As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Germans do not commonly refer to beer mugs as “steins.” This may come as a surprise to many, as the term “stein” has become synonymous with beer drinking vessels in many other parts of the world. However, in the German language, the word “stein” actually means “stone.”
To understand the historical context behind this, we need to delve into the origins of the word “stein” in relation to beer. The term “stein” is believed to have originated from the German words “steinzeng” and “steinkrug,” which respectively mean “stoneware” and “stoneware jug.” These words were used to describe the material and shape of the vessel rather than its function as a beer mug.
In Germany, the traditional beer drinking vessel is known as a “Bierkrug” or “Bierseidel.” These terms are more commonly used to refer to the mugs or jugs specifically designed for enjoying beer. The Bierkrug is typically made of glass or ceramic, and it often features intricate designs or engravings.
It is worth noting that the concept of using steins as beer mugs gained popularity outside of Germany, particularly in North America, where German immigrants brought their traditions and culture. This led to the term “stein” being used to describe the beer mugs with a handle and a hinged lid that became iconic in the German beer culture.
However, it is important to recognize that these traditional German beer mugs with lids, often seen as “steins” in other countries, are not commonly used or referred to as such in Germany itself. Instead, they are more likely to be called “Bierkrug” or “Bierseidel” in the native language.
In my personal experiences traveling in Germany and interacting with locals, I have rarely heard the term “stein” being used to describe a beer mug. The more commonly used terms are “Bierkrug” or “Bierseidel,” which accurately convey the specific vessel used for enjoying beer in Germany.
To summarize, while the term “stein” has become popularized outside of Germany to refer to beer mugs, this is not a commonly used term in the country itself. Germans typically use words like “Bierkrug” or “Bierseidel” to describe their traditional beer drinking vessels. The use of the term “stein” to refer to beer mugs is more of a cultural adaptation that occurred outside of Germany, particularly in North America.