Einheitsbechern

Einheitsbechern, literally "standard cups," is a historical term used in German-speaking contexts to describe a class of uniform drinking cups issued by institutions such as schools, canteens, hospitals, and prisons. The concept emerged during the expansion of mass catering and public provisioning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the aim of simplifying ware management, reducing costs, and ensuring consistent portion control. Bechers were typically made of porcelain or earthenware and designed for durability and ease of stacking. They featured simple forms, often cylindrical or gently tapered, with minimal decoration; some carried institutional marks for inventory and replacement.

In practice, Einheitsbechern served for hot beverages like coffee and tea as well as for soups or porridge in institutional settings. The capacity of standard issue cups varied regionally and over time, generally ranging from around 150 to 300 milliliters. The uniform ware facilitated mass procurement, standardized cleaning processes, and easier inventory tracking. With the postwar modernization and diversification of consumer goods, the strict standardization of drinking cups declined, and the term became primarily of historical interest, appearing in museum catalogs, archival records, and descriptions of historic canteens rather than current usage.

Today, Einheitsbechern are discussed in the context of the history of public provisioning, material culture, and institutional logistics.