Is German Coffee Really So Good?

It might come as a surprise, but you can’t talk about coffee without mentioning Germany. If you think there's no such thing as German coffee culture, think again.

Surprisingly, Germany ranks number one among European coffee-consuming countriescoff, accounting for a staggering quarter of all coffee consumption in Europe.

Who would’ve guessed?

Coffee culture in Germany traces back to the 17th century (1600s) when the drink was first introduced to the royal court of Brandenburg by Ottoman Turks.

As coffee houses started popping up across Germany, the drink quickly became accessible to everyone.

While Germany is not a coffee growing country, Germans developed unique roasting and brewing techniques, resulting in signature aromatic German flavors.

The early 20th century (1900s) Turkish coffee house "Moka Efti" in Berlin, Germany

Ludwig van Beethoven was very precise with his brew.

There is another aspect of why coffee is so popular in Germany.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827), one of the most admired German composers and pianists in the history of Western music, was an avid coffee drinker. He brewed his own signature aromatic coffee precisely with 60 coffee beans.

His devotion to this elixir of life is one of the reasons for the Germany's national obsession with coffee.

As a general rule, German coffee is mellow—unlike the bold intensity of Neapolitan espresso. It typically offers a mild aroma and a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel.

We highly recommend trying one of the most revered German coffee brands available online. You may be pleasantly surprised by how exceptional the freeze-dried, certified organic German coffee tastes—especially when compared to major American brands like Starbucks, Coffee Bean, or Peet’s.

Meet the big three!

Legendary Jacobs Coffee was founded in 1895. With over 120 years of expertise in the coffee industry, this well-balanced brand has become a true leader—not only in Germany but across the entire continent.

Jacobs’ Kroenung line is its most sought-after blend, known for its bold, royalty-worthy flavor made from premium Arabica beans.

A premium brand dating back to 18th-century Munich, Dallmayr Coffee is truly in a league of its own. The company sources rare highland coffee beans from Papua New Guinea, Colombia, and Brazil to deliver unmatched flavor and quality.

No mention of Dallmayr would be complete without highlighting its renowned Prodomo line—crafted from medium-roast, 100% Arabica beans sourced from Ethiopia, the original birthplace of coffee.

The everyday favorite Tchibo Coffee has been a staple since 1949. As a family-owned company, Tchibo takes pride in its signature mellow mouthfeel, with beans harvested strictly without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Tchibo also owns the well-known German brand Eduscho Coffee.

While some may turn up their noses at coffee, we believe that perfectly mellow German coffee strikes the ideal balance between deliciousness and intensity—so much so that even the most reluctant coffee drinkers can’t forget it.

Whether you stick with your usual everyday cup or explore why German coffee has become a beloved favorite, it’s worth the experience!