''Frühschoppen'' (pronounced , meaning: an alcoholic drink before midday in company) is the

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) **Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ger ...

and

Austria Austria, , bar, Östareich officially the Republic of Austria, is a country in the southern part of Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital, Vienna, the most populous ...

n tradition of meeting up at a pub, inn or tavern in the late morning, usually on Sundays. The specific customs vary from region to region. ''Frühschoppen'' is often a kind of

brunch Brunch is a meal eaten between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., sometimes accompanied by alcoholic drinks (typically champagne or a cocktail). The meal originated in the British hunt breakfast. The word ''brunch'' is a portmanteau of '' breakfas ...

, but does not necessarily involve food. Frühschoppen is also often held at fun fairs, the most famous being

Oktoberfest The Oktoberfest (; bar, Wiesn, Oktobafest) is the world's largest Volksfest, featuring a beer festival and a travelling carnival. It is held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is a 16- to 18-day folk festival running from mid- or la ...

Cannstatter Volksfest The Cannstatter Volksfest is an annual three-week Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair) in Stuttgart, Germany. It is sometimes also referred to by foreign visitors as the Stuttgart Beer Festival, although it is actually more of an autu ...

. In

Lower Bavaria Lower Bavaria (german: Niederbayern, Bavarian: ''Niedabayern'') is one of the seven administrative regions of Bavaria, Germany, located in the east of the state. Geography Lower Bavaria is subdivided into two regions () – Landshut and Donau-W ...

and most of

Upper Bavaria Upper Bavaria (german: Oberbayern, ; ) is one of the seven administrative districts of Bavaria, Germany. Geography Upper Bavaria is located in the southern portion of Bavaria, and is centered on the city of Munich, both state capital and s ...

, ''Frühschoppen'' is understood to be a specific kind of brunch consisting of Weisswurst, sweet mustard, pretzels, and Weissbier (an unfiltered wheat beer). The Bavarian ''Frühschoppen'' began in rural areas and has originally taken place on Sundays in a tavern at the regulars' table (''

Stammtisch A (German for "regulars' table", ) is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis, and also the usually large, often round table around which the group meets. A ''Stammtisch'' is not a structured meeting, but rather a friendly get-tog ...

''). During ''Frühschoppen'', folk may discuss everyday life and politics. In the corner of the tavern or festival tent (''Festzelt'') there is typically a band playing Volksmusik. (Nowadays some places have pop, rock, and jazz bands.) In many other regions of Germany, ''Frühschoppen'' is understood more generally to be a gathering in a pub on Sunday morning, traditionally held after church service. This usually includes the consumption of alcoholic beverages, but not necessarily that of a meal. With the decline of

church attendance Church attendance is a central religious practice for many Christians; some Christian denominations, such as the Catholic Church require church attendance on the Lord's Day (Sunday); the Westminster Confession of Faith is held by the Reformed ...

in Germany this tradition has become somewhat less common, but is still held up in many places, especially in rural areas.

External links

*http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Fruehschoppen Drinking culture Breakfast German cuisine {{DEFAULTSORT:Fruhschoppen