Köbes
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Köbes is a word from the Rhineland from local Ripuarian and Limburgish-Bergisch languages. It has two meanings:
- litteraly, it is a translation of the name Jacob
- informally, it usually means a specialized type of waiter.
A Köbes is the waiter who serves the Kölsch beer in Cologne and about, or who servers the Alt beer of Düsseldorf and about. You find him only in brewery outlets and some specialized pubs. Traditionally, a Köbes is dressed in blue, with a big leather belt and leather purse. If a guest sits down, the Köbes supplies beer, there is no order required. Of course, you can order something else, but better be quick enough! Your Köbes continually replaces every empty glass with a full one, usually without asking. You must ask for the bill, or cover your glass, if you do not want more beer. Expect your Köbes to engage in short conversations or occasionally to tell, or make jokes. Everyone can be subject of such jokes, the Köbes himself, his customers or other guests. People living in the Rhineland consider it specifically good style, if a Köbes includes them in jokes. They do not hesitate to joke back on him.
