Alcohol by volume

The alcohol content indicates the percentage of ethanol ( alcohol) in a liquid. He is in alcoholic drinks usually in percent by volume (abbreviated unit characters:% Vol or Vol - %) indicated. Since alcohol has a much lower density than water, the volume percentage is greater than the weight percentage. The determination of the alcohol content is called alcoholometry.

Statutory labeling

The alcohol content in beverages must be given in Germany according to § 7b of food labeling regulation ( LMKV ). The actual alcoholic strength may in this case have the following differences:

  • Beers with a ( reported ) alcohol content up to 5.5 vol - %, as well as fermented beverages made ​​from grapes that are not products within the meaning of the Wine Law: 0.5 vol - %
  • Beers with an alcohol content above 5.5 vol - %, as well as wine-like sparkling wine and similar beverages and fermented beverages made ​​from grapes that are not products within the meaning of the Wine Law: 1.0 vol - %
  • Beverages containing macerated fruit or parts of plants: 1.5 vol - %
  • Other drinks: 0.3 vol - %
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