What are some traditional German appetizers?

Traditional German appetizers include obazta and zwiebelkuchen. Obazta is a cheese spread typically made with Camembert, paprika and cumin and garnished with red onions. Diners usually eat it with pretzels or rye bread. Zwiebelkuchen, a yeast bread often served with salad, contains onions, bacon or ham, and sour cream.

Appetizer plates often include a variety of cheese, sausages and cold cuts served with fresh onions and tomatoes. Herring with beetroot, another dish commonly served before meals, is usually prepared cold and eaten with fresh dill and brown bread or sourdough. Fresh-baked rolls and breads are popular before and with meals as well.