Kaffeetrinken: German Institution
© Colleen Thomas Ryor
Germans have a special meal each day that I would be happy to adopt into American popular culture. It has several names, depending on which region you are in, and which dialect you are speaking. Kaffeetrinken is High German and means, literally translated, "drinking coffee," or, "to drink coffee." A slang term for it is Kaffeeklatsch, and usually refers to a gathering of women chatting over coffee.Kaffeetrinken tends to take place between 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and many Germans look forward to it each day. Since Germans traditionally eat their main meal of the day during what is lunchtime for Americans, Kaffeetrinken is a much-needed pick-me-up before the light supper that usually follows as late as 8 P.M.
Like Americans, Germans tend to prefer coofee over tea, but most German households will have tea avalable for a guest who does not care for coffee. Children sometimes drink cola as a special treat instead of coffee. Normally, however, Germans do not readliy approve of their children drinking too much cola, which many Europeans refer to as "the Americans' champagne."
Germans have delicious cakes and pastries during this traditional meal, and often serve elaborate versions of their favorites, such as Schwarzwälderkirschtorte (Black Forest Cake), and the famous Sachertorte, named after the Hotel Sacher in Vienna. Sometimes they serve simple pound cake or cookies instead. The main idea is to have a little something sweet to enjoy with the coffee, and to relax for the break before the late dinner. Friends get together to discuss issues of the day, families talk about their days. Most Germans wouldn't miss this little ritual in their days. Kaffeetrinken is to Germans what high tea is to the Brits, but on a less formal scale. It is what that afternoon candybar from the vending machine is to Americans.
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