Germany – the land of the Reinheitsgebot, beer gardens and centuries-old brewing tradition. With more than 1,500 breweries and over 5,000 different beer brands, Germany is a global leader in brewing diversity and quality. This craft, cultivated for centuries, has produced classics like Pilsner, Helles and Export – beers that not only delight the palate but also tell stories.
Each of these beers has its roots in a particular region, brings its own flavor profile and places different emphases on hops, malt and brewing methods. In this article, we compare these three popular beer styles in detail – with historical background, stylistic features and hop recommendations for modern recipes. Dive into the fascinating flavor worlds of beer and discover what makes them so unique.
Pilsner – The Refreshing Classic Among Beers
Profile: Clear, bitter, hop-forward
Origin: Pilsen, Bohemia (Czech Republic), 1842
Alcohol content: 4.8–5.2% ABV
Original gravity: approx. 11–12.5 °P
Pilsner is one of the most popular beer styles in Germany. It originally came from the Czech Republic but quickly became the standard for hop-forward lager in Germany. It stands out with its crisp freshness and clean structure, making it the epitome of a refreshing beer. With fine hop bitterness and sparkling carbonation, Pilsner offers a distinctive taste experience that delights beer lovers. The pale golden color and fine-pored foam add to its visual appeal and give the Pils its characteristic look.
Typical features of Pilsner:
- Pale color, brilliant clarity
- Pronounced bitterness (30–40 IBU)
- Dry finish
- Fine hop notes, often herbal, spicy or floral
Recommended hop varieties for Pils:
- Hallertauer Mittelfrüh – floral, spicy aroma
- Hallertauer Tradition – soft and mild
- Perle – pleasantly spicy with gentle bitterness
- Spalter Select – delicate, fine floral notes
Fun Fact: In many parts of Germany, a "Pils" is served with a particularly long pour – "Zwickeln" ensures a fine, creamy foam crown.
Helles – The Smooth Favorite from Bavaria
Profile: Mild, malt-forward and drinkable
Origin: Munich, late 19th century
Alcohol content: 4.7–5.1% ABV
Original gravity: 11.5–12.5 °P
Helles is not just a beer, it’s a piece of Bavarian lifestyle. With its golden color and mild, malty flavor, it embodies the coziness and conviviality of southern Germany. Compared to other beer styles, such as the Czech Pilsner known for its hoppy bitterness, Helles offers a gentler note. Its balanced sweetness and lower alcohol content make Helles particularly drinkable.
Typical features of Helles:
- Smooth and balanced in flavor
- Lower bitterness (18–25 IBU)
- Floral, sometimes slightly fruity hop notes
Suitable hops for Helles:
- Perle – brings balance and structure
- Hallertauer Tradition – for classic beer flavor
- Saphir – elegant, modern aroma
Brewing tip: Combine Helles with a lean malt body and a late hop addition for more aroma without overpowering.
Export – The Full-Bodied Beer for Special Occasions
Profile: Full-bodied, round, long-lasting
Origin: Dortmund, 19th century
Alcohol content: 5.3–5.6% ABV
Original gravity: 12.5–13.5 °P
The tradition of this beer goes back to the 19th century, when it was brewed primarily for export to other countries – with higher alcohol and extract content to improve shelf life. A higher malt content is used in its production, resulting in a more intense aroma. The golden color and balanced bitterness make Export an ideal companion for hearty meals. In terms of taste, it positions itself between Helles and Pilsner.
Typical features of Export:
- Malt-forward body, slightly sweet
- Less bitterness than Pils (20–30 IBU)
- Harmonious and round finish
Recommended hop varieties for Export:
- Spalter Select – balanced with herbal notes
- Hallertauer Tradition – classic hop base with a soft character
Did you know? Export was the best-selling beer in Germany in the 1950s – before the rise of Pilsner.
Brewing Techniques: Tradition vs. Innovation in German Brewing
The brewing techniques behind Pilsner, Helles and Export impressively demonstrate the spectrum between tradition and innovation in German brewing. While many breweries rely on centuries-old recipes and methods to preserve authentic flavor, others use modern techniques such as controlled fermentation or innovative hop varieties. This blend of old and new allows classic styles to be reinterpreted while maintaining their original character. Pilsner, for example, emphasizes the use of Saaz hops, while Helles often showcases softer malt. Export beers, in contrast, often combine robust malt flavors further enhanced by modern brewing methods. This variety of techniques ensures not only flavor nuances but also a vibrant beer culture appreciated around the world. In this way, German breweries succeed in honoring their roots while meeting the demands of a modern society.
Which Foods Pair Well with Pilsner, Helles and Export?
The choice of the right foods for Pilsner, Helles and Export can greatly enhance the enjoyment. Pilsner, with its bitter, hoppy character, pairs excellently with light dishes like salads or fish. The fresh aromas support delicate flavors and bring a pleasant balance. Helles, known for its malty sweetness, is ideal with Bavarian specialties like white sausages or pretzels. These combinations emphasize the beer’s flavor nuances and make every meal a culinary experience. For the full-bodied Export, which often has a higher alcohol content, hearty dishes like grilled meats or rich stews are particularly recommended. The beer’s robustness complements the flavors of strongly seasoned dishes and ensures a harmonious pairing. Thus, every beer and food selection becomes a journey through the diverse world of German cuisine and brewing.
Pilsner, Helles and Export – three beer styles that represent the depth and diversity of German brewing. They differ not only in alcohol content and bitterness units but above all in their flavor orientation and the use of selected hop varieties.
The harmonious balance of aromas makes each of these beers unique and showcases the variety of German brewing tradition. For those who brew themselves or are curious about the world of hops: In our range you’ll find a wide selection of aroma hops, bitter hops, flavour hops and hop extracts – for both classic and modern brewing ideas.
Would you like to learn more about the right hops? Then also read our article "Dry Hopping Explained" or discover the differences between Hop Pellets Type 45 and Type 90.