I worked in a hospital with a German years ago and he was very witty.

This day he was eating beef and an Indian doctor opposite him was eating something else.

"You should eat the beef. It's very good" sez he.

"Can't", said the Indian, "I'm a Hindu. We don't eat beef."

"Didn't know that. Why not?"

"Well, the cow is considered sacred in India, is a symol of wealth and prestige as well."

"Ah", says Herr Wegmann. "We have such an animal in Germany. It's called the BMW"