I lived in Germany for 6 months, I ate a lot of bratwurst during that time. It was very very good. Here in the U.S. the bratwurst does not taste the same. I want a bratwurst like the ones in I had in Germany (from the little stands in downtown Wiesbaden). What is the difference? is it a way it is prepared, prepped, or a different meat all together? I am pretty sure they were cooking them on flat grills. How can I make bratwursts like this at home? 
What are billed as "brats" here in the US are only similar to German "bratwurst" by their shape! The meat is not the same, the grind is not the same, even the casing is not the same. And as others have noted, the cooking techniques (US grilling) leave much to be desired. There are commercial alternatives in the US to get those nice German style brats, with pale meat, fine texture, complex flavors, and overall close to genuine taste. A great bet is the Uncured Bavarian Bratwurst sold at Trader Joe's. Actually made in Germany. Sports the colors of Bavaria (blue and white diamonds). Really, quite good. If you don't have a Trader Joe's nearby, try the internet. A favorite of mine is GermanDeli.com. Good selections, and you can even get brotchen and senf! 