<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (February 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The obsolete units of measurement of German - speaking countries consist of a variety of units, with varying local standard definitions . Some of these units are still used in everyday speech and even in stores and on street markets as shorthand for similar amounts in the metric system . For example, some customers ask for one pound (ein Pfund) of something when they want (exactly) 500 grams . </P> <P> The metric system became compulsory on January 1, 1872, in Germany and on January 1, 1876, in Austria . </P> <P> Some obsolete German units have names similar to units that were traditionally used in other countries, and that are still used in the United Kingdom (imperial units) and the United States (United States customary units). </P>

When did germany start using the metric system