How Much Coffee Do Germans Drink per Year?
Around 160–165 litres per capita, roughly 1,300 cups of 125 ml per person. Coffee is Germany's most popular beverage — ahead of mineral water and beer.
Why that is
The German Coffee Association publishes annual consumption figures. Per capita consumption has hovered around 160 litres for years. Spread across 365 days, that is about 0.44 litres a day — roughly three and a half 125 ml cups. Since many people don't drink coffee at all, consumption among coffee drinkers is higher still.
Drip coffee remains the most common brewing method in Germany, followed by fully automatic machines and pod/capsule systems. Espresso and manual brew methods like pour-over have gained ground in recent years but still represent a small share. In cities like Berlin, the picture shifts: the specialty coffee scene is growing, and more people are investing in quality beans and equipment.
An often overlooked fact: Germany is not just a coffee-drinking nation but also one of the world's largest coffee trading hubs. The Port of Hamburg is one of Europe's most important coffee import ports. The roasting industry — from Tchibo and Dallmayr to hundreds of small specialty roasters — is based in Germany.
Yet the average price per kilo of coffee in Germany remains comparatively low. Many consumers pay €8–12 per kilo for supermarket coffee. Specialty coffee runs €25–45 per kilo — a price difference that reflects bean quality, farmer compensation, and roasting care.
In practice at Green Wall Coffee
At our café on Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg, I see the shift in consumption habits first-hand. Regulars who ordered "a normal coffee" two years ago now ask about the country of origin or the processing method. Per capita consumption in Germany may be stagnating — but the quality of what people drink is rising. And that's changing the neighbourhood here in Lichtenberg too.
If you want to taste the difference yourself: Sophienstraße 27, Berlin-Lichtenberg. Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm.
Further reading
Related questions:
- Which country drinks the most coffee worldwide?
- What Is the Most Expensive Coffee in the World?
- Why Is Coffee So Popular?
Also relevant:
- What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for filter coffee? — Filter Coffee & Pour-Over
- What coffee-to-water ratio do I need for cold brew? — Cold Brew & Iced Coffee
All questions in this topic: Coffee Basics & General