German Sausages

Sausages are one of the most defining elements of German food culture. In Germany, they are not a novelty, a grill-only item, or something reserved for special occasions. Sausages are everyday food, eaten at home, bought at street food vendors, served at public events, and shared casually with friends and family.

Germany is often said to have hundreds of different sausage varieties, and while that number depends on how you count, the range is undeniably large. What makes German sausages different from many American sausages is that they are defined less by size or seasoning blends and more by how they are produced and how they are meant to be eaten.

German Sausage Culture vs the US

In the US, sausages are often associated with grilling, backyard cookouts, or specific formats like hot dogs. Texture tends to be uniform, and sausages are usually eaten in a bun with toppings added on top.

In Germany, sausages are expected to stand on their own. Many are gently heated via boiling rather than grilled, some are eaten without a casing, and most are served without bread rolls or elaborate toppings like relish. People do enjoy accompaniments like Sauerkraut. Mustard is usually offered on the side, not slathered on top, and the sausage itself is meant to be the focus.

Another difference is timing. In Germany, sausages are eaten throughout the day, including for lunch, dinner, or as a quick meal in between. Some types even have traditional time rules, which are still taken seriously in certain regions. Hint: You do NOT want to be caught with a Weißwurst after 12:00 pm in Bavaria!

Common Types of German Sausages

While Germany has many regional sausages, a few types are widely known and commonly eaten. This collection focuses on sausages that are familiar across the country, while also reflecting what is practical to enjoy at home.

Frankfurter

Frankfurter sausages are lightly smoked and typically heated in hot water rather than grilled. They have a firm bite and a mild smoky flavor. In Germany, they are often eaten with mustard and bread, or simply on their own. Frankfurters are one of the most internationally recognized German sausages and closely related to the American hot dog, though the flavor profile is usually milder and less salty.

Wiener

Wiener sausages are similar in shape to Frankfurters but tend to be softer and milder. They are often eaten by hand, especially by children, and are commonly served warm with mustard or ketchup. In everyday German households, Wieners are a reliable, no-nonsense option that works just as well for a quick meal as it does for casual gatherings. Some recipes for potato soups include Wiener as a protein, which may sound weird, but tastes delicious and like a warm bowl of childhood bliss.

Weißwurst

Weißwurst is a traditional Bavarian sausage made from veal and pork and seasoned with herbs. It is not smoked and it has a very mild flavor. Traditionally, Weißwurst is eaten before noon and served with sweet mustard and pretzels. In Bavaria, it is common to eat Weißwurst without the casing, a detail that often surprises people outside Germany. Taking the casing off can be a very individual procedure, which is fun to observe when meeting new people at a beer tent or regional fair.

Beyond these well-known varieties, there are many other sausages Germans recognize, even if they are more regional:

• Bratwurst, which exists in many regional versions and is usually grilled
• Bockwurst, a mild sausage often served with potato salad
• Knackwurst, known for its firm texture and audible snap
• Leberwurst, a spreadable liver sausage eaten on bread rather than served whole

Not all of these styles are always available everywhere, but they are part of the broader sausage landscape that shapes how Germans think about sausages in general.

How German Sausages Are Served

German sausages are usually served simply. Mustard is offered on the side, not spread ahead of time. Bread or pretzels are common accompaniments, especially in casual settings. Side dishes are minimal, and sauces are rare.

This simplicity is intentional. A good sausage should not need much help. The seasoning, texture, and preparation are meant to speak for themselves. And when they are prepared correctly, the do. That approach carries through to how sausages are eaten at home, at stadiums, and at public viewing events.

Sausages are also common in shared food situations. They are easy to portion, easy to serve warm, and work well as finger food. This is why they fit naturally into casual spreads and collections like German Game Day Favorites, where food is meant to be eaten throughout a match rather than as a sit-down meal.

Brands and Everyday Familiarity

For many Germans, certain sausage brands are simply part of life. Brands like Alpine and Meica are widely recognized and associated with consistency and familiarity. These are the kinds of sausages people grow up eating, buy without much thought, and rely on for everyday meals.

That familiarity matters. German sausages are not about chasing trends or novelty flavors. They are about knowing what to expect and enjoying it again and again.

Why Sausages Matter So Much

Sausages remain popular in Germany because they are practical, filling, adaptable and a straight up classic. They work for quick meals, casual gatherings, and shared food situations. They can be eaten at home, on the go, or as part of a larger spread.

For people living outside Germany, sausages are often one of the foods they miss most. Not because they are fancy, but because they are so deeply tied to everyday routines. They are hard to get in other countries, and a all American hotdog just doesn't do it right. This collection reflects that role and brings together sausages that fit naturally into how German food culture actually works.

Try our:

• cured German sausages in cans and jars from brands like Meica
• smoked German sausages
• and fresh sausage like Weißwurst, German Bratwurst or Landjäger

Please note, that all fresh sausages & meats are delivered in insulated & cooled packaging. Due to the freshly produced nature of these products, items are only shipped Tuesdays and Wednesdays, no matter of the shipping speed selected during checkout.

Also see our shipping policy for more information.