Maß facts for kids
A Maß (pronounced "Mahss") is a special German word for a large amount of liquid. It used to be a general unit of measurement. Today, it almost always means one full litre of beer. You often see a Maß of beer served in big, sturdy mugs, especially at fun events like the famous Oktoberfest in Germany.
What is a Maß?
The word "Maß" literally means "mass" or "measure." Long ago, it was used for different amounts of liquids. But over time, it became mostly known for measuring beer. While smaller beers are often served in 0.2 or 0.5 litre glasses, the Maß is a full one-litre serving. It is a popular choice at big festivals and in traditional German beer gardens.
The Special Maß Mugs
A Maß of beer is usually served in a special kind of mug. These mugs are called Maßkrugs. In the past, many of these mugs were made from ceramics, like clay. They were strong and kept the beer cool.
However, during the 1800s and 1900s, most of these ceramic mugs were replaced. Today, you will mostly find Maßkrugs made of thick, heavy glass. Glass mugs let you see the golden color of the beer inside. They are also very durable, perfect for busy places like beer halls.
Images for kids
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An empty Maßkrug
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Patron's mugs stored under lock and key at the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl in Munich
See also
In Spanish: Maß para niños
