How many types of German cheese are there?

It's impossible to give an exact number for the types of German cheese. Here's why:

* No Official Registry: There isn't a central authority that tracks and officially categorizes every single type of German cheese.

* Regional Variations: Germany has a long tradition of cheesemaking, with different regions having their own unique specialties. These can range from well-known varieties like Emmental to very local cheeses produced in small batches.

* Continual Innovation: Cheesemakers are constantly experimenting with new flavors and techniques, creating new types of cheeses all the time.

However, we can say that Germany has a very diverse cheese culture, with hundreds of different types produced. Here are some ways to categorize them:

* By Milk Type: Cow, goat, sheep, or a combination

* By Texture: Hard, semi-hard, soft, or spreadable

* By Flavor: Mild, sharp, nutty, fruity, etc.

* By Production Method: Traditional, artisanal, industrial

* By Region: Bavarian, Swabian, Thuringian, etc.

If you're interested in exploring German cheese, it's best to start with some of the more well-known varieties and then branch out from there!