Top 5 Beer Games Every International Student Should Know Before Studying in Germany
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Are you going to start your studies in Germany? Once you start, some of your German friends may ask you, "Are you up for Flunkyball?"
If you're wondering what's going on, don't worry—you've just encountered one of Germany's favourite student traditions.
Beer games are a huge part of student life in Germany. They're played during orientation week, Erasmus events, student dorm parties, barbecues, and university festivals. While beer is often involved, these games are really about making friends, having fun, and breaking the ice.
Here's a guide to the five most popular beer games you'll likely come across during your studies.
1.Flunkyball – Germany's National Student Sport
If Germany had an official student game, it would probably be Flunkyball.
Flunkyball is played outdoors, making it a favourite during sunny afternoons in parks, university campuses, and student festivals.
What you'll need
Two teams
A tennis ball
One bottle filled with a little water
One drink per player
How to play
A bottle is placed in the middle of the field.
One team throws a tennis ball trying to knock the bottle over.
If they succeed:
Everyone on the throwing team starts drinking.
The opposing team must run to the bottle, stand it upright, retrieve the ball, and return behind their line.
Once everyone is back, they shout "STOP!"
The drinking team immediately stops.
The first team to finish all their drinks wins.
Why students love it: It's active, competitive, and gets everyone involved—even people who have never met before.
2. Beer Pong – The International Classic
Probably the world's most famous drinking game, Beer Pong is just as popular among German students.
What you'll need
A long table
Plastic cups
Ping pong balls
How to play
Teams take turns throwing ping pong balls into their opponent's cups.
If the ball lands inside a cup, that cup is removed according to the agreed rules.
The team that eliminates all the opponent's cups first wins.
Where you'll see it: Student apartments, orientation parties, Erasmus events, and university socials.
3. Flip Cup – Fast, Loud, and Competitive
Flip Cup is perfect for larger groups.
It requires speed more than skill.
How to play
Players stand in teams along opposite sides of a table.
Each player:
Drinks from their cup.
Places the cup upside down on the table edge.
Tries to flip it using only one finger.
The next teammate can only begin after the previous player successfully flips their cup.
The fastest team wins.
Why it's fun: Everyone plays, nobody waits long, and the excitement builds quickly.
4. Kings (Ring of Fire)
If you're invited to an apartment party, don't be surprised if someone brings out a deck of cards.
Kings is one of Germany's favourite party games among students.
How it works
Cards are spread around a drink placed in the centre.
Each card has a different rule.
Examples include:
Make a new rule
Everyone drinks except you
Choose someone to drink
Tell a story
Answer a question
Different groups have different house rules, which is part of the fun.
Best for: Small gatherings and getting conversations started.
5. Rage Cage (Stack Cup)
One of the fastest-paced games you'll encounter.
It combines speed, coordination, and a bit of luck.
What you'll need
Plastic cups
Ping pong balls
How to play
Players race to bounce ping pong balls into cups.
Once successful, they pass their cup to the next player.
If your cup catches up to the player in front, you stack your cup onto theirs, forcing them to start over.
The game becomes increasingly chaotic—and hilarious—as the speed picks up.
Perfect for: Large student parties and Erasmus events.
What If You Don't Drink Alcohol?
Here's something many international students don't realise:
You don't have to drink beer to join beer games.
Many students simply use:
Alcohol-free beer
Soft drinks
Juice
Water
Club Mate
Energy drinks
No one expects you to drink alcohol if you don't want to.
Student culture in Germany is generally very respectful of personal choices.
A Few Tips Before Joining
✔ Learn the rules before the game starts.
✔ Know your limits.
✔ Stay hydrated.
✔ Don't pressure anyone to drink.
✔ Focus on making friends rather than winning.
Remember, the goal isn't finishing your drink the fastest—it's enjoying the experience with your fellow students.
Final Thoughts
For many international students, beer games become one of their first introductions to German student culture.
They're less about alcohol and more about laughter, teamwork, and creating memories with people from around the world.
Whether you're playing Flunkyball in the park, Beer Pong at an Erasmus party, or simply cheering your friends on with a bottle of sparkling water, you're experiencing a tradition that's been part of German university life for years.
So when someone asks,
"Who's up for a game?"
You'll know exactly what to expect.
Tip: Most universities organise orientation events (Erstiwoche) in late September and early October. Say yes to invitations from your Fachschaft, student residence, or Erasmus group—they're some of the easiest ways to meet new friends before classes begin. |
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