what is a stein

A stein is a large mug, usually made of earthenware, glass, or other materials, that is used for drinking beer. It can be either a traditional beer mug made out of stoneware or an ornamental beer mug sold as a souvenir or collectible. Steins usually have a handle and a lid, and they come in sizes of a half liter or a full liter. They are often decorated in a nostalgic manner with allusions to Germany. The most traditional area of beer stein production is the Kannenbäckerland in the Westerwald region in Germany.