'bratwurst' originates from German, specifically the word 'Bratwurst', where 'brat' (from Old High German 'brātan') meant 'to roast/fry' and 'wurst' meant 'sausage'.

'bratwurst' changed from Middle High German 'brâtwurst' and eventually became the modern English word 'bratwurst' through borrowing from German.

Initially, it meant 'roasted or fried sausage', but over time it has come to mean specifically 'a particular type of German sausage, typically grilled or pan-fried'.