Aachen: A Blend of History and Modern Charm

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh merkht-eh bit-teh dee shpy-ze-kahr-teh zay-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-eh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [ikh merkht-eh bit-teh bez-al-en]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [gey-en zee vehk]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee ine-en ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen
  [ikh hah-beh mikh fer-lou-fen]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been kr-ahnk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh merkht-eh ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh sh-ow-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kaws-tet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kern-en zee den prys zen-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpayt ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist ighn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (zehn)
  [halb (tsayn)]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gehn]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gehn]
• 1Eins
  [ayns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [akht]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist ighn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kern-en zee meer tsey-gen (owf dehr kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn komt dehr nekh-steh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nakh)]

Aachen, known as Aquae Granni in Roman times, was established due to its natural hot springs. The Romans built baths and a settlement that capitalized on the healing properties of these thermal waters, marking the beginning of Aachen's long history as a spa town.

Aachen rose to prominence under Charlemagne, who made it his imperial residence in the late 8th century. The construction of the Palatine Chapel, now part of Aachen Cathedral, signified Aachen as the center of the Carolingian Renaissance. Charlemagne was buried in the Chapel in 814, and it later became a pilgrimage site.

From 936 to 1531, Aachen Cathedral was the site where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned. This tradition began with Otto I and underscored Aachen's significance in medieval European politics. The Throne of Charlemagne and the Cathedral Treasury hold invaluable relics from this period.

During the Middle Ages, Aachen flourished as a center of commerce and trade. The town developed a robust guild system that supported artisans and merchants. This period saw the construction of the Aachen Rathaus (Town Hall), which became a symbol of civic pride and economic prosperity.

In 1748, Aachen hosted the Peace Congress that concluded the War of Austrian Succession. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, as Aachen is known in French, was signed here, making the city a notable location in the diplomatic history of Europe.

Aachen embraced the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, becoming a hub for coal mining and manufacturing. The growth of industries such as textiles, metalworking, and the development of railways transformed Aachen into an economic powerhouse in the Rhineland.

Aachen was heavily bombed during World War II, resulting in significant destruction. The city was the first German city to be captured by Allied forces in 1944. Post-war reconstruction efforts focused on restoring historical buildings while modernizing the city infrastructure.

In the post-war era, Aachen became a symbol of European unity and cooperation. The city hosts the annual Charlemagne Prize (Karlspreis), awarded to individuals or institutions for their contributions to European integration. Notable recipients include Winston Churchill, Jean Monnet, and Angela Merkel.

Today, Aachen is known for its prestigious RWTH Aachen University, a leading institution in engineering and technology. The city blends its rich historical heritage with cutting-edge research and development, continuing to be a place of significance in both cultural and scientific realms.

Aachen is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest large international airport is Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), approximately 90 kilometers away. From Düsseldorf, you can take a direct train to Aachen Hauptbahnhof, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is about 85 kilometers away, and you can reach Aachen in roughly 1 hour by train. If you're coming from within Europe, the Thalys and ICE high-speed trains connect Aachen with major cities like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Aachen has an efficient public transportation system comprising buses and trains. The ASEAG bus network covers the city and surrounding areas. For intercity travel, Aachen Hauptbahnhof offers connections to domestic and international destinations. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. If you prefer cycling, Aachen is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and rental options. Walking is another convenient way to explore the compact city center.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Note that some smaller establishments may not accept cards, so having some Euros on hand is always a good idea.

Aachen is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Aachen doesn't have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. The city center and tourist areas are usually well-patrolled by police.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Aachen has several hospitals and clinics, including the University Hospital RWTH Aachen, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly but comfortably. Germans appreciate neat and tidy attire. Avoid overly casual clothing like flip-flops or beachwear in the city. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses and trains. Don't talk loudly or play music. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact as it shows honesty. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Printen (gingerbread) and Aachener Sauerbraten (marinated beef). Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to the server.

To experience Aachen like a local, visit the weekly markets held at Markt and Münsterplatz for fresh produce and local products. Engage with locals at cafes and try the local specialty, Aachen Printen. Don't miss the chance to visit the Carolus Thermen spa for relaxation. For a cultural experience, attend a concert at the Eurogress Aachen or a performance at the Theater Aachen. Exploring the city by bike is also a great way to see hidden gems and enjoy the scenic beauty.