Ehrenfeld: Cologne's Bohemian Heart

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bih-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-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-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fair-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh heh-teh gehr-neh dee shpy-zeh-kar-teh, bih-teh]
• 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 merkh-teh bih-teh beh-tzah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee eye-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh mikh fair-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh bin krank]

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

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

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

Ehrenfeld's history traces back to the early Middle Ages when it was primarily an agricultural settlement. The area began to develop significantly in the 19th century due to industrialization, becoming a hub for workers and their families drawn to the growing industries in Cologne.

The late 19th century marked a pivotal moment for Ehrenfeld as it transformed into an industrial zone, attracting a diverse population of workers, including many immigrants. Factories and workshops sprung up, particularly in the textile and metal industries, contributing to the area's cultural diversity.

During World War II, Ehrenfeld faced significant destruction due to bombing raids aimed at Cologne's industrial infrastructure. Many historical buildings were lost, and the community underwent a challenging period of rebuilding in the post-war years, reshaping the neighborhood's landscape.

The 1980s saw a cultural revival in Ehrenfeld, with artists, musicians, and creatives moving into the area, drawn by affordable rents and the vibrant community spirit. This movement led to the establishment of numerous galleries, music venues, and cultural festivals, reinvigorating the neighborhood's identity.

Today, Ehrenfeld is known for its eclectic mix of cultures, reflected in its culinary scene, art, and music. The neighborhood has become a hotspot for innovation and creativity, housing startups and creative industries while still preserving its historical charm and industrial heritage.

Ehrenfeld is well-connected to the rest of Cologne via public transport. You can reach Ehrenfeld by taking the U-Bahn (subway) lines 3 and 4 to the Ehrenfeld station. From the central train station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), the journey takes about 10 minutes. Additionally, several bus lines serve the area, making it convenient to access from various neighborhoods in Cologne.

Ehrenfeld is a compact neighborhood that is easily navigable by foot or bicycle. The public transport system, including trams and buses, is reliable and frequent. For cyclists, bike lanes are available, and bike rentals can be found throughout the area. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also accessible for those preferring direct transport.

Ehrenfeld is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists; however, it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in less crowded areas at night. Avoiding poorly lit streets and keeping personal belongings secure is recommended. While crime rates are low, certain areas near the railway tracks may have higher incidents. Exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance or 110 for police. The nearest hospital is the St. Elisabeth Hospital, located a short distance from Ehrenfeld. It is advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual attire, suitable for walking. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to those in need. Don’t consume food or drinks on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a firm handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties at eateries. Don't engage in loud or disruptive behavior in restaurants.

To experience Ehrenfeld like a local, explore the vibrant street art scene and visit the many independent shops and cafes. Attend local events or festivals, which often take place in the neighborhood's parks. Don't miss the weekly markets where you can find fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals to learn about hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

When visiting local establishments, it's polite to greet staff with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag'. Tipping is customary but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. When dining, waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat is considered respectful.

Ehrenfeld boasts a diverse culinary scene. Be sure to try local German dishes as well as international cuisine, reflecting the neighborhood's multicultural vibe. Popular spots include traditional beer gardens and trendy vegan cafes. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.