All Beer Styles

German Pilsner

Lagers & PilsnersBJCP 5D

Difficulty: Advanced

Crisp, dry, with noble hop bitterness and floral aroma

A pale, well-attenuated, bitter yet refreshing German lager displaying a small but persistent white head, and assertive hop bitterness.

4.4-5.2%
ABV
25-45
IBU
4-8
EBC
2.4-2.8
CO₂ vol
1.044-1.05
Original Gravity (OG)
1.008-1.013
Final Gravity (FG)

How to Brew a German Pilsner

Typical Malts

  • Pale Ale malt

Typical Hops

  • Hallertau Mittelfrüh
  • Tettnanger
  • Saaz

Yeast

Lager yeast (e.g. W-34/70, S-23)

Style Requirements

Cold Ferment

Typical Flavors

crisp
dry
floral
spicy
noble hops
clean

FAQ about German Pilsner

What is a German Pilsner?

A pale, well-attenuated, bitter yet refreshing German lager displaying a small but persistent white head, and assertive hop bitterness.

How much alcohol does a German Pilsner have?

A German Pilsner typically has 4.4–5.2% ABV. Original gravity ranges from 1.044–1.05, final gravity from 1.008–1.013.

How bitter is a German Pilsner?

A German Pilsner has 25–45 IBU (International Bitterness Units). This is moderate bitterness.

What ingredients do you need for a German Pilsner?

Typical malts: Pale Ale malt. Typical hops: Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger, Saaz. Yeast: Lager yeast (e.g. W-34/70, S-23).

Do you need special equipment for a German Pilsner?

Yes, a German Pilsner is a lager and requires fermentation at 8–12°C (46–54°F). You'll need a fermentation fridge or cool cellar.

Brew a German Pilsner?

Create your own German Pilsner recipe with our AI generator — automatically tailored to your equipment.

Compare our free AI beer recipe generator with ChatGPT, Brewfather & BeerSmith →