Oktoberfest, a beer festival and a traveling carnival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, from mid- or late-September to the first Sunday in October. In the U.S., Oktoberfest celebrations are vaguely held around the same time. Bars put up signs and grill brauts and pour beer, and people show up. Prost! The American pronunciations of classic German beers is also, often, vaguely right. But this Fall, the brains at the language learning platform Preply have taken a closer look at some of the most mispronounced German beers and created a guide on how to say each of them correctly.
So, say Auf Wiedersehen to your dodgy pronunciations and keep reading. Thanks for the insight Preply.
Paulaner | This well-known Bavarian beer was first brewed in Munich in 1634, and the pronunciation of it has been butchered by the Americans for almost as long. Who is Paul we hear you ask? Impress your friends this Oktober with the correct pronunciation.
- Mispronunciation: Paul-ay-ner
- Correct pronunciation: Pow-lah-ner
Löwenbräu | Another Oktoberfest staple which is steeped in centuries of history. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a traditional German lager. If you fancy one but aren’t sure how to say it, we’ve got you covered.
- Mispronunciation: Lo-wen-brow
- Correct pronunciation: Ler-ven-broy
Kölsch | Kölsch is a refreshing style of beer that stands out for its crisp drinkability and exceptional balance of malt and fruit flavors.
- Mispronunciation: Coal-sh
- Correct pronunciation: Kool-sh
Augustiner Edelstoff | This light beer is famous for its bright gold color and is guaranteed to take you to your ‘hoppy’ place, so long as you know how to order one.
- Mispronunciation: Aw-goo-stein-ur Ee-dell-stuff
- Correct pronunciation: Ow-gus-teen-ah Eh-dell-shtuff
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier | Take a deep breath – you’ve got this one. The Germans know a thing or two about long words with excessive syllable counts, so it’s no surprise this also applies to beer. That first refreshing sip of this pale amber wheat beer will make it all worth it.
- Mispronunciation: Why-en-steph-ay-nur Hee-fah-wice-beer
- Correct pronunciation: Vy-en-shteh-fah-nur Heh-feh-vice-bee-ya
Hacker-Pschorr | With the slogan ‘Welcome to Bavarian Heaven’, it’s no surprise this is another official beer served up in Steins at Oktoberfest in Munich. Now you’ll be able to order one to get your own taste of Bavarian heaven.
- Mispronunciation: Hak-er Psh-chorr
- Correct pronunciation: Har-ker Psh-orr
Märzen |The Märzen is a type of beer which was typically brewed in March to allow it to reach its peak flavor in time for Oktoberfest, which is how it got its name.
- Mispronunciation: Mars-in
- Correct pronunciation: Mer-tsen
Berliner Weisse | Berliner Weisse is a light, sour, wheat beer which originated in the German capital.
- Mispronunciation: Ber-lin-er Why-suh
- Correct pronunciation: Ber-lin-er Vice-r
Rauchbier | Also a distinct style of German beer, it literally translates to ‘smoked beer’. Its campfire-like flavor is rather polarising amongst beer lovers.
- Mispronunciation: Ruh-chi-beer
- Correct pronunciation: Row-kh-bee-ya (here row rhymes with now)
Erdinger | For those who love the taste of beer, but prefer it without the alcohol, Erdinger has a great alcohol-free version which will get you in the Oktoberfest spirit.
- Mispronunciation: Er-din-jer
- Correct pronunciation: Air-ding-er
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