Schaerbeek: The Eclectic Heart of Brussels

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loo]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwah]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa/day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh se-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zan]
• Call the Police!Appelez la Police!
  [ah-play lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-play uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd juhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh sher]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

Schaerbeek's history can be traced back to the early medieval period when it was primarily an agricultural area. The name 'Schaerbeek' is derived from the old Dutch word for 'briar brook', indicating the natural landscape that characterized the region. As Brussels began to expand in the 19th century, Schaerbeek transformed from a rural village into a burgeoning suburb.

The 19th century marked a significant transformation for Schaerbeek, coinciding with the industrial revolution in Belgium. The establishment of factories and the expansion of the railway network facilitated economic growth and attracted a diverse population. This period saw the construction of notable architectural landmarks, reflecting the eclectic styles that emerged, including Art Nouveau and neoclassical designs.

Schaerbeek is renowned for its stunning examples of Art Nouveau architecture, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Architects like Victor Horta and Paul Hankar left their mark by designing ornate buildings that emphasized organic forms and intricate details. The community embraced this artistic movement, making Schaerbeek a vibrant cultural hub within Brussels.

During World War II, Schaerbeek, like much of Brussels, faced occupation and significant hardships. The post-war period, however, brought reconstruction and revitalization. The local population grew, and new cultural institutions and parks were developed, contributing to the neighborhood's character and community spirit.

In recent decades, Schaerbeek has evolved into a multicultural neighborhood, reflecting Brussels' status as a crossroads of Europe. Its diversity is evident in local markets, festivals, and culinary offerings. Efforts have been made to preserve its historical architecture while also promoting urban development, making it a dynamic area that honors its rich heritage while looking toward the future.

Schaerbeek is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Brussels. The Brussels-North train station (Bruxelles-Nord) is the main hub for regional and international trains, with direct connections to Schaerbeek station. You can also take tram line 25 or bus lines 29 and 65 from the city center. For those arriving from Brussels Airport, the airport train service connects directly to Schaerbeek station, making it a convenient choice.

Schaerbeek offers several public transport options. The STIB/MIVB tram and bus services are efficient, with tram lines 7 and 25 serving the area. You can also use trains from Schaerbeek station to reach other parts of Brussels or nearby cities. Bicycles are popular, and there are bike-sharing services available, such as Villo!, allowing you to explore the neighborhood at your leisure.

Schaerbeek is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's advisable to remain vigilant. Areas around the Brussels-North train station can experience higher crime rates, particularly related to petty theft. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit streets and be mindful of your belongings in crowded spaces.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local police station is located on Avenue Louis Bertrand. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is the CHU Brugmann. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the neighborhood for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always observe silence when entering places of worship. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties at cafés and restaurants. Don’t waste food or refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as rude.

To experience Schaerbeek like a local, visit the local markets such as the Place de la Reine on weekends for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals by trying out small cafés where you can enjoy traditional Belgian waffles and chocolate. Don't miss the impressive Art Nouveau architecture in the area, particularly the Maison Autrique. Participating in local festivals or events can also provide deeper insights into the community's culture.