A Grouchy German is a Sour Kraut

Black text (except for "German" which is red) over a white background. Above the text is an illustration of a man's head wearing a green Bavarian hat.

“Kraut” is the German word for cabbage. During World War I and II, it was common for soldiers to refer to the Germans as “Krauts,” as a derogatory term. “Sour” is often used as a synonym for grumpy.

This play on words also references delicious sauerkraut (a combination of the German words for “sour” and “cabbage”). This dish came to Germany in the 1600s. It is a mixture of pickled cabbage. Did you know sauerkraut is a superfood? It is great for digestion, containing vitamin C, potassium, B6, iron and magnesium. The pickling process makes this food healthy, low-calorie and delicious!