phieaglefan

I was trying to figure out a gift to bring for my Cousin's son. We are making our second journey in a few weeks to visit family. I was thinking about having custom playing cards made with a photo on the back from our first trip. But then I realized I wasn't at all sure if standard playing cards are used in Germany. Any thoughts? I also considered a puzzle, but thought the cards might get more use.

Thanks in advance!
H

logos999

In most of Germany, "French" cards are used, however in Bavaria, "Bavarian playing cards" (= "Sheepshead" cards are used).

phieaglefan

logos - thanks for the reply, but I'm not sure I understand. I take it your response is a 'no'? That standard US style playing cards Ace thru 10, Jack, Queen and King would not be recognized or used in Germany? My family does live in Bavaria.
H

logos999

No problem, standard US playing cards are the same as French cards, but it would be really "cool", if you could buy some Bavarian cards "Unter, Ober, King and Ace". I've no idea ...what are the english words for "Ober" and "Unter" ?...

propertravel

you guys really made me lough... thank you,
Murat

logos999

http://www.pagat.com/class/german.html
Look here, for Bavarian cards.

logos999

Found the answer They're called
"upper jack" and "lower jack"

Alec

Standard German playing cards use B (for Bube) for our Jack, D (for Dame) for our Queen. K (for König) is the same as our King and A (for As) for our Ace.

logos999

Wrong Alec, Bavarian cards are a subset of "standard German cards". What you call "standard German cards" are French cards ;-).

harzer

The national card game in Germany is Skat which uses 32 cards, i.e. the top eight cards in our pack in each of the four suits; so check any pack you are thinking of buying for use back home for bridge, rummy etc, to see that it is not a Skat pack.

Harzer

Harzer

valtor

Phieaglefun, I can not help, but I would like to tell you that I loved your idea!

I think that your German family will apreciate your gift.