Koblenz: Where the Rhine and Moselle Meet

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf VEE-der-zayn]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [BIH-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [DAHN-kuh]
• 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-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-SHTAY-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh HEH-te ge-rnuh dee SHPY-zuh-kahr-tuh, BIH-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh EHS-se kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch würde gerne bezahlen, bitte
  [ikh VOOR-duh ge-rnuh buh-ZAH-len, BIH-tuh]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [HEEL-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [gay vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [ROO-fen zee dee poh-lee-TSY]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [ROO-fen zee I-nen ahrsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh HAH-buh mikh feh-REERT]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krahngk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte gerne kaufen...
  [ikh merkh-tuh ge-rnuh KOW-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh SHOW-uh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel KOH-stet 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 price 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 (10)
  [hahlp (tsayn)]
• MorningMorgen
  [MOR-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [NAKH-mee-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [AH-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-shtern]
• TodayHeute
  [HOY-tuh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [MOR-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...?
  [voh ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dreh-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [KER-nen zee meer tsey-gen (ouf dehr KAHR-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr NEHK-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [IY-nuh FAHR-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

Koblenz, known as Confluentes during the Roman era, was founded around 8 BC by the Romans at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. It served as a strategic military post and a significant trade hub. Remnants of Roman walls and fortifications can still be seen in the city, reflecting its ancient past.

During the Middle Ages, Koblenz grew around the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a key defensive structure. The city became an important religious center with the establishment of the Basilica of St. Castor in the 9th century. Its strategic location made it a frequent battleground during various conflicts, including the Thirty Years' War.

In the late 18th century, Koblenz fell under French control during the Napoleonic Wars. The city was incorporated into the French Republic and later the French Empire. This period brought significant administrative changes and modernization efforts to the city’s infrastructure.

After the defeat of Napoleon, Koblenz became part of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1815. The Prussian era saw extensive urban development, including the construction of the Koblenz Fortress and the establishment of the Rhine Province. The city became an important administrative and military center for Prussia.

Koblenz suffered heavy bombings during World War II, resulting in significant destruction. Post-war, the city underwent extensive reconstruction, blending modern architecture with preserved historical structures. The rebuilding efforts restored many historical sites, including the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet.

In 2002, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, including parts of Koblenz, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the region's historical and cultural significance, preserving its scenic landscapes, castles, and ancient towns. Koblenz's rich history and picturesque setting continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Koblenz is conveniently accessible by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Frankfurt International Airport, located about 112 kilometers away. From there, you can take a direct train to Koblenz, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Cologne Bonn Airport or Düsseldorf Airport, both of which offer train connections to Koblenz. The city is also well-connected by German Autobahns A3, A48, and A61 for those traveling by car.

Koblenz has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses and trains. The Koblenz Hauptbahnhof (main train station) serves as the central hub for regional and long-distance trains. Local buses operated by evm Verkehrs GmbH cover most parts of the city. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For a more scenic mode of transport, consider taking a boat ride along the Rhine or Moselle rivers.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but smaller establishments might prefer cash. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and it is advisable to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case you visit rural areas.

Koblenz is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious in crowded places to protect yourself from pickpocketing. Areas around the main train station can be a bit dodgy late at night, so it's best to stay alert. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire services, and medical emergencies. Koblenz has several hospitals, including the Gemeinschaftsklinikum Mittelrhein. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are plentiful, and some offer 24-hour service. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, which is generally acceptable for most occasions. Don't wear overly casual clothing in fine dining settings. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and keeping noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don't forget to offer your seat to elderly passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. Don't use first names unless invited to do so. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Sauerbraten and Riesling wine. Don't leave a tip on the table; instead, hand it directly to the server.

To experience Koblenz like a local, visit the weekly farmers' markets held at various locations throughout the city. These markets offer fresh produce, local cheeses, and meats. Engage with locals at a traditional wine tavern (Weinstube) to learn about the region's famous wines. Take a leisurely walk along the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, and explore the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for panoramic views of the city. Don't miss the opportunity to attend local festivals such as the Koblenz Summer Festival or the Rhine in Flames event.