German Export Beer: The Dortmund Lager Explained

German name

Export / Dortmunder Export

Alcohol

5.0–5.6% ABV

Colour

Golden to deep gold

Fermentation

Bottom-fermented (lager)

Origin

Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, 19th century

Glass

Straight lager glass or stein

Serve at

7–9 °C

Export is the beer that powered Germany’s industrial heartland. It is a golden lager with a bit more body and alcohol than a Helles or Pilsner, and it was brewed to be shipped beyond its home town, hence the name.

Where does Export come from?

The style is most closely linked with Dortmund, in the Ruhr region of western Germany. In the 19th century, Dortmund’s breweries brewed a strong, pale lager for the city’s coal miners and steelworkers. Because the beer was a little stronger and well hopped, it kept well on long journeys and was sent all over Germany and beyond as “Dortmunder Export”.

Dortmund was once one of Europe’s biggest brewing cities. The style declined in the late 20th century as Pilsner took over, but Export lagers are still brewed across Germany, and Munich breweries make their own versions, such as Augustiner Edelstoff.

What does Export taste like?

• Look: Golden to deep gold and clear
• Aroma: Bready malt with light floral hops
• Taste: Fuller and rounder than Pilsner, with soft malt sweetness balanced by moderate bitterness
• Finish: Smooth and slightly sweet, with a little mineral dryness in the Dortmund versions

How to serve Export

Serve it at 7–9 °C, a touch warmer than Pilsner, in a straight lager glass or a stein.

Food pairing: Bratwurst, currywurst, roast pork, hearty stews and a good steak sandwich.

Export beer in Australia

True Dortmunder Export is hard to find in Australia, but you can taste the style in Munich export lagers. Look for Augustiner Edelstoff and Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier at specialist bottle shops. If you like Export, you will probably also enjoy Helles and Märzen.

German beer brands that brew Export

From our top 20 German beer brands in Australia, ranked by how easy they are to find here.

1. 14AugustinerMunich’s cult favouriteMunich, Bavaria · since 1328
   Try: Augustiner Lagerbier HellSpecialist bottle shops
2. 18AyingerFamily-run village brewery near MunichAying, Bavaria · since 1878
   Try: Ayinger Celebrator DoppelbockSpecialist bottle shops

Export FAQs

What is German Export beer?

Export is a golden German lager that is slightly stronger and fuller-bodied than a Helles or Pilsner, typically 5.0–5.6% ABV. It was originally brewed in Dortmund to travel well, which is where the name comes from.

What is the difference between Export and Pilsner?

Export has more malt body, a little more alcohol and less hop bitterness than a Pilsner. It sits between a Helles and a Pilsner in flavour, with a smooth, slightly sweet finish.

Can I buy German Export beer in Australia?

Classic Dortmunder Export is rare in Australia. The easiest way to try the style is a Munich export lager such as Augustiner Edelstoff or Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier, both available at specialist bottle shops.

← Back to all German beer types · Last updated 2 October 2026.