Maximum Fit Magazine

Hello, I am of German decent on my mother's side of the family and I remember eating German bread while growing up.  I have been told that it was Rye bread, but when I purhcase Rye bread in the stores it just doesn't taste quite the same.  I have also seen references to German Rye Sourdough bread.  So I am not really sure what exactly it is I am looking for by name.  I know that it has a very hard crust, medium color (not dark, not light), solid consistency, not very moist and not sweet.  Does anyone know what kind of bread I am talking about?  I have always referred to it as German bread.  Can anyone please help me find a recipe that would produce a bread close to what I have described. Thanks in advance for any help, Daniela Brooks