Thanks, 3alarmer for the info. Yes, German bikes better be engineered to account for Oktoberfest and Weinerschnitzel or there'd be loads of limping Germans! Big fan of Beck's and Dinkelacker, myself.
And for posting the pic proper, Bianchigirl.

I was hesitant because I've only seen that between top and down tube bracing on cheaper Huffy type ladybikes and such.