A cloudy, sour, wheat beer of around 3% abv. It is a regional beer from Northern Germany, mainly Berlin, dating back to the 16th century. By the 19th century, it was the most popular alcoholic drink in Berlin and 700 breweries produced it. By the late 20th century, there were only two breweries left in Berlin and a few in other parts of Germany producing the beer.

The name is protected in Germany, where it may only be applied to beers brewed in Berlin. However, there are a number of American and Canadian brewers who make a beer in the Berliner weisse style.