Maß
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The Maß ("measure") is an old Austro-Bavarian unit of volume, now typically used for measuring beer. Originally it measured 1.069 litres, equivalent to 2.259 US pints, or 1.881 UK pints. Nowadays, a Maß is defined as exactly 1 litre.
Maß is often used as an abbreviation for Maßkrug (plural: Maßkrüge), a mug with 1 litre volume frequently used in Bavarian beer gardens and beer halls. It is of the kind often referred to as a stein by English speakers.
Maßkrüge can be made of stoneware or of glass. A stoneware mug can be referred to as a Steinkrug or "Keferloher". A glass mug is referred to as a "Glaskrug." The glaskrug is the mug most often used in beer gardens or at home. Many Steinkrüge are designed for decorative use only. Old or collectible Maßkrüge with lead-based firing glaze should not be used for drinking.
Some beer gardens and restaurants have spaces they rent out to patrons where they can store their Maßkrug. For a small monthly rent the establishment will wash your mug and keep it safe for you until you return. Sometimes the rent goes up with the prominence of the storage location.
Maßkrüge are frequently decorated with a print of the sign of the brewery. On the upper end, a calibration mark is found to which the beer must be filled when served. If a Maß belongs to a person then often a lid made of tin is attached. These lids bear engravings, usually the initials of the person it belongs to and some kind of funny engraving that gives a hint to the owners profession, wit or affections.
Frequently the singular is used in situations where the plural might be expected. "Zwei Maß" will yield two, "Zehn Maß" will yield ten.
To order you could say "Eine Maß Augustiner, bitte" for instance if you wanted the beer Augustiner (and note, while "der Maßkrug" is male, a Maß of beer is referred to as female - "Die Maß"). Whoever orders a Maß of beer as "Ein Maß" instead of "Eine Maß" would out himself as non-Bavarian and runs the risk of getting served a candy bar ("Ein Mars"). A Bavarian would order "Â Mâß". A half-litre is called a "Halbe".
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