Germans at Meat is a short story by Katherine Mansfield: Bread soup was placed upon the table. 'Ah,' said the Herr Rat, leaning upon the table as he peered into the tureen, 'that is what I need. My 'magen' has not been in order for several days. Bread soup, and just the right consistency. I am a good cook myself'-he turned to me. 'How interesting,' I said, attempting to infuse just the right amount of enthusiasm into my voice.