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Feuerzangenbowle

Learn a funny, quirky German word each week with DW's Word of the Week feature. This week: Feuerzangenbowle.

https://p.dw.com/p/RlxE
Image: Fotolia/Norman Kutz
For many Germans, Christmas is a chance to raise a traditional glass of "Feuerzangenbowle", which literally means "fire tong punch". Sounds nastier than it tastes. The name, which subtly translates to burnt spiced punch, refers to the process by which the drink is made. Mulled wine is heated in a fondue-style pot upon which a pair of tongs, or a grate, hold a rum-soaked sugar loaf which when set on fire slowly drips into the bowl. The result: "Feuerzangenbowle". Cheers!
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