The lyrics of a rap CD, entitled Get Me a Bottle of Beer, are derived entirely from a recording of remarks made by Mr Schröder while he signed autographs during a tour of eastern Germany in August.

Against a techno backing, he can be heard saying: "Get me a bottle of beer. Or I'll go on strike here and won't sign any more. Make it a decent slurp."

A television comedian, Stefan Raab, edited the soundbites to produce the CD, which the German music industry has dubbed "Chancellor Rap". It was launched 10 days ago. Since then more than 700,000 people have downloaded the track from the internet while 125,000 have gone out and bought copies.

A spokesman for EMI said: "If the trend continues, the track will be number one."

The chancellery is not amused. Mr Schröder, who has refused an invitation to appear on Mr Raab's show, said: "I am not a fan of his."