Warm Up with a Cup of Gemütlichkeit: German Tea Traditions

Are you curious about how Germans use their tea? Check out this post for everything you need to know about German tea traditions.

Although coffee and beer are more prominent drinks in Germany, the evolution of tea in Germany is just as important. Germany has a rich history regarding tea within the country as well as a well-evolving tea culture. German tea today continues to influence the drinking habits of many Germans which is why Germany is one of the largest importers of tea globally.

So, if you want to learn more about how tea was introduced to Germans, keep reading! This post alone highlights the history of German tea and how it has influenced many countries around the world.

The History of German Tea

The history of tea in Germany can be traced back to the late 1700s when coffeehouses became a real thing in Europe. Coffeehouses in Germany were primarily where the elite would go to discuss life and have some Kaffee und Kuchen. Back then though, coffee and tea were very expensive and only available for the rich. So, as a result, prices for both beverages ended up dropping in the early 19th century so that everyone could have a cup.

Furthermore, although some Germans prefer coffee to tea, tea was really big in Ostfriesland (East Frisia), a German region in Lower Saxony. In East Frisia, Germans pretty much drank tea more than beer since it was cheaper than the other beverage options. This however worried the Prussian monarchy which led them to steer people away from tea by making a policy against it in 1778. This, however, made Germans want tea even more since they ended up smuggling it, having secret tea parties and undercover tea operations. Therefore, within two years, the policy against tea in Germany was abolished.

Then again, it wasn’t until World War II, however that access to tea became limited again. Around this time, tea was considered a luxury so one person was only allowed 10 grams of it per month. But with respect to how much tea they drank in East Frisia, the Germans that lived there were given an extra Teekarten (Tea Card) that allowed them to have more tea rations. However, even with that, the tea rations still weren’t enough for them, leaving them with no choice but to make their tea substitutes out of herbs and sugar.

Today, tea consumption is still very popular and accessible to everyone. Some of the most popular teas in Germany are Schwarztee (black tea) and Fruchttee (fruit tea) with Kamillentee (Camomile), Fencheltee (Fennel), Hagebuttentee (Rosehip) and Pfefferminztee (Peppermint) appearing from time to time. German tea drinkers also prefer loose tea to dipping a tea bag in hot water so that means they need a tea pot, a strainer, and an infuser to make the beverage.

Germans also even use tea today as medicine since they are more accepting of homeopathy and Eastern cures than places like the United States. Therefore, it’s no wonder Germans use tea today as a common gift to give to neighbors, friends, teachers, and loved ones. The healing properties of German tea can have a huge effect on one’s mental and physical state so, it’s no surprise that there are many German tea traditions that Germans still follow today.

East Frisian Tea: German Tea Tradition

East Frisian Tea is primarily a black tea with a strong blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Darjeeling in Germany. Germans mostly drank it in East Frisia, Germany and it was commonly served to guests visiting an East Frisian home.

Traditionally, East Frisian tea involves a ceremony in which it is served in a large porcelain teapot with Kluntje (rock sugar) and cream. The rock sugar is placed in the teacup first as the tea is poured over it, followed by heavy cream. Stirring the tea in the teacup is strictly forbidden in Germany and if the tea is done properly, a little cloud will form on top of the liquid. Germans also drink and repeat the process of the tea several times since it is good manners to enjoy more than one cup.

Some health benefits for drinking East Frisian Tea include but are not limited to headache, stomach, and stress relief. Germans may also brew this tea up to 4 times a day so that they can have it for breakfast, morning Pause (break), Kaffee & Kuchen, and dinner.

Pregnancy Tea: German Tea Tradition

Drinking tea while you’re pregnant is another common tradition that’s popular in Germany. The most popular tea German women drink while they’re pregnant is Himbeer Blätter Tee (raspberry leaf tea). Pregnant German women drink this to tone the uterus so that they can prep it for labor. In addition, they usually start drinking it from week 32 of the pregnancy and onwards so that the tea can build up its effects in their system. Doing so will lead them to a healthy pregnancy for themselves and their partner’s sake so that there are no complications during labor.

After the baby labor is delivered, Germans also drink Stilltee (breastfeeding tea) to avoid any issues as they’re breastfeeding their newborn child. So with that being said, don’t be surprised if you notice that tea is all German pregnant women drink.

Ginger Tea: German Tea Tradition

Traditionally, Germans also drink Ginger Tea as a way to fight the winter sniffles. Although it’s very unpleasant to drink, Germans believe Ginger Tea can help ward off illness and relieve a sore throat. In fact, besides ginger, other aromatic herbs are also given the hot water treatment. For example, chamomile infusions help with colds while fennel tea settles a stomachache. So, when it comes to the herbs around them, Germans don’t fail to utilize them.

How German Tea Influenced the World

As for the whole world, German tea has had a profound influence on many countries. For example, in the 19th century, German tea merchants were responsible for introducing tea to Russia which led to the development of Russia’s famous tea culture. In addition, around the 20th century, German tea shops and tea rooms became very popular in the States and the U.K., influencing both countries’ tea drinking. So, if you thought Germany had no influence on the tea culture in the U.S., you’re wrong. Germany had just as much influence on American tea today as the British did.

German Tea FAQs

All in all, to end this post, I thought it would be important to also answer some frequently asked questions people might have about German tea!

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What is traditional German tea?

East Frisian Tea, a black tea with a strong blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Darjeeling, is a traditional German tea that dates all the way back to the 18th century. The tea is very traditional since a quarter of the tea drunk in Germany is consumed in East Frisia which is a region in Lower Saxony, Germany.

What tea is most popular in Germany?

Fruit tea is the most popular tea in Germany. It is made from dried or fresh pieces of plant and fruit and is considered to be a tea-like beverage according to German food law. However, some would say it’s technically not tea since it’s not made the same way as black or green tea. Regardless, fruit tea is popular because it’s a low-calorie refreshing drink full of vitamins and minerals.

What is German Fruit Tea?

German Fruit Tea is simply an infusion of dried or fresh pieces of fruit and plants.

Do German doctors prescribe tea?

Yes, German doctors may prescribe tea to their patients since many German doctors and pharmacists are knowledgeable about homeopathy which is an alternative medicine that originated in Germany.

Do Germans drink tea with milk?

Not really! Only a small percentage of Germans drink tea with milk since some believe milk wouldn’t go well with most breakfast teas.

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Overall, I hope you enjoyed this post on German tea traditions in Germany! Please let me know in the comments below what your experience was like trying tea in Germany for the first time. I would love to hear from you! 🙂

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