Düsseldorf: The Jewel of the Rhine

• 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 Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es ee-nen]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oont ee-nen]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpreh-ken zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-eh neekt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch würde gerne die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh vur-deh gehr-neh dee shpy-ze-kahr-teh zay-en, bih-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 bitte zahlen
  [ikh mehrk-teh bih-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hill-feh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [geh-en zee vehk]
• 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-lou-fen]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krunk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh mehrk-teh ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kos-teht 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 preys 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
  [nah-kh-meet-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-shtern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [fuenf]
• 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-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kern-en zee meer dahs tsay-gen (ouf dehr kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nekh-steh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [iyn-eh fahr-kahr-teh (nakh ...)]

Düsseldorf's origins date back to the early 12th century when it was first mentioned in a document in 1135. The city started as a small fishing village on the banks of the River Düssel, a tributary of the Rhine. By 1288, it received its city charter from Count Adolf VIII of Berg after a decisive victory at the Battle of Worringen. This marked the beginning of Düsseldorf's development into an important regional center.

From the 14th century onwards, Düsseldorf became the capital of the Duchy of Berg. The city's status grew under the rule of the Berg family, who developed it architecturally and economically. The construction of the St. Lambertus Church and the Old Town Hall during this period left a lasting architectural heritage. Düsseldorf flourished as a cultural and economic hub during this time.

The city underwent significant changes during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1806, Düsseldorf became part of the Grand Duchy of Berg, a Napoleonic satellite state. This brought about administrative reforms and modernization efforts. However, the fall of Napoleon led to Düsseldorf being incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia in 1815, under which it continued to grow and industrialize.

The 19th century was a period of rapid industrialization for Düsseldorf. The city's strategic location along the Rhine made it a vital transportation and trade hub. Industries such as iron and steel, chemicals, and machinery thrived. Düsseldorf also became known for its art scene, with the establishment of the Düsseldorf School of Painting, which attracted artists from across Europe.

Düsseldorf, like many German cities, suffered extensive damage during World War II. Allied bombings in 1943-1945 destroyed much of the city's infrastructure and historical buildings. Post-war reconstruction efforts in the 1950s and 1960s focused on rebuilding the city while preserving its historical character. The recovery period saw Düsseldorf re-emerge as a key economic and cultural center in West Germany.

Today, Düsseldorf is a vibrant, modern metropolis known for its fashion industry, trade fairs, and cultural institutions. It hosts major events such as the Düsseldorf Carnival and the Japan Day celebration, reflecting its diverse and cosmopolitan character. The city is also a financial hub, home to numerous corporate headquarters and the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange. Despite its modernization, Düsseldorf retains a rich historical heritage, blending the old and new seamlessly.

Dusseldorf is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) is the primary airport and is located about 7 kilometers from the city center. It offers flights to and from many major cities worldwide. For rail travelers, Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is a major hub with frequent connections to other German cities and neighboring countries. The city is also accessible by car via the extensive German autobahn network.

Dusseldorf has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and U-Bahn (underground) trains, all operated by Rheinbahn. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines and must be validated before boarding. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in the city. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle; the city is bike-friendly with many dedicated lanes.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are plentiful, and you can find them at banks, shopping centers, and train stations.

Dusseldorf is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Areas like the main train station and the Altstadt (Old Town) can be hotspots for pickpocketing, especially during weekends and festivals. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid any confrontations.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or ambulance services. Dusseldorf has several hospitals and clinics, including Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, which offers comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially in upscale areas and restaurants. Avoid overly casual attire in formal settings. Religion: Do respect religious customs; for example, dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful. Avoid loud conversations and giving up your seat for elderly passengers is appreciated. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Titles are important, so use 'Herr' or 'Frau' followed by the last name unless invited to use the first name. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and beers. Don't start eating until everyone is served and the host says 'Guten Appetit'.

To experience Dusseldorf like a local, visit the Carlsplatz Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore the Altstadt, known as the 'longest bar in the world,' for its numerous pubs and traditional breweries. For a unique cultural experience, don't miss the annual Karneval, a vibrant and colorful festival. Lastly, take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine Promenade for stunning river views and a taste of local life.