Deutsches Eck: Where History and the Rhine Converge

• 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-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-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shte-he nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh merkh-teh bih-tuh dee shpah-zuh-kahr-teh zay-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-uh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [ikh merkh-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 i-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-buh meekh feh-rirt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been kr-ahnk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh merkh-teh ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh sh-ow-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?
  [kuh-nen zee den prees zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsehn]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-ghen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mee-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-ghen]
• 1eins
  [iyns]
• 2zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3drei
  [dry]
• 4vier
  [feer]
• 5fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [ahkt]
• 9neun
  [noyn]
• 10zehn
  [tsehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kuh-nen zee meer tsee-gn (owf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr n-ehk-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-uh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

Deutsches Eck, translating to 'German Corner', is situated at the convergence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. This unique geographical location has historically been of strategic importance, serving as a key trading and military point. The Romans recognized its potential and established settlements in the area, making it a prominent location during their reign.

In 1897, a monumental equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I was unveiled at Deutsches Eck, symbolizing the unification of Germany in 1871. This statue was designed by sculptor Bruno Schmitz and became a national symbol, reflecting the pride and aspirations of the German Empire during that era. The monument stands as a reminder of the imperial past and the complicated history of German nationalism.

During World War II, Koblenz, including Deutsches Eck, suffered significant damage from bombing raids. The region's strategic importance as a military hub made it a target. After the war, the area underwent extensive reconstruction, and the Kaiser Wilhelm monument was restored in 1948, symbolizing resilience and the desire for peace in post-war Germany.

Today, Deutsches Eck is not only a historical site but also a cultural hub. It hosts various events and festivals, including the annual Rhine in Flames festival, which celebrates the region's rich history and heritage. The area is also home to the Bundesgartenschau, a federal horticultural show that highlights the natural beauty of Koblenz and the surrounding region.

In 2002, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which includes Koblenz and Deutsches Eck, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition underscores the area's cultural significance, characterized by its dramatic landscapes, historic towns, and the vineyards that line the Rhine. It has become a focal point for tourism and historical appreciation in the region.

Deutsches Eck is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Koblenz. If you're coming from the main train station (Koblenz Hauptbahnhof), you can walk approximately 20 minutes along the banks of the Rhine River, enjoying the scenic views. Alternatively, take bus lines 1, 5, or 6 from the station, which will drop you off close to the area. If you are in the Altstadt (Old Town), it’s just a short stroll across the bridge or along the riverside promenade.

Deutsches Eck is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. For those wishing to use public transport, local buses connect to other parts of Koblenz. Bicycle rentals are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy the riverside paths at a leisurely pace. Additionally, guided boat tours operate along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, providing a unique perspective of the area.

Deutsches Eck is considered a safe area for tourists, but standard safety precautions should still be observed. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night, particularly around the docks. While Koblenz generally has low crime rates, petty theft can occur in crowded tourist spots, so be cautious with your belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in Germany. The nearest hospital is the Klinikum Koblenz-Montabaur, located a short drive away. For non-emergency medical needs, pharmacies can be found throughout the area. Always carry a copy of your travel insurance information and emergency contact numbers.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking. Avoid overly casual attire when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly at the nearby Basilica of St. Castor. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't speak loudly or make a disturbance while on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties at nearby cafés. Don't consume food or drinks in places where it is prohibited, such as certain public transport.

To experience Deutsches Eck like a local, visit the weekly markets or festivals if your schedule permits. Engage with local vendors and try traditional foods. Take a moment to enjoy the view from the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, accessible by a scenic cable car ride. Lastly, explore the nearby Moselle River, where you can find charming wine taverns offering local wines.