What do Germans do for hangovers? Unveiling the secrets of Katerfrühstück

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to German tradition, a hangover is known as a Kater, which also means 'tomcat,' referencing the miserable feeling of cats wailing inside your head. This provides a fittingly descriptive name for the various remedies that Germans use for hangovers, focusing on hearty foods, electrolyte-rich ingredients, and herbal teas. If you've ever wondered what do Germans do for hangovers, the answer lies in a blend of salty, sour, and comforting traditions.

Quick Summary

Germans combat hangovers primarily with a hearty hangover breakfast, known as Katerfrühstück, which often includes salty foods like rollmops (pickled herring) to replenish lost electrolytes. This is combined with powerful hydration from herbal teas or sparkling apple juice, and sometimes, a 'hair of the dog' strategy with a cold beer.

Key Points

The 'Katerfrühstück': German hangover breakfasts (Katerfrühstück) typically focus on consuming salty and hearty foods to replenish lost nutrients and electrolytes after drinking.
Rollmops (Pickled Herring): The most iconic German hangover food, rollmops are pickled herring fillets rich in sodium and protein, believed to help with rehydration and stabilizing blood sugar.
Electrolytes are Key: Many traditional German remedies, including rollmops and salty pretzels, target the restoration of electrolytes lost due to alcohol's diuretic effects.
Variety of Remedies: Alongside specific foods, Germans use herbal teas (chamomile, ginger) to soothe upset stomachs and drink beverages like Apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice) for rehydration.
Modern and Traditional Approach: While traditional methods persist, modern Germans also use over-the-counter electrolyte drinks, supplements, and even activated charcoal.
The 'Hair of the Dog' Tradition: Some Germans partake in a Konterbier (counter-beer) or a Weißwurstfrühstück with a beer, though this is a less healthy way to delay symptoms.

The German Hangover Breakfast: Katerfrühstück

Central to the German approach to a hangover is the concept of Katerfrühstück, or 'hangover breakfast.' The reasoning behind this tradition is to refuel the body with lost nutrients and electrolytes after a night of heavy drinking. This is more than just a meal; it's a ritual that emphasizes recovery through nourishment.

The Mighty Rollmops: A Salty Savior

The quintessential element of a traditional Katerfrühstück is the rollmops. These are fillets of pickled herring, rolled and secured with a toothpick around fillings such as pickled onions or gherkins. While the strong, fishy, and acidic taste might seem unappealing to a queasy stomach, it serves a specific purpose. The pickling brine is packed with electrolytes like sodium, which are crucial for rehydration, and the fish itself is a good source of protein to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Beyond the Herring: Other Food Remedies

For those not fond of pickled fish, Germans have other culinary options for fighting a hangover:

Pretzels and Sausages: A classic combination that offers a salty, filling substance to absorb alcohol and restore nutrients. Popular choices include Bratwurst or Currywurst. The salt helps with fluid retention and counters dehydration.
Hearty Soups: Some opt for a warming, flavorful soup to soothe the stomach and rehydrate the body. This is a common and comforting remedy, especially during colder months.
Sauerkraut: This fermented sour cabbage is rich in probiotics and vitamin C, which can aid digestion and support the body's detoxification process. The tangy flavor can also be a welcome jolt to the system.

The Power of German Hydration

Rehydration is a fundamental part of recovering from a hangover, and Germans have specific preferences for what they drink the morning after. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose fluids and essential minerals, so replenishing them is key.

Spezi: A popular mix of cola and orange soda, especially in Southern Germany, that offers a quick dose of sugar and caffeine to boost energy and spirits.
Apfelschorle: A simple, yet effective, mix of carbonated apple juice and sparkling water. It provides fluids, sugars, and the fizz can help settle a queasy stomach.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile tea is a classic for its stomach-soothing properties, while peppermint tea can help with digestion and headaches. Ginger tea is also favored for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Sour Milk Drinks: Products like kefir are sometimes consumed to settle the stomach and aid gut health, which can be disrupted by alcohol.

The 'Konterbier' and Other Countermeasures

While not recommended by health experts, the concept of a Konterbier or 'counter-beer' is a well-known cultural phenomenon, similar to the 'hair of the dog' strategy. The idea is that drinking another beer the morning after can delay or temporarily alleviate hangover symptoms. This is often associated with the Weißwurstfrühstück in Southern Germany, where a light Weißbier is enjoyed with a traditional veal sausage and pretzel.

Comparison of German Hangover Cures


Remedy	Type	Key Ingredients	Benefits	Considerations
Rollmops	Food	Pickled herring, gherkins, onions	Replenishes sodium and electrolytes; protein source	Strong, acquired taste; may not suit a sensitive stomach
Salty Pretzels & Sausages	Food	Bratwurst, pretzels	Sodium intake helps rehydration; absorbs alcohol	Can feel heavy; high sodium content
Spezi / Apfelschorle	Drink	Cola + orange soda or apple juice + sparkling water	Rehydrates, provides sugar for energy, can settle stomach	Sugar content can cause a crash later; caffeine in Spezi
Herbal Teas	Drink	Chamomile, peppermint, ginger	Soothes stomach, aids digestion, anti-inflammatory	No direct electrolyte replenishment; slower relief
Kefir	Drink	Fermented milk	Aids gut health, settles stomach	Taste is not for everyone; dairy may upset some stomachs
Konterbier	Drink	Beer	Can temporarily delay hangover symptoms	Delays the inevitable; potentially harmful; not a cure

Modern German Hangover Remedies

While traditional remedies are still popular, many younger Germans also embrace modern solutions. This includes over-the-counter electrolyte drinks, which are essentially a scientifically-backed version of the salty and sour food philosophy. Activated charcoal tablets, believed to absorb toxins, and vitamin B and magnesium supplements are also common for replenishing nutrients lost during alcohol metabolism.

Is there a scientific basis for these remedies?

Many traditional German hangover remedies, while based on folklore, do have some scientific principles behind them. The core issues with hangovers are dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar, and general inflammation. Consuming salty, fatty foods and plenty of fluids addresses these problems directly. For example, the high sodium content of rollmops and pretzels helps the body retain water, while the protein can prevent blood sugar from crashing. However, it's important to remember that no single 'cure' is guaranteed, and the best prevention is always moderation.

A note on moderation and healthy habits

While exploring various hangover remedies is interesting, it is crucial to remember that a healthy approach to alcohol involves moderation. Drinking responsibly, alternating alcoholic beverages with water, and eating a meal before drinking can significantly reduce the severity of a hangover. The World Health Organization offers valuable guidelines on healthy alcohol consumption for those interested in preventative measures.

Conclusion: The Art of German Recovery Ultimately, the German approach to hangovers is a holistic one that combines cultural tradition with practical self-care. From the infamous rollmops to a simple herbal tea, the focus is on rehydration and nourishment to help the body recover. Whether you opt for a traditional Katerfrühstück or a more modern electrolyte drink, the goal is the same: to get back on your feet and feel 'German-efficient' again. By understanding the 'what' and 'why' behind these remedies, you can better address your own post-party recovery, regardless of your background. Cheers to a healthier tomorrow, and a less wailing cat in your head!

Frequently Asked Questions

Katerfrühstück is the traditional German hangover breakfast, which includes specific foods believed to help with recovery. The term literally translates to 'tomcat breakfast,' alluding to the unpleasant feeling of a hangover.

Rollmops, or pickled herring, are eaten for hangovers because the salty brine helps to replenish lost electrolytes like sodium. This counteracts dehydration and the pickled gherkin provides a sour, bracing flavor that some find restorative.

Popular German drinks for hangovers include Spezi (cola and orange soda), Apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice), and various herbal teas like chamomile or ginger. These help rehydrate the body and can settle a sensitive stomach.

Yes, many German hangover remedies are vegetarian. Options include sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) for probiotics and vitamin C, salty pretzels for electrolyte replenishment, and herbal teas to soothe the stomach.

The 'hair of the dog,' known as a Konterbier or 'counter-beer,' is a recognized cultural practice, particularly in Southern Germany with a Weißwurstfrühstück. However, it only delays hangover symptoms and is not a genuine cure.

Yes, alongside traditional folk remedies, many younger Germans use modern solutions. This includes over-the-counter electrolyte drinks, activated charcoal tablets, and vitamin B and magnesium supplements to help their bodies recover more efficiently.

Rest is considered very important in the German approach to well-being and hangover recovery. Taking long naps, going for light walks, and allowing the body to recover is a key part of the process, complementing other remedies.