Nippes: Cologne's Hidden Gem of Culture and Charm

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dank-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es een-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oond 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 hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh het-eh gehr-neh dee shpigh-zeh-kahr-teh, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-eh kine fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte zahlen, bitte
  [ikh merkhte sah-len, bit-teh]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee po-lee-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen
  [ikh hah-beh mikh fer-lauf-en]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh bin krangk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkhte kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue mich nur um
  [ikh shau-eh mikh noor oom]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kohs-tet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [ker-nen zee den preis zeng-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
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1eins
  [ayns]
• 2zwei
  [tsvay]
• 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?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [ker-nen zee meer tsai-gen (owf dehr kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kommt dehr nekhs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

Nippes, located in the northern part of Cologne, began to develop as a distinct neighborhood in the 19th century. With the expansion of the city due to industrialization, Nippes transformed from a rural area into a burgeoning residential district. The construction of the Cologne-Nippes railway station in 1870 facilitated connectivity, drawing more residents and businesses to the area.

During World War II, Nippes, like much of Cologne, suffered significant damage from Allied bombings. The neighborhood experienced a substantial loss of its historical buildings and infrastructure. Post-war recovery efforts were focused on rebuilding, leading to a mix of restored and modern architecture that characterizes Nippes today.

In the late 20th century, Nippes became known for its cultural diversity as new residents from various backgrounds moved to the area. This influx contributed to a vibrant community atmosphere, with numerous international shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Gentrification also began in this period, leading to rising property values and a shift in the neighborhood's demographic.

Today, Nippes is celebrated for its lively cultural scene, including street festivals, art galleries, and local markets. The neighborhood blends traditional and modern elements, with historic buildings coexisting alongside contemporary structures. Nippes is now a sought-after area for both locals and newcomers, known for its community spirit and diverse offerings.

Nippes is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Cologne. If you are coming from the city center, take the U-Bahn line U12 or U15 from the Neumarkt station towards Nippes. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the S-Bahn services that connect various parts of the city, with Nippes being served by S11 and S12 lines. For those coming from Cologne Bonn Airport, take the S19 line towards Köln Messe/Deutz and transfer to the S11 line at Deutz/Köln Messe.

Nippes is well-connected by public transport, with several tram and bus lines running through the neighborhood. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn services are reliable and frequent. For a more leisurely exploration, consider renting a bicycle; there are bike-sharing options available throughout the city. Walking is also a great way to discover the charming streets and hidden spots of Nippes.

Nippes is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. As with any urban area, it is advisable to take standard precautions. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit streets. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, particularly near popular attractions and public transport stations.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital is located on the outskirts of Nippes, and there are several pharmacies where you can get assistance for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and practically; casual attire is accepted. However, avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting churches. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag.' A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine, especially in family-run establishments. Don't refuse food or drink when offered, as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience Nippes like a local, visit the weekly markets held at Wilhelmsplatz, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore the side streets to discover quaint cafes and bakeries that offer authentic German pastries. Engage with locals in the parks, especially during weekends, as Cologne's residents often enjoy picnics and outdoor activities. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the local breweries for a taste of Kölsch, a regional beer brewed only in Cologne.