Pithily illustrate a German mug? (5)
I believe the answer is:
stein
'german mug?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stein that I've seen before include "Gertrude __, avant-garde US author, d. 1946" , "Beer-mug" , "Inset (anag.)" , "German earthenware beer mug" , "Glass" .)