- German name
- Pils
- Alcohol
- 4.5–5.2% ABV
- Colour
- Pale straw to light gold
- Fermentation
- Bottom-fermented (lager)
- Origin
- Pilsen (Bohemia), adopted across Germany from the 1870s
- Glass
- Tulip-shaped Pilstulpe or tall Pilsner flute
- Serve at
- 6–8 °C
Pilsner, or simply “Pils”, is the most popular beer type in Germany, accounting for more than half of all beer sold. It is pale, crisp and refreshing, with a clean hop bitterness, which makes it a natural fit for a hot Australian summer.
Where does Pilsner come from?
The style was born in 1842 in Pilsen, in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), when the town hired Bavarian brewer Josef Groll to make a better beer. His pale, golden lager was a sensation. German breweries soon brewed their own versions, and by the late 19th century breweries such as Radeberger and Bitburger were specialising in it.
German brewers made the style their own: paler, drier and more bitter than the Czech original. In the north and west of Germany, Pils became the everyday beer, while Bavaria stuck with its softer Helles.
What does German Pilsner taste like?
- Look: Very pale gold, brilliantly clear, with a dense white head
- Aroma: Floral, grassy and herbal hops from German varieties such as Hallertauer and Tettnanger
- Taste: Light bready malt, then a firm, clean bitterness
- Finish: Dry and crisp, which makes you want another sip
Bitterness varies by region. Northern Pils such as Jever are sharply bitter (“herb”). Pilsners from the west, such as Warsteiner and Krombacher, are softer and smoother.
How to serve German Pilsner
Serve it cold, at 6–8 °C, in a tulip-shaped Pils glass that shows off its clarity and keeps the head. In Germany, a draught Pils is famously poured slowly in several stages, so the head is tight and creamy. See our guide to German beer glasses.
Food pairing: Fish and chips, oysters, salt and pepper squid, sausages off the barbecue and spicy Asian dishes. The bitterness cuts through anything fried or rich.
German Pilsner in Australia
Pilsner is the easiest German beer type to find in Australia. Beck’s is in almost every bottle shop, and Bitburger, Krombacher, Warsteiner, Radeberger, Jever and Veltins are stocked by larger stores and specialists. The brands below all brew one. Compare prices in our German beer prices guide.
German beer brands that brew Pilsner
From our top 20 German beer brands in Australia, ranked by how easy they are to find here.
- 03WeihenstephanerThe world’s oldest breweryEasy to find
- 04Beck’sThe green-bottled pilsner from BremenEasy to find
- 08Bitburger“Bitte ein Bit”: Germany’s draught pilsnerIn larger bottle shops
- 09KrombacherGermany’s best-selling beer brandIn larger bottle shops
- 10WarsteinerFamily-owned pilsner from the SauerlandIn larger bottle shops
- 15RadebergerThe pilsner of the Saxon royal courtIn larger bottle shops
- 17JeverThe famously bitter Frisian pilsnerSpecialist bottle shops
- 20VeltinsSauerland pilsner, family-owned since 1824Specialist bottle shops
Pilsner FAQs
What is the difference between German Pilsner and Czech pilsner?
Czech pilsner, the original from Pilsen, is fuller, rounder and a little sweeter, with a soft bitterness. German Pilsner is lighter-bodied, paler and drier, with a crisper, more noticeable hop bitterness.
Is German Pilsner the same as Australian lager?
Not quite. Most mainstream Australian lagers are lighter in flavour and less bitter, and many are brewed with sugar or other adjuncts. German Pilsner is brewed with only water, barley malt, hops and yeast under the Purity Law, and has more hop aroma and a drier finish.
What is the best German Pilsner available in Australia?
Beck’s is the easiest to find, and Bitburger, Krombacher and Warsteiner are widely stocked too. For a properly bitter Pils, try Jever. For a classic from eastern Germany, try Radeberger.
How strong is German Pilsner?
Most German Pilsners are between 4.5% and 5.2% ABV, with the big brands typically at 4.8–4.9%.
← Back to all German beer types · Last updated 2 October 2026.