"German" mustard refers to origin, not type:
it runs the gamut from mild to hot! Mention German mustard and most people will immediately think of a condiment that is mild and sweet, but this is a misconception - or at least only part of the story! In fact there are four different types of German mustard. Germans don't choose their mustard based on personal taste, but according to the dish it will accompany.

• Extra-hot mustard is paired with cold meat products and sandwiches
• Hot mustard is served with grilled sausages
• Mild mustard accompanies leberkäse and other kinds of pâté

Sweet mustard is the ideal companion for Weisswurst and other mild German sausages, and is most typical of Bavaria

Mild and sweet mustards are made from ground black or brown mustard seeds. Dark in colour, this mustard has a vinegar and sugar base, but sometimes the vinegar is diluted with water to prevent an acrid taste. Some mustards are sweetened with honey to make them even smoother.

What mustard will you find on a table in a German brasserie? Here's a way to distinguish German mustards without having to call over the waiter: hot and extra-hot mustards are pale and look more like Dijon; mild mustard ranges from yellow to brown, while sweet mustard is distinctively dark since it's made with brown sugar.