For over a thousand years, German sausage-making has been one of the most celebrated culinary traditions in the world. With more than 1,500 distinct varieties — each tied to a specific region, season, or occasion — Wurst is far more than food in Germany. It is culture, heritage, and craft passed down through generations of master butchers. At Germandeli.com, we've been honoring that tradition since 1978, bringing authentic German sausages directly to your door across the USA.
A Brief History of German Sausage
The art of sausage-making in Germany dates back to the Middle Ages, when butchers discovered that grinding and seasoning meat — then encasing it in natural casings — was both a practical preservation method and a way to create something truly delicious. Over centuries, each German region developed its own signature style, protected by strict guild rules and, eventually, by law.
Today, many German sausages carry Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status under European law — meaning only sausages made in their region of origin, following traditional recipes, can bear the name. The Nuernberger Rostbratwurst, for example, must be made in Nuremberg and weigh no more than 25 grams each. This level of craft and regulation is what separates authentic German sausages from imitations.
The Stars of the German Sausage World
Frankfurters & Wieners: The Original Fast Food
Few sausages are as globally recognized — or as misunderstood — as the Frankfurter. Born in Frankfurt am Main in the 13th century, the original Frankfurter is a slender, lightly smoked pork sausage with a snappy natural casing and a delicate, savory flavor. It bears little resemblance to the mass-produced hot dogs that carry its name in American supermarkets.
Our German Style Frankfurters/Wieners are crafted the traditional way — finely ground, perfectly seasoned, and gently smoked to achieve that authentic snap and depth of flavor. They are the sausage that started it all, and tasting one made the right way is a revelation.
How to serve: Simmer gently in hot water (never boil — it splits the casing) for 5–7 minutes. Serve in a crusty roll with German mustard, or alongside sauerkraut and potato salad for a classic Frankfurt plate.
Nuernberger Bratwurst: Small but Mighty
If Frankfurters are Germany's most famous export, Nuernberger Bratwurst are its most beloved street food. These small, finger-sized sausages from Nuremberg are seasoned with marjoram — their defining characteristic — and traditionally grilled over beechwood charcoal. They are always served in groups of three, six, or twelve, tucked into a crusty roll or plated with sauerkraut and horseradish.
Our Nuernberger Bratwurst (3-pack) delivers the real thing: the authentic marjoram-forward seasoning, the fine grind, and the satisfying snap of a properly made Nuremberger. For larger gatherings, our Nuernberger Bratwurst (15-pack, 5.1 lb.) is perfect for a proper German cookout.
How to serve: Grill over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning frequently. Serve three to a roll with sweet Bavarian mustard, or plate with warm sauerkraut and a cold German lager. In Nuremberg, they are also traditionally served on pewter plates with horseradish — try it.
Liverwurst: The Underrated Classic
No survey of German sausage is complete without Leberwurst — liverwurst. Smooth, rich, and deeply savory, liverwurst is a staple of the German breakfast table and the afternoon Brotzeit (bread time). It is spread generously on dark rye bread, topped with sliced onion or cornichons, and enjoyed with a cold beer or strong coffee.
We carry both Fine Liverwurst Chub (8 oz) for a silky, spreadable texture and Coarse Liverwurst for those who prefer a heartier, more rustic bite. Both are made to traditional German recipes with no shortcuts.
How to serve: Spread thickly on a slice of German Farmers Bread or dark pumpernickel. Top with thinly sliced white onion, a few cornichons, and a pinch of coarse salt. Pair with a cold Hefeweizen for the full experience.
The Secrets Behind Authentic German Sausage Quality
What makes a German sausage truly authentic? It comes down to four things:
- The meat: High-quality cuts, properly trimmed and ground to the right coarseness for each variety.
- The seasoning: Each sausage has a precise spice profile — marjoram for Nuernberger, smoke for Frankfurters, liver and onion for Leberwurst — developed over centuries and not to be improvised.
- The casing: Natural casings give authentic sausages their characteristic snap. Synthetic casings are a shortcut that sacrifices texture.
- The process: Whether smoked, cooked, or fresh, the method matters. Rushing any step shows in the final product.
At Germandeli.com, we source from producers who respect all four of these principles — the same way we have since we opened our doors in 1978.
Serving German Sausages: Tips from the Deli Counter
Getting the most out of authentic German sausages is simple once you know a few key rules:
- Never boil cooked sausages. Frankfurters and Wieners should be simmered in hot (not boiling) water. Boiling bursts the casing and washes away flavor.
- Use the right mustard. German mustard comes in two main styles: scharf (sharp/hot) and süß (sweet/mild). Nuernberger Bratwurst traditionally pairs with sweet Bavarian mustard; Frankfurters go with sharp mustard.
- Pair with proper bread. A crusty German roll (Brötchen) or a slice of dense rye bread makes all the difference. Soft white bread is not the German way.
- Serve with sauerkraut. Naturally fermented sauerkraut — not the pasteurized canned variety — cuts through the richness of the sausage and aids digestion. Look for it in the refrigerated section.
- Don't overcook bratwurst. Grill over medium heat and turn frequently. The goal is a golden-brown casing with a juicy interior — not charred and dry.
Build Your Own German Sausage Feast
Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout, a Bundesliga watch party, or simply craving a taste of Germany at home, we have everything you need. Our German Soccer Fest BBQ Cookout Pack is a fan favorite that brings together our best grilling sausages in one convenient bundle — with free shipping.
For a complete German spread, pair your sausages with our German Farmers Bread, a jar of authentic German mustard, and a side of sauerkraut. Close your eyes, take a bite, and you're in Munich.
Order Authentic German Sausages Online — Delivered Across the USA
Finding authentic German sausages in the USA used to mean living near a German neighborhood or specialty butcher. Germandeli.com changed that. Since 1978, we've been shipping the real thing — traditional recipes, quality ingredients, no compromises — to German food lovers across the country.
Whether you're searching for authentic German food online, the best Nuernberger Bratwurst in the USA, or simply want to explore the world of German sausages, you've found the right place. Browse our full sausage selection and taste the difference that tradition makes.
