Hamburgers have contested origins, with two main claims often cited: Hamburg, Germany, and the United States. Here’s a concise summary of the most commonly discussed lines.

• German origin claim: The term “hamburger” derives from Hamburg, Germany, where a minced beef preparation known as Hamburg steak circulated in the 19th century. Immigrants to the U.S. adapted this idea, sandwiching seasoned ground beef between bread. This narrative emphasizes the cuisine’s German roots and the pre-bun Hamburg steak as a precursor to the modern hamburger.

• American origin claim: In the United States, the hamburger as a sandwich with a ground beef patty between two buns emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century, often associated with food vendors and lunch-counter culture. The name likely evolved from the Hamburg steak brought by German immigrants rather than the dish being invented in Germany itself.

• Public perception: Surveys and popular articles show a mix of beliefs. Some Americans view the hamburger as a homegrown American creation, while a notable share attribute its origin to Germany or Germany-derived concepts. Comparatively, Germans themselves vary, with many recognizing the United States as a potential origin, reflecting the cross-cultural nature of the dish’s history.

Key takeaway

• The hamburger did not originate in a single, clearly documented moment or place. It emerged from a German culinary tradition (Hamburg-influenced minced beef) that evolved in the United States into the sandwich we know today. In practice, both German and American influences contributed to the modern hamburger’s form and name, making its origin a story of transatlantic culinary exchange rather than a single origin point.