelende Pork Tenderloin / Fillet Extremely lean and delicate. Best for medallions or quick pan-frying to keep it juicy. Bauchfleisch Pork Belly Rich and full of flavour, used for streaky bacon, crackling, or slow-roasted belly. Schweinebauch mit Schwarte Pork Belly with Skin Skin-on cut, often rolled or flat — perfect for making crispy crackling or roasting joints. Haxe Pork Knuckle / Shank Eisbein (boiled, northern style) or Schweinshaxe (crispy roasted, Bavarian style) — a true German classic. Kotelett Pork Chop Traditional bone-in cut from the loin. Often served with a rim of fat for flavour and moisture. Oberschale Topside / Inside of Leg Lean and perfect for schnitzels, thin roasts, or tender escalopes. Unterschale Silverside / Bottom Round Lean and slightly firmer — ideal for roasts or curing into ham. Schweinerippchen Pork Ribs Meaty ribs perfect for slow cooking, smoking, or glazing with sticky BBQ sauce. Nuss Eye of the Leg / Knuckle Small, round, lean muscle — great for schnitzels or thinly sliced roasts. Lende Loin or Tenderloin Depending on the butcher, can mean either loin or tenderloin — clarify before purchasing. Kassler Cured / Smoked Pork Chop Lightly smoked and salted, typically from the loin or shoulder. Delicious with sauerkraut and potatoes. Speck Bacon / Cured Fat Cured, sometimes smoked, thick-cut pork fat. Used for frying, flavouring dishes, or as lardons. Where to buy meat Most people buy lamb at their local Turkish butcher, or at Italian Food stores that have a butchery.You can try Selgros or Metro (need a customer card) or support your local butchery for lamb and other meat cuts.Shops like Rewe and Edeka have their own butchery section, and if you want a specific cut you can pre-order it from them. You can also buy meat online. I found the following online shops, but have not personally used them so I can only add them as suggestions. Most of these also sell Venison Ihr Online Metzger Tellermitte Don Carne Gourmet Fleisch Otto Gourmet MeinMetzger Mein Bauernhof – direct from farmers in your region. Beef, Lamb, Veal, Chicken and Fish. Also milk, eggs and vegetables Waldgourmet (Venison) Grüne Bauern – Bio Meat delivered to your home. They also sell Lamb Waldfleisch – App to buy Regional Venison Vocabulary Here is a list of translations, along with some additional information about meat in Germany. Product Substitute & Translation Lamb Shank Die Lammhaxe. Lamb is less common in Germany and often milder than Karoo lamb. You’ll find imported New Zealand lamb (fresh or frozen) at larger supermarkets, Italian delis, or specialty butchers. Lidl occasionally stocks frozen lamb shanks, though availability is seasonal. Mince Das Hackfleisch. Available as Rinderhack (beef), Schweinehack (pork), or Gemischtes Hack (a mix). Ground lamb is rare but can be found in Turkish or Middle Eastern stores. Ribeye Steak Entrecôte or Rib-Eye-Steak. Occasionally labelled Scotch Fillet. Usually available at butcher counters, Metro, or larger Edeka stores. Cuts of Beef German butchers use different regional terms for cuts. South African and British cuts are closely aligned — consult comparison charts to match names correctly when ordering from a German butcher. Cuts Good for Biltong Silverside (Unterschale) or Topside (Oberschale) are the best options. Tafelspitz (rump tip) also works well but is leaner and typically pricier. Offal / Afval Die Innereien. Includes liver, kidneys, heart, tripe, and tongue. Usually pre-ordered from butchers. Caul Fat / Netvet Das Fettnetz or Netz vom Schwein. Ask at the butcher; often used for pâtés or meatballs. Kidneys Die Nieren. Beef and veal kidneys are more common than lamb; soak before cooking to mellow the flavour. Liver Die Leber. Widely available from pork, beef, or veal. Best when freshly sliced — look for
Sports in Germany South Africans are generally a sport-crazy bunch. Not just watching it, but also actively taking part. Participating in sports here in Germany has its challenges, mostly due to the weather. But, as the German saying goes – there isn’t something like bad weather, only bad clothing and many South Africans in Germany live by this motto and go out for a run or a cycle in what would be considered “stay home and light the fire” weather back in South Africa. We will try and list some resources for some sports activities here to help you get “back into the saddle” here in Germany. Running Running in Germany is a popular sport, even though it can get quite cold in Germany in winter. That being said, it also has a certain magic about going for a run in the snow – not to talk about the good training it is to run in ankle-deep snow, similar to running on beach sand! The winter attire for running might be a little unusual for South Africans, especially the men, with tights galore. However, one runs not to look good while you run, but afterwards, right? Anyway, one overly freezing run without tights, convinces one to accept and adapt very fast. In summer running is really a pleasure in Germany, since the tons of cycling routes available in Germany provide an excellent way to explore and build your running capacity without having to battle vehicular traffic. Another great pleasure of running in Germany is the fact that often a lake is normally not all too far away, so a quick dip to cool down is a real option on many running routes. Running events and race day Taking part in official running events (races, like half-marathons or marathons, etc) in Germany is a little less formalised than in South Africa, in the sense that you don’t have to belong to a club to join official runs. Most running events are organised by sports clubs and the participation fee covers all elements of the run. Generally speaking, the earlier you enter the race, the cheaper it becomes. Often you can also enter on the day of a race (as long as the maximum capacity has not been reached), at approximately double the cost of an early entrant. What sometimes takes some getting used to is that races in Germany normally start much later in the day (a race starting at 10:00 or even later is not unusual, especially in winter) than in South Africa. Water supply during a race is also quite different in Germany than in South Africa, with cups being used rather than sachets as in SA, making it much harder to run-and-drink in our opinion. What you can also often do at many of the longer races is to prepare and drop off your own drinks a day before the race (normally when you pick up your race number) which the event organisers will then position for you along the route. This is a good way to get around the cup-drinking-mess if you are so inclined. Most larger races also offer good race logistics, such as bag drop services and shower facilities after the race. Some good race listing sites suggested by our members are: Lauftreff: http://www.lauftreff.de/laufkalender/ (where you can sort the races by your postal code (PLZ)) MyRaceLand: https://www.myraceland.com/en/running-calendar/germany/ Everyday running and our Strava club For your everyday running, the app Strava can help a lot to help you find routes in your local vicinity. We also have our own “South Africans in Germany” running club listed on Strava under the following link: https://www.strava.com/clubs/956800. Feel free to join our online running club there and share your running ups and downs with us. The Strava app is also the most popular app in South Africa, so you can follow and support both your friends back in South Africa as well as South Africans in Germany easily in one app. Cricket Yes, cricket is played actively here in Germany. Cycling Read more about cycling on our cycle page Feel free to join our Strava group under the following link where you can share your passion directly with other South Africans in Germany: https://www.strava.com/clubs/956800. Swimming Swimming is a great low-impact workout that helps improve cardiovascular health and promote mental wellness. It is very unlikely for Fitness clubs (Gyms) to have swimming pools. If you would like to train for swimming as a sport, you will need to join a Swimming club (Schwimmverein)Another option is to contact the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) or join a sports club like Urban Sports Club, which partners with many other clubs and sports facilities.The Facebook group “Bist du heute shcon geschwommen” is very informative Rugby, Soccer (Football) and other team sports If you participate in team sports (especially rugby) here in Germany, please reach out to us via our contact form – we would love to share your club or events or experiences here. Groups and Forums There is a Sports forum on this website, that is open to everyone to read. To add content you need to be a registered member (no member fees) We also have groups on our website. Currently, the sports-related groups are hiking, rugby, and cricket. Only members can see these groups. They can also great new groups and invite friends Watching sports Related content
When you do not have braai facilities at home or want to have more space while meeting your friends for a braai, you can use the grills/fireplaces at a public Grillplatz/grill area.These are usually in bigger parks or around lakes. Grilling in the forest is generally prohibited with some exceptions. Personally, I would refrain from grilling in the forest even if there is a Grillplatz. The trees and other plants can be very dry in summer and there is always a fire hazard. My first public grill was at the Grillplatz in Lonetal near Ulm.It is part of a hiking trail. We walked back after dark and there was a beautiful full moon. The woods were full of glowworms, it was really magical. Previous Next Why can I not grill where I want? Disposable grills damage the grass, and when the grass is very dry the heat will damage the lawn. This can also lead to runaway fires. Finding a designated grilling spot You can search the internet for “Grillplätze in öffentlichen Grünanlagen” or just “Grillplätze in YourTown”The following websites offer a list of public grill stations per town: Grillplatz.org Grillplatz360 Here are websites for some of the more popular towns. The town-specific rules are sometimes also listed on these websites. Berlin Hamburg Stuttgart Münich Frankfurt Leipzig Ulm You can also just look for the signposting in public areas to see if grilling is allowed. If there are no clear indications or signs indicating that grilling is permitted, you can assume that it is forbidden. Common rules As with most things in Germany, grilling in a public space is regulated.These rules are based on common decency and respect.Rule of thumb – if it doesn’t explicitly say grilling is allowed, you can assume it is not allowed. Each federal state (Bundesland) or town has its own rules, so please make sure you know what the rules are for the area in which you want to grill.Violations of these rules of the “Police Ordinance on Public Security and Order” are considered an administrative offence and may result in a warning or fine (see how much here). Here are some common rules: You cannot reserve a grill area/braai. Most public grills are big enough to be shared by groups. Only grill in designated areas. Do not dig your own grill pit or damage the lawn. Make sure you know if you are allowed to bring along your own grill or whether you are only allowed to use the permanently installed fireplaces/grills. Take note you are not allowed to use disposable grills or Einweggrills. The fire must be supervised by a suitable person at all times. The fire must be extinguished completely after you finished grilling. Dispose of all waste, this includes ashes. Most grill areas will have a bin designed for hot ashes. Grilling under trees or in the immediate vicinity of woody plants and on horticultural surfaces is not permitted (in the interest of protecting trees and birds). The grass must not be damaged. Only commercially available charcoal and lighters may be used. Flames may not exceed a height of one meter. Tips You might need to register at the town hall to make use of a grill area. Please leave the area clean and take all food scraps with you Do not make any fire on the lawn or in the gardens The number for the Fire brigade is 112 Music Playing music in parks and green spaces in the city is generally permitted.It should not disturb anyone.Most parks have a quiet period from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am Terminology Wild-Grillen – meint hier das unerlaubte Grillen auf Flächen für die laut Parkverordnung oder Naturschutzgesetz ein Grillverbot gilt.– means unauthorized grilling in areas where grilling is prohibited – according to the Park Ordinance or Nature Conservation Act. Grillen verboten – Grilling not allowed der Grillplatz – Grill area Related content
Summer is finally here and it is time to invite friends to kuier around the braai. But before you light your charcoal, check out the rules and regulations that might apply to you. The following rules are relevant if you live in a rental property: Am I allowed to grill on the Balcony? As a tenant you are generally allowed to grill on the balcony, terrace or in the garden.There is no law prohibiting it. However, landlords can explicitly allow, restrict or prohibit grilling in your rental agreement.They can also specify if you are allowed to use charcoal. When am I not allowed to grill? When it is stipulated in your rental agreement that you are not allowed to grill on your balcony or in the garden. When the smoke from your fire or grill goes into the apartment or home of your neighbours. When this happens you are committing an administrative offence, and you can be fined for it. These rules are governed by the German Tenants’ Association (DMB). Anyone who disregards these rules risks being warned or even given notice.It can also result in the termination of your rental contract. What can I do? First of all, read your rental contract and make sure you know what the stipulations are. You should always be considerate towards your neighbours, Electric grills makes less smoke than a charcoal grill If possible, work with aluminium trays. Adhere to the applicable quiet periods (Ruhezeiten) A case that went to court was in 2002 in the district of Essen. The tenant disregarded the rules and ignored warnings and had to move out as a result. (LG Essen, judgment of 07.02.2002, Az .: 10 S 438/01).Another in Düsseldorf – “A barbecue party with a total of seven guests was organized in the garden of an apartment building. As a result, smoke penetrated through the windows of the neighbouring apartment. Their residents saw themselves on the one hand disturbed by the smoke, on the other hand by the additional noise level. The tenant, who was responsible for the grilling, was consequently fined (OLG Düsseldorf, judgment of 26.05.1995, ref .: 5 Ss (OWi) 149/95 – (OWi) 79/95 I).” What else do I need to know? If you are allowed to grill at your home, the smells and noise from a grill party should be tolerated by your neighbours to some extent. Take notice of the quiet periods and make sure to keep noise levels acceptable. These rules are governed by the local municipality Wood and charcoal Hardwood that produces a lot of embers with little smoke is the best to grill with. This includes: Beech (Buche) and Birch(Birke) wood are suitable for meat and fish dishes. It gives food a smoky flavour. Oakwood (Eiche) can also be used; it burns hotter and does not flavour the meat Maple wood (Ahornholz ) is suitable for vegetables and fish Wild Cherry wood (Wildkirsche) is particularly suitable for pork, veal, poultry and fish Notice!! Do not use soft wood like Spruce(Fichte), Fir (Tanne), yew (Eibe), larch (Lärchen) or pine(Kiefer) as these have a high resin content and can make the food bitter. Also, avoid using oily wood such as Cedar (Zeder), Eucalyptus, and Thuja (Arborvitae as they can cause health problems. These release compounds that can cause respiratory or digestive issues and are not safe for cooking Never use wood that has been treated, for example, telephone poles or railway sleepers. These may contain creosote, heavy metals, or other toxic substances. Vuur en Rook in the Netherlands is an online shop that sells Sekelbos and other wood Ons gaan braai, also in the Netherlands, sells Sekelbos and more Charcoal in Germany is made mostly from Beechwood (Buche). During the summer season, most grocery and hardware shops sell charcoal. Boeries, Biltong and Braai spices Looking for some tasty South African treats and drinks for your next braai? Check out these businesses selling Boerewors, Biltong, and braai spices. Some even have your favourite SA beverages available! Where to buy meat German and South African meat cuts are not similar. On our Meat and Fish page we explain the German cuts, and listed some shops that sell meat online. Where to shop for a grill and accessories Some of the most popular brands are Campingaz, Weber, Burnhard and Grill Fürst You can buy equipment and accessories at shops like OBI, Hornbach Vuur en rook in the Netherlands Ons gaan Braai in the Netherlands Potjie The following online shops sell Potjies: Die Spens Ons gaan Braai and Vuur en rook in the Netherlands Amazon.de Recipes Jan Braai References Mieterbund Rechtstipps Bussgeldkatalog Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
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