bratwurst
A bratwurst is a type of German sausage made primarily from pork, though veal or beef are sometimes included. The name comes from the Old High German "brätwurst," where "brät" refers to finely chopped meat and "wurst" means sausage. Imagine a thick, savory link sizzling on a charcoal grill, typically served in a crusty bread roll with mustard. It is a staple of casual dining, street food, and outdoor gatherings like barbecues or festivals. While "bratwurst" is the specific name, people often shorten it to "brat" in casual American English conversation. It is almost always associated with outdoor cooking and beer-pairing.
In conversation
At a backyard barbecue
Do you want a hot dog or a bratwurst?
Do you want a hot dog or a bratwurst?
I’ll take a brat, please. Make sure it's nice and charred!
I’ll take a brat, please. Make sure it's nice and charred!
The use of 'brat' as a shorthand is very common in informal settings.
Ordering at a food stand
Could I get a bratwurst with sauerkraut?
Could I get a bratwurst with sauerkraut?
Coming right up. You want spicy mustard or sweet?
Coming right up. You want spicy mustard or sweet?
Sauerkraut is a classic, traditional accompaniment to this dish.
Examples
I grilled some bratwurst for dinner.
I grilled some bratwurst for dinner.
Nothing beats a warm bratwurst at a summer street fair.
Nothing beats a warm bratwurst at a summer street fair.
The traditional recipe involves seasoning the pork with ginger, nutmeg, and caraway before stuffing it into a casing.
The traditional recipe involves seasoning the pork with ginger, nutmeg, and caraway before stuffing it into a casing.
