The Great Los Angeles German Sausage Hunt: How Many Wurst-case Scenarios Are There?
Ah, Los Angeles. City of dreams, land of sunshine, and...a surprising number of Germans? You might be picturing beaches packed with lederhosen-clad tourists, but fear not, this isn't Oktoberfest every day. Still, the question remains: just how many Germans are chilling out in L.A.?
Counting California's Krauts: Numbers with a Side of Sauerbraten
Here's where things get a little schnitzel-y. There's no single, definitive answer. The U.S. Census doesn't track ethnicity by sausage preference (shocking, we know). But fret not, intrepid investigator! We've got some clues:
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The Foreign-Born Bunch: According to the Los Angeles Almanac, as of 2022, there were an estimated 14,957 folks in Los Angeles County hailing from the land of bratwurst and BMWs. That's a decent amount of people who can probably explain the difference between weisswurst and knockwurst (because let's be honest, most Americans can't).
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German Heritage Goes Hollywood: Los Angeles has a long history of German influence. Ever heard of actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Marlene Dietrich? Yep, German exports of the finest kind (though Arnold might argue he's Austrian). This means there are likely many more Angelenos with German ancestry, even if they weren't born there.
So, How Many Germans Are There Really? It's Complicated
Here's the truth: we can't say for sure. But between the foreign-born numbers and the legacy of German sausage-lovers, it's safe to say there's a healthy German population in Los Angeles. Maybe enough for a decent Oktoberfest celebration (complete with a mandatory pretzel eating contest, obviously).
Fun Fact: Did you know the iconic Dodger Dogs at Dodger Stadium were originally called "German Franks"? Seems like the German influence in L.A. goes all the way to baseball!
The Final Verdict: There Might Be More Germans in L.A. Than You Think
So, the next time you're poolside in L.A., don't be surprised if you hear someone order a weissbier instead of a margarita. There's a good chance you've just stumbled upon one of Los Angeles' many German Angelenos. Just remember, if you do strike up a conversation, avoid mentioning lederhosen unless you want to get schooled on the proper Bavarian attire (it's not for everyday wear, folks).
