What describes a straw to gold-colored German lager with assertive bitterness?

The description of a straw to gold-colored German lager with assertive bitterness aligns with the characteristics of a German Pils. This style is known for its pale golden color and is typically brewed with high levels of hops, which contributes to the noticeable bitterness that is a hallmark of Pilsner-style beers. The flavor profile often includes a crisp, clean malt backbone and a pronounced hop aroma, which can include floral and spicy notes depending on the specific hops used.

In contrast, a Hefeweizen is a wheat beer that is usually cloudy and has a fruity and spicy character, primarily derived from the yeast and not associated with assertive bitterness. A Vienna Lager tends to be amber in color with a more malt-forward profile and is less hoppy. Kolsch, while also a pale lager, is generally less bitter than a German Pils and has a more delicate flavor profile. Thus, the characteristics of the beer described strongly point to a German Pils as the correct answer.