Grain name game.

[W0rthog]

I have been on a quest to understand malted grain names. Specifically when referenced in a recipe I want to brew.
I think I'm going crazy!
For example, a recipe calls for German Dark Crystal Malt. I take that as being Crystal or Caramel. ??
Anyone can give insight into Malt names? Are Malts like matresses, same Malt, different names?
SMB = Save My Brew

Thabks in advance.

 

[SVB]

German dark crystal isnt quite the same as your standard crystal/caramel (But yes those names are generally interchangeable).

GERMAN DARK CRYSTAL 55-65L: Adds body with more color and sweetness than English Crystal. Adds a unique quality found in many amber lagers like Oktoberfest

 

[gelatin]

Crystal and caramel are the same.

A lot of malts are interchangeable but have different names and slightly different characteristics. Every maltster tends to have some specially named malts. There are some basic classics that generally have the same name across different companies (2-row, Marris Otter, Vienna, Chocolate, Black, etc.)