Erfurt: The Medieval Heart of Germany

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bih-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und du?
  [goot oont doo]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch würde gerne die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh vur-deh gair-nuh dee shpi-zuh-kahr-teh zay-en, bih-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-uh kine fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [ikh muhkh-teh bih-tuh beh-tsah-len]

• 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 eye-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-buh mikh feh-rirt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh bin krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh muhkh-teh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-uh noor]
• 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?
  [kuhr-nen zee den preis zeng-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpate 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
  [nahk-mee-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [ayns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

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

Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia in Germany, was first mentioned in 742 AD when Saint Boniface established the Diocese of Erfurt. The city's strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes facilitated its growth as a major commercial and religious hub during the Middle Ages.

During the Middle Ages, Erfurt became one of the most prosperous cities in the Holy Roman Empire. It was part of the Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds. The city's wealth was largely built on woad, a plant used to produce blue dye, which was a valuable commodity at the time.

Founded in 1379, the University of Erfurt is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It was a center of humanist thought and education during the Renaissance. The university was dissolved in 1816 but re-established in 1994, continuing its legacy as a prestigious academic institution.

Erfurt played a significant role in the life of Martin Luther, the initiator of the Protestant Reformation. Luther attended the University of Erfurt, earning his master's degree in 1505. He later entered the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt, where he spent several formative years before his pivotal role in the Reformation.

In 1850, Erfurt hosted the Erfurt Union Parliament, an assembly aimed at creating a unified German state under Prussian leadership. Although the effort ultimately failed, it was a significant event in the movement towards German unification, which was achieved later in 1871.

Erfurt, like many German cities, suffered extensive damage during World War II due to Allied bombing raids. The city was occupied by American forces in April 1945 before being handed over to Soviet control. Reconstruction efforts in the post-war period were substantial, and many historic buildings were restored to their former glory.

Erfurt is renowned for its well-preserved medieval city center, including the impressive Erfurt Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus. The Krämerbrücke, a medieval bridge lined with half-timbered buildings, is one of the few remaining inhabited bridges in Europe. These architectural landmarks, along with numerous museums and cultural institutions, make Erfurt a vibrant center of historical and cultural heritage.

Erfurt is centrally located in Germany and can be easily accessed by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Leipzig/Halle Airport, approximately 140 kilometers away, with connections to Erfurt via train or car. Frankfurt Airport and Berlin Brandenburg Airport are also viable options, offering extensive international connections. Erfurt's central train station (Hauptbahnhof) is well-connected with high-speed ICE trains from major German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. For those driving, the A4 and A71 motorways provide convenient access to the city.

Erfurt has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses managed by EVAG (Erfurter Verkehrsbetriebe AG). Tickets can be purchased at vending machines, online, or via the EVAG app. For short distances, walking or cycling are excellent options due to the city's compact size and well-maintained pathways. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Car rentals are available for those wishing to explore the Thuringian countryside.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Erfurt, and most will accept international cards. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular.

Erfurt is generally a safe city for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. While Erfurt has no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's wise to stay vigilant, particularly around the main train station and in busy tourist spots. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112 for immediate assistance.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for ambulance, fire, or police services. The city has several hospitals and clinics, including the Helios Klinikum Erfurt, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are available throughout the city, and some offer 24-hour service. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, over-the-counter medications are readily available.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but neatly; casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and keeping noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A simple 'Guten Tag' (Good Day) is polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Thuringian specialties like bratwurst and potato dumplings. Don’t leave a tip on the table; instead, tell the server the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip.

To experience Erfurt like a local, start your day with a visit to the Krämerbrücke, a medieval bridge lined with shops and cafes. Explore the weekly markets at Domplatz for fresh produce and local goods. Take a leisurely stroll through the Egapark, a beautiful horticultural garden. Attend a performance at the Erfurt Theater or a concert at the Alte Oper. Engage with locals over a beer at a traditional beer garden or a cozy pub. Don't miss the annual Christmas market, one of the most charming in Germany, held in the heart of the city.