The German Beer Garden Toasting Rules Locals Know That Tourists Often Miss

It's the most wonderful time of year for many beer fans: Oktoberfest. Whether you're fortunate enough to be heading to the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, or are planning on visiting one of the best beer gardens here in the United States, you want to be prepared. Break out your dirndl or lederhosen, build your arm strength to hoist those giant beer mugs, and — maybe most importantly — know key German beer-drinking traditions and etiquette. 

It is vital to understand international dining and drinking etiquette when traveling, but it's also handy wherever you're embracing different cultural traditions. Whether you're sipping your festbier in Heidelberg, Germany, or Heidelberg, Mississippi, you want to feel fully in the spirit of the occasion, confident you're being polite and respectful. One of the most crucial etiquette rules when toasting beer in Deutschland, and one that isn't all that well known or enforced in the U.S., is making eye contact during the actual "cheers."

Toasting in general is considered convivial and social before a round: Germans say, "prost!" — literally "cheers" — or "zum wohl," which means "to good health." It's just plain polite to make eye contact with your tablemates when doing this, but toast-ers in Germany take things even more seriously: As lore has it, a toast without eye contact curses the imbibers' love lives for seven years. Most social gaffes don't have such a lasting impact, so it's best to remember this simple rule!

The "prost" toast is its own occasion in German beer-drinking culture. Not only should you make meaningful eye contact with your companions, but you should put some heart and soul into the "cheers" as well. After you all happily shout your chosen phrase, it's customary to give your mug or stein a little slam down onto the table before taking a swig. Sure, you'll lose a little beer in the resulting slosh, but it's part of the fun.

For all the festivity and conviviality behind German toasting, it's important to know that it's also considered in good manners to never try to push anyone to drink. You can get caught up in all the toasting, but that doesn't mean everyone has to immediately chug their beer — or any beer at all. It's also good Oktoberfest etiquette to know your limits, drink water, and be respectful to those around you as well as those bringing all those tasty Oktoberfest brews. These are the tips to keep in mind even if you're just heading out to celebrate Oktoberfest at your local taproom.