Essen: The Green Heart of the Ruhr Area

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bih-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es in-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oont in-en]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fair-shtay-e nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh mer-khe bit-uh dee shpy-ze-kar-teh zay-en]
• 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 mer-khe bit-uh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh veg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-zye]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-buh mikh fair-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh mer-khe ... cow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh show-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kohs-tet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoy toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kern-en zee den prys zen-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
  [nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-tuh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1eins
  [iyns]
• 2zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3drei
  [dry]
• 4vier
  [feer]
• 5fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [ahkt]
• 9neun
  [noyn]
• 10zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [voh ist iyn/der]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dres-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kern-en zee meer tsay-gen (ouf der kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt der nakh-ste (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [i-nuh fahr-kahr-teh (nakh)]

Essen's history traces back to 845 AD when the Essen Abbey was founded by Altfrid. This Benedictine monastery became a significant religious and cultural center, fostering the city's early development. The Essen Abbey was home to influential abbesses who played pivotal roles in the Holy Roman Empire, including Mathilde, granddaughter of Emperor Otto I.

Essen transformed dramatically during the 19th century Industrial Revolution. The founding of the Krupp family’s steel empire in 1811 by Friedrich Krupp marked the city's emergence as an industrial powerhouse. Krupp AG became synonymous with Essen, producing steel, armaments, and machinery that fueled Germany's industrial growth. The Krupp family’s Villa Hügel, an opulent mansion, stands as a testament to their influence.

Essen played a crucial role during World War II as a major industrial hub, making it a target for Allied bombing. The city was heavily damaged, with significant portions of its infrastructure and historical sites destroyed. Post-war, Essen underwent extensive reconstruction, revitalizing its economy and infrastructure. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a former coal mine, symbolizes the city's industrial heritage and post-war recovery.

The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, once the largest and most productive coal mine in Europe, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This site represents the zenith of the Ruhr Valley's industrial prowess and has been transformed into a cultural venue with museums, galleries, and event spaces, showcasing the region's industrial history and cultural renaissance.

In 2010, Essen was designated as the European Capital of Culture, representing the Ruhr region. This honor recognized Essen's transformation from an industrial city to a cultural hub. The city boasts numerous cultural institutions, including the Museum Folkwang, known for its impressive art collections, and the Aalto Theatre, a premier venue for opera and ballet.

Essen has reinvented itself as a green metropolis, focusing on sustainability and environmental initiatives. In 2017, it was awarded the title of European Green Capital, highlighting its efforts in reducing pollution, promoting green spaces, and improving the quality of life for its residents. The city's extensive parks, such as the Grugapark, and its commitment to renewable energy and public transportation reflect this modern identity.

Essen is well-connected and easily accessible from various cities in Germany and other parts of Europe. The closest major airport is Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), located about 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Essen Hauptbahnhof (main train station), which takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly into Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) or Dortmund Airport (DTM) and reach Essen by train or bus. Essen is also well-served by Germany's extensive rail network, with frequent trains from major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich.

Essen has an efficient and reliable public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains operated by the Rhein-Ruhr Verkehrsverbund (VRR). Purchasing a day ticket or multi-day pass can be cost-effective if you plan to travel frequently. Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive. For a more eco-friendly option, consider renting a bike through the city's bike-sharing program. If you prefer driving, car rental services are available, but parking in the city center can be challenging.

Germany uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, some smaller establishments may only accept cash. ATMs (Geldautomaten) are plentiful throughout Essen, and it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips. Contactless payments via smartphones are also becoming more common.

Essen is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like public transport and tourist attractions. Neighborhoods such as Altendorf and parts of Vogelheim have higher crime rates compared to other areas, so exercise increased caution if visiting these areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The main hospital in Essen is the Universitätsklinikum Essen, which provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are available throughout the city for minor health issues, and many have emergency services outside regular hours. It's also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but neatly. Casual wear is 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 give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. It's common to use 'Guten Tag' (Good day) or 'Hallo' (Hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and beers. It's polite to wait until everyone is served before starting your meal. Don't tip excessively; 5-10% is generally sufficient.

To experience Essen like a local, visit the weekly markets such as the one at Rüttenscheid, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Attend a performance at the Aalto Theatre or Philharmonie Essen for a taste of the local arts scene. Exploring the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers insight into the city’s industrial history. Don’t miss the Grugapark, a large city park perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.