Bratwurst is a type of German sausage that is mildly spiced and typically made with pork, although veal and beef are occasionally used as well. The meat is minced and pork fat is added to keep the sausages moist. Many combinations of herbs and spices can be used in brats, such as marjoram, pepper, coriander, nutmeg, caraway, ginger, and sometimes lemon peel and small amounts of garlic. Bratwurst is typically prepared in a natural casing and tends to have a higher fat content than sausage.

Bratwurst can be cooked in various ways, such as grilling, boiling, or pan-frying. It can be loaded into buns like hot dogs and covered with hot dog–style condiments like mustard, onions, relish, sauerkraut, and sometimes even cheese. They can also be served knife-and-fork style with any number of sides, such as caramelized onions, sauerkraut, sautéed cabbage, potato salad, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. Beer is the drink most associated with bratwurst, but German Riesling or Austrian Gruner Veltliner are also excellent pairings with these mild sausages.

In summary, bratwurst is a type of German sausage that is mildly spiced and typically made with pork, although veal and beef are occasionally used as well. It can be cooked in various ways and served with a variety of sides.