WHat are the rules on alcohol in Germany?

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Alwin E

Wine and beer: 16 up. Strong liquor: 18 up.

But if all of your friends are 18+, and you look old enough, there should be no problem entering a club or so, even if a sign says "ab 18". Technically, pubs or clubs who declared themselves a "smokers' club" are not allowed to let minors in, but they usually don't do ID checks. Also, technically it is illegal for a landlord to give you more drinks when you're obviously drunk, but if a friend buys them for you, he'll usually look away.

But please be aware (all of you!) that German beer is quite strong and you should drink it slowly. I remember a French friend of mine whom me and the taxi driver had to pick up from the floor and transport to the car. He thought he was used to drinking beer. Yea, French one.

One thing in your post made me laugh: "Leipzig, a little south of Berlin". Do you actually know how big (or rather: small) Germany is? It's a tiny country, and what you call "a little south of" actually means "worlds apart". I live "a little south of" Leipzig, in Bavaria, but when I come to Saxonia (Sachsen; that's the state where Leipzig is) I have problems understanding their dialect. But I love the people there; they're usually good-hearted and friendly.

Oh, btw: "Aspirin" is called "Aspirin" in German, but is sold at pharmacies only. Better bring some with you, just in case you need it on a weekend.

The Postman

legal from 18

propreno

Don't worry.
You won't be left out.
When I spent some time in Germany, during Oktoberfest, there were kids with pints of beer drinking right alongside old men and women.
It's really one of the best places I've ever been.
And some of the best people I've ever met.
You'll be included, and you're going to have a GREAT time.
Believe me, I'm actually jealous..

Learn And Teach

You won't be completely left out, but there will be some restrictions.

If you're "almost 17" it leagally means you're still 16. Under german law you can drink any light alcoholic beverages like beer at age 16, but you are not allowed to drink any destilled drinks such as wodka or whiskey.

You can stay in a bar until midnight, you have to be 18 to stay after that. You can always take your chances, but if you get caught you will definitely be asked to leave.

If you have more questions regarding what you are allowed and what not, you will find a lot of answers in the german Jugendschutzgesetz, which applies to all persons under the age of 18. You can find an english version here:
http://www.handbuch-jugendschutz.de/gesetze/JuSchGEngl.pdf

Enjoy your stay! =)

Jay

it's 16 and up

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