Craft and Culture: Germany and Its Beer History(ies)

If you ask people around the world what is typically German, the answer is often easy: beer. But what is behind this image? Where does the special significance of beer in Germany come from and what do monks have to do with it?

Beer, and therefore brewing, has a long history in Germany. One of the country's oldest laws is linked to the Purity Law of 1516. The Weihenstephan state brewery, founded in 1040, is the oldest brewery in the world to come from Germany. At the same time, an astonishing number of breweries bear the names of monastic orders. But where does this connection between monasteries and brewing come from? Where does the special significance of beer brewing in Germany come from? Are there even links between culture, history and beer? We will explore these questions in this seminar and look at both the craft of brewing beer and its history.

In addition to craft and culture, we will also look at the darker side of beer. The responsible use of alcohol is not a matter of course – excessive consumption can have health, social and societal consequences. This is particularly evident at the Oktoberfest in Munich, the largest public festival in the world: every year, rescue and emergency services treat numerous people with alcohol poisoning or injuries caused by alcohol-related violence. In a discussion with experts from addiction counseling, the risks of beer consumption and ways to deal with them more consciously are discussed.

In this seminar, we get to the bottom of beer culture in Germany: historically, technically, politically and critically. It is not only about the where, how and why of beer and beer culture, but also about the question of whether beer consumption in Germany is actually normal or merely normalized.

The seminar is self-catering. All participants take part in preparing the food together. Mandatory digital meetings and early and binding registration are planned for preparation.