Bonn: A Harmony of History and Modernity by the Rhine

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

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh heh-te gern-eh dee shpahy-zeh-kahr-teh bi-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-se kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh merkh-teh bi-teh tsah-len]

• 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 eye-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh meesh feh-reert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krunk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkh-teh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [vee feel kohs-tet dahs]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoy too-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kew-nen zee den preys zeng-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb elf]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [ines]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foontf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-say]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie es mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kew-nen zee es meer tsay-gen (ouf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vann kohmt dehr nekhs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-eh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

Bonn's history stretches back over 2,000 years to its origins as a Roman settlement known as Bonna. The Romans established Bonna around 11 BC as a strategic military post along the Rhine River. The remnants of Roman walls and structures can still be found in the city, offering a glimpse into its ancient past.

During the medieval period, Bonn flourished as a significant religious and cultural center. The construction of the Bonn Minster, a magnificent Romanesque church, began in the 11th century. The church stands as a testament to the city's importance and architectural prowess during this era.

In the 16th century, Bonn became the residence of the Prince-electors of Cologne. This period saw the construction of grand buildings like the Electoral Palace, which now serves as part of the University of Bonn. The presence of the electors brought political and cultural prominence to the city.

Bonn is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the world's greatest composers. He was born here in 1770, and his childhood home, now the Beethoven House Museum, attracts visitors from around the globe, celebrating his life and musical legacy.

After World War II, Bonn gained international recognition as the provisional capital of West Germany in 1949. The city served as the seat of government until reunification in 1990. The political history of this period is preserved in various landmarks, including the Bundeshaus and the Chancellor's Bungalow.

Founded in 1818, the University of Bonn has played a significant role in the city's cultural and intellectual life. It has produced numerous notable alumni, including several Nobel laureates. The university's buildings and libraries are integral parts of Bonn's architectural and academic heritage.

Today, Bonn is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting numerous festivals, museums, and events. The annual Beethovenfest celebrates the city's most famous son with concerts and performances. The Museum Mile, including the Bonn Museum of Modern Art and the House of History, showcases Bonn's rich cultural tapestry.

Bonn is well-connected to major cities in Germany and Europe. The nearest international airport is Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), approximately 20 minutes away by train or car. Alternatively, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is about an hour away by high-speed train. Bonn is also accessible by train, with frequent services from cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. If you're driving, the city is well-served by the German Autobahn network.

Bonn boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS) network covers Bonn and its surrounding areas. Tickets can be purchased at stations, online, or via mobile apps. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. For a more eco-friendly option, consider renting a bike; Bonn has an extensive network of bike lanes.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are plentiful, and foreign cards are generally accepted. Contactless payments are also becoming more common.

Bonn is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid secluded areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be cautious in neighborhoods like Tannenbusch and Duisdorf, which have higher crime rates. Always use well-lit, busy streets when walking at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical services, fire brigade, and police. English-speaking operators are usually available. Bonn has several hospitals and clinics, including the University Hospital Bonn. Pharmacies are widely available, and many have 24-hour service. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual in most settings; Germans appreciate neatness. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops and tank tops in restaurants. Religion: Do respect religious customs; many churches require modest dress and silence. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't occupy priority seats meant for the elderly or disabled. Greetings: Do shake hands when greeting someone. A friendly 'Guten Tag' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Rheinischer Sauerbraten and Kölsch beer. Don't leave a tip on the table; hand it directly to the server.

To experience Bonn like a local, visit the Wochenmarkt on Münsterplatz for fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine promenade and enjoy a coffee at one of the riverside cafes. For a cultural experience, attend a concert at the Beethovenhalle or visit the annual Beethovenfest. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's numerous parks and green spaces, such as the Rheinaue Park.