Grillen culture: The rules of a German barbecue you really need to know
Spargel
(asparagus) cooking on a barbecue.
That's right, when the sun comes out there is little that gets in the way of Germans and their national sport, 'grillen' (the German verb for barbecuing).
According to the 'Grill Compass 2024' survey by the polling institute Civey and the Forum for Modern Agriculture, 33 percent of Germans say they grill at least one to five times a year, with 20 percent saying they get the BBQ out an average of six to 10 times a year.
But what does make them think twice? Rules. And there are rules for everything in Germany, including when and where you can light up a grill.
Keep in mind that rules on having a barbecue vary slightly from state to state. Here's what you should be aware of.
Can I barbecue at home?
In general, you can do what you like in your private garden as long as it doesn't bother the neighbours (and is safe, obviously).
When it comes to your balcony, it gets a little trickier. According to the German Tenant's Association (DMB), it doesn't really matter whether you're getting the barbie out on your terrace, in your garden or on your
Balkon
.
But you have to keep in line with the law.
You should avoid open flames and using any kind of BBQ that doesn't come with an actual grill. Try and opt for a gas or electric barbecue rather than charcoal.
Keep an eye on the amount of smoke coming from your grill. The last thing you want to do is blow smoke up to the neighbours. If it's particularly bad, you could face a fine for excessive smoke under the Emissions Control Act.
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It's always a good idea in Germany to alert the neighbours beforehand if you're planning to host a BBQ anytime soon. Some regions require this by law.
Check your rental contract too – it may be the case that you're not allowed to grill on your balcony at all, or only certain types of barbecues are allowed.
READ ALSO:
Reader question: Can I have a barbecue on my balcony in Germany?
A public notice in a shared house invites neighbours to a barbecue. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Andrea Warnecke
When can I grill?
In summer, lighting up the grill is considered acceptable during daytime hours, although not between 10pm and 6am. You can occasionally deviate from this if you agree with your neighbours and there's a special reason, such as a birthday party.
There are a few rules to be aware of on how often you should get the barbecue out at home.
Apparently, neighbours can complain if someone is grilling too often, and can request that barbecuing be limited to twice a month.
There are some other interesting state rules. In Bavaria, for instance, residents are only allowed to use their gardens for a barbecue up to five times a year.
Over in Stuttgart, you can get the BBQ out at home three times a year or for a total of six hours.
Advertisement
In Bonn, barbecue fans are permitted to grill on their terrace or balcony once a month if neighbours are warned in advance. In Hamburg, barbecuing on the balcony with charcoal is not allowed.
READ ALSO:
What you need to know about the Bratwurst
Can I grill in public?
Sometimes. In parks and in other public green spaces you are generally not allowed to grill, unless you are in a designated area. These will be signposted clearly.
The designated areas vary from city to city so it's best to check with your local authority if you're unsure.
In really hot weather, or when there's a drought, local authorities can impose a ban on barbecuing. So keep tuned into the local news. Or opt for a picnic instead.
And if you do set up a BBQ somewhere that isn't allowed, be prepared for a fine. In Berlin, for instance, you can be fined €20 for smaller offences. The minimum fine is €50 in some places, including Bonn.
If you dig a pit to grill in, or cause other similar damage, then you face a fine of up to €5,000 in Berlin.
The general advice is: clean up after yourself and dispose of your barbecue safely. If you don't, you risk being slapped with another fine.
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When it comes to what you put on your barbie, you can opt for whatever you fancy from the meat and veg aisle, within reason. The general rule is: as long as it fits your grill. This is not the place for a hog roast.
All that's left to say is: have fun when grillen in Germany! Just don't break the rules.
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