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Monday, September 8, 2008

Oktoberfest is Coming! Time to Drink Up, Eat Heartily, and Study German

By Dinah Leabeau

Oktoberfest will once again be held in Munich, Germany on September 20 to October 5 this year. It is a good idea to learn German to be able to pronounce the multitude of drinks and food offered on the sixteen days of the event.

Delicacies and Food

When you think of Oktoberfest, the many varieties of German sausages ("wurst" in the native language) are never far behind. More than the common frankfurter sausage, you will love the bockwurst (chicken, turkey, lamb, pork with parsley, chives, white pepper, paprika, and salt), knackwurst (beef or pork with fresh garlic), and the bratwurst (veal, beef, and/or pork). To avoid embarrassing yourself, study German to be able to eloquate the German monikers of these delicious sausages.

You will also have the chance to sample the numerous kinds of spatzle, or noodles, the perfect accompaniment to beer. Common ingredients for the noodles are various spices, flour, milk, eggs, and salt. You should definitely sample the kasespatzle - cheese noodles with fried onions. These are so delicious that learning German, if only to show your gratitude, is a must.

You can also try other German delicacies such as hendl (roasted chicken), sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), and Apfelpfannenkuchen (apple pancakes). As if these are not sufficient reasons to learn German, wait until you get to the beers.

It's All About the Alcohol

More than the costumes, music, and food, the Oktoberfest is known for its beers and wines. Be able to distinguish the various beers and wines in the 14 tents of the event by studying the German language.

You can opt for sekt, sparkling wine that is fizzier than most because of high carbon dioxide contents. Go for the Deutscher Sekt, or sekt formulated from Riesling and Pinot black grapes and gris for special events.

German wheat beer can get you intoxicated. There are numerous kinds, including the traditional and unfiltered Hefeweizen, Kristallweizen (crystal wheat), Dunkelweizen (dark wheat), and Weizenstarkbier (strong wheat beer), to mention some. Alcohol content is typically higher with darker wheat, and the names hint of the alcohol strength, so study German quickly so you will not confuse them.

Obviously, you cannot pass on the marzen (pale lager), an Oktoberfestbier brewed specially for the festival. Indeed, showcasing the numerous varieties of wines and beers is what the Oktoberfest is about. Why, there are about 15 wines offered in the Weinzelt tent alone!

Of course, to drink bacchanalian pleasures, dine on great food, meet new people, and appreciate Oktoberfest, you need not study German. Still, it will not hurt to learn German free to make yourself heard above the raucous party that the Oktoberfest is.

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