Grünkohl, meaning kale, refers to a variety of German dishes that have kale as their main ingredient. This leafy vegetable is widely used in traditional fall and winter specialties in the country, and it is usually blanched in hot water before it's cooked with other ingredients.

Both fresh and frozen kale leaves can be used, although it is believed that frozen kale has a somewhat sweeter flavor than the fresh one. Grünkohl dishes typically feature some type of meat, and they are often enjoyed with potatoes, dumplings, and beer or other alcoholic beverages on the side.

Kale is a highly versatile vegetable and there are endless ways to cook it, including grünkohl mit pinkel (kale with pinkel sausages) and grünkohl mit mettwurst (kale with raw minced pork sausages), which are two popular German kale specialties.

In Germany, kale is commonly prepared on festive occasions such as Adventszeit (Advent Season) and Weihnachten (Christmas). Numerous dishes featuring this vegetable are often served at Christmas markets throughout Germany.