Copenhagen: The Heartbeat of Denmark

• HelloHej
  [hey]
• GoodbyeFarvel
  [far-vel]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNej
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeVær så god
  [vair so go]
• Thank youTak
  [tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryUndskyld
  [oon-skool]
• How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vor-dan har doo deh]
• Fine. And you?Fint. Og du?
  [feent oh doo]
• Do you speak English?Taler du engelsk?
  [tah-ler doo eng-elsk]
• I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yah for-stor ee-keh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gerne se menuen, tak
  [yah veel gehr-neh seh meh-noo-en tahk]
• I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kød
  [yah spee-ser ee-keh kuhd]
• Cheers!Skål!
  [skohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gerne betale, tak
  [yah veel gehr-neh beh-tah-leh tahk]

• Help!Hjælp!
  [hyelp]
• Go away!Gå væk!
  [goh vehk]
• Call the Police!Ring til politiet!
  [ring teel po-lee-tee-et]
• Call a doctor!Ring til en læge!
  [ring teel en leh-eh]
• I'm lostJeg er faret vild
  [yah air fah-ret veeld]
• I'm illJeg er syg
  [yah air soog]

• I'd like to buy...Jeg vil gerne købe...
  [yah veel gehr-neh kuh-beh]
• I'm just lookingJeg kigger bare
  [yah kee-er beh-reh]
• How much is it?Hvor meget koster det?
  [vor meh-ee kuh-str deh]
• That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [deh air for deer]
• Can you lower the price?Kan du sænke prisen?
  [kahn doo sen-keh pree-sen]

• What time is it?Hvad er klokken?
  [vah air kloh-ken]
• It's one o'clockKlokken er et
  [kloh-ken air et]
• Half past (10)Halv ti
  [hahlv tee]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonEftermiddag
  [ef-ter-mee-dah]
• EveningAften
  [ahf-ten]
• YesterdayI går
  [ee gohr]
• TodayI dag
  [ee dah]
• TomorrowI morgen
  [ee mor-gen]
• 1Et
  [et]
• 2To
  [toh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Fire
  [fee-reh]
• 5Fem
  [fem]
• 6Seks
  [seks]
• 7Syv
  [siv]
• 8Otte
  [oh-teh]
• 9Ni
  [nee]
• 10Ti
  [tee]

• Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/et...?
  [vor air en/et]
• What's the address?Hvad er adressen?
  [vah air ah-dres-sen]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise mig (på kortet)?
  [kahn doo vee-seh meeh (poh kohr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvornår kommer næste (bus)?
  [vor-nor koh-mer neh-steh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)En billet (til ....)
  [en bee-let (teel)]

Copenhagen, originally a Viking fishing village established in the 10th century, was officially founded as a city in the early 12th century. Its strategic position on the Øresund Strait made it an important hub for trade and commerce.

During the reign of King Christian IV (1588-1648), Copenhagen underwent significant development. The king initiated numerous construction projects, including the Rosenborg Castle, the Børsen (Stock Exchange), and the district of Christianshavn. His vision transformed Copenhagen into a flourishing Renaissance city.

One of the most devastating events in Copenhagen’s history, the fire of 1728, destroyed approximately 28% of the city. Over 1,600 buildings were lost, and it took years for the city to fully recover. The disaster led to a wave of reconstruction, including the rebuilding of many historical structures.

In the 18th century, Copenhagen became a center of learning and culture during the Age of Enlightenment. The University of Copenhagen expanded, and the city became home to notable scholars and artists. This period saw the establishment of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1754.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the British navy bombarded Copenhagen in 1807 to prevent Denmark's fleet from falling into French hands. The attack caused extensive damage and resulted in the surrender of the Danish fleet to the British.

The first half of the 19th century is often referred to as Copenhagen’s Golden Age. This era was marked by a flourishing of arts and sciences, with contributions from notable figures such as Hans Christian Andersen, the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, and the physicist Hans Christian Ørsted.

From 1940 to 1945, Copenhagen was occupied by Nazi Germany. Despite the occupation, the Danish resistance movement was active, and many citizens played a role in the rescue of Danish Jews by ferrying them to Sweden. The liberation of Copenhagen came in May 1945.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Copenhagen has evolved into a vibrant, modern city known for its high quality of life, innovative architecture, and sustainability initiatives. The city continues to celebrate its rich history while embracing contemporary culture and technology.

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is well-connected to international destinations. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the main gateway, located about 8 kilometers south of the city center. Major airlines operate direct flights to Copenhagen from cities across Europe, North America, and Asia. From the airport, you can reach the city center by train, metro, or taxi in about 15-20 minutes. International trains and buses also connect Copenhagen with neighboring countries, making it easily accessible by land.

Copenhagen boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and the metro. The metro operates 24/7, making it convenient for late-night travel. Biking is a popular mode of transportation, with numerous bike lanes and bike rental services available. For short distances, walking is a great way to explore the city's charming streets. Taxis are also available but tend to be more expensive. Consider purchasing a Copenhagen Card, which offers unlimited travel on public transport and free entry to many attractions.

The official currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit cards are widely accepted in Copenhagen, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Contactless payments are also common. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit establishments that do not accept cards. Tipping is not customary in Denmark, as service charges are generally included in the bill.

Copenhagen is considered one of the safest cities in the world. However, like any major city, it's important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and tourist hotspots, especially around Nørrebro and Christiana. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy places like train stations and popular tourist attractions.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Copenhagen has several hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality medical care. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The Danish healthcare system is efficient, but having insurance can help cover potential costs.

Fashion: Do dress smartly and comfortably. Copenhageners tend to dress in a minimalist and stylish manner. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing unless at the beach. Religion: Do respect religious sites and customs. Most Danes are secular, but it's polite to be respectful in churches. Public Transport: Do purchase a ticket before boarding. Riding without a valid ticket can result in a hefty fine. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Avoid overly enthusiastic greetings or physical contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try Danish cuisine like smørrebrød and pastries. Don't start eating until everyone is served, and it's polite to say 'Skål' (cheers) when toasting.

To experience Copenhagen like a local, rent a bike and explore the city's bike-friendly routes. Visit the trendy Nørrebro district for its vibrant street art and diverse food scene. Enjoy a relaxing day at the King's Garden (Kongens Have) or take a canal tour to see the city from a unique perspective. Try to learn a few basic Danish phrases; locals appreciate the effort even though most Danes speak excellent English. For a unique dining experience, visit the Torvehallerne market for fresh and delicious local produce.