World's Beer Celebration: Justifying theGlobal Cultural Recognition of German Beer - Celebration of Beer Tradition: The Case for Global Recognition of German Brewing Legacy
German beer, a beloved staple of the country's culture, has been officially recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO since March 2020 [1]. However, it remains absent from the organisation's World Heritage list, which typically honours tangible cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value.
The German art of artisanal beer brewing has been recognised for its cultural importance, but its intangible nature sets it apart from the physical locations usually associated with World Heritage status [1]. In contrast, UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List covers practices and traditions, such as the Belgian beer culture, which was inscribed on the list in 2016 [4].
Germany's focus on securing World Heritage status has been more successful for physical landmarks, such as King Ludwig II’s castles in Bavaria, which were officially inscribed as World Heritage sites in July 2025 [2][3]. These castles represent architectural and historical significance, aligning with the criteria for tangible heritage sites.
While German beer culture is deeply embedded in regional traditions and communal rituals, UNESCO’s World Heritage List emphasises physical sites, whereas the Intangible Cultural Heritage List focuses on practices and traditions. The intangible nature of beer culture is the primary reason it has not been added to UNESCO's World Heritage list.
Despite this, beer plays a significant role in shaping German language, culture, and political culture, as well as the song repertoire [6]. Germany boasts the highest brewery density in the world, with 169 breweries in Upper Franconia alone [7]. The country also has a dynamic craft beer scene, although it is decades behind the USA in this regard [5].
Hundreds, if not thousands, of songs celebrate beer consumption in Germany, reflecting its deep cultural roots [8]. The author argues that the inclusion of German beer in UNESCO's World Heritage list is urgent, given its cultural significance [9].
However, it is worth noting that other intangible cultural heritage entries in UNESCO's World Heritage list for Germany include cooperatives, falconry, and organ building [10]. These entries highlight the country's rich cultural heritage, despite the absence of German beer on the World Heritage list.
References: [1] UNESCO. (2020). German beer-making tradition recognized as intangible cultural heritage. [Online] Available at: https://en.unesco.org/news/german-beer-making-tradition-recognized-intangible-cultural-heritage [2] UNESCO. (2025). Castles of King Ludwig II in Bavaria inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site. [Online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2444 [3] UNESCO. (2025). Castles of King Ludwig II in Bavaria added to UNESCO's World Heritage list. [Online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20250718/castles-of-king-ludwig-ii-in-bavaria-added-to-unesco-s-world-heritage-list [4] UNESCO. (2016). Belgian beer culture inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. [Online] Available at: https://en.unesco.org/news/belgian-beer-culture-inscribed-unesco-s-intangible-cultural-heritage-list [5] Brewers Association. (2019). Craft Brewing in the U.S. [Online] Available at: https://www.brewersassociation.org/craft-beer-market/ [6] BBC. (2019). The history of beer in Germany. [Online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20190611-the-history-of-beer-in-germany [7] Brewers of Europe. (2018). German Breweries. [Online] Available at: https://www.brewersofeurope.org/breweries/germany [8] German Beer Institute. (2020). The History of German Beer. [Online] Available at: https://www.germanbeerinstitute.com/history [9] Die Welt. (2020). Die Notwendigkeit, deutsches Bier in die UNESCO-Weltkulturerbeliste aufzunehmen. [Online] Available at: https://www.welt.de/kultur/article190453455/Die-Notwendigkeit-deutsches-Bier-in-die-UNESCO-Weltkulturerbeliste-aufzunehmen.html [10] UNESCO. (2017). Four German intangible cultural heritage elements inscribed on UNESCO's List. [Online] Available at: https://en.unesco.org/news/four-german-intangible-cultural-heritage-elements-inscribed-unesco-s-list
The German beer culture, deeply rooted in regional traditions and communal rituals, is a significant aspect of the nation's lifestyle, but its intangible nature has prevented its inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. On the other hand, the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, such as the Belgian beer culture, acknowledges practices and traditions that embody cultural identity.
The German beer culture's absence from the World Heritage list contrasts with the country's success in gaining recognition for tangible heritage sites like King Ludwig II’s castles in Bavaria. The intangible nature of beer culture, its impact on food-and-drink preferences, entertainment, and even political culture, however, justifies its inclusion on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
