Connewitz: The Bohemian Heart of Leipzig

• 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?Sprichst du Englisch?
  [shprikhst doo eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh merkhte bih-tuh dee shpy-zuh-kahr-tuh 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 merkhte bih-tuh bay-tsahl-en]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee iyn-en ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen
  [ikh hah-buh mikh fer-lou-fen]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krunk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkhte kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shoy-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?
  [kern-en zee den price zenn-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 elf
  [halb elf]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-ghen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-ghen]
• 1eins
  [īns]
• 2zwei
  [tsvī]
• 3drei
  [drī]
• 4vier
  [fīr]
• 5fünf
  [fünf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [ahkht]
• 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)?
  [kern-en zee meer tsay-gen (owf dehr kahr-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nekh-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-uh fahr-kahr-tuh (nahkh ....)]

Connewitz, located in the southern part of Leipzig, has origins that trace back to the early settlement periods of the region. Historically an agrarian village, it was first mentioned in records in the 13th century. The fertile land surrounding the area allowed for farming and supported a small but thriving community, which was closely linked to the agricultural practices of the time.

In the 19th century, Connewitz began to transform due to the industrialization sweeping through Leipzig. The establishment of factories and railways attracted a wave of workers, leading to rapid urban expansion. This growth brought about significant changes in the social fabric of Connewitz, as it evolved from a quiet village into a bustling neighborhood in close proximity to the industrial heart of Leipzig.

During the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s, Connewitz became a focal point for political activism and counterculture in East Germany. The neighborhood was known for its alternative lifestyle and strong anti-establishment sentiments, often serving as a meeting ground for leftist movements and artistic expression. This period saw the establishment of various cultural venues, such as the iconic Conne Island, which fostered a vibrant community dedicated to music, arts, and social change.

Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, Connewitz underwent a significant transformation. The neighborhood faced challenges, including economic shifts and urban decay, but also witnessed a resurgence of creativity and community engagement. Initiatives to revitalize the area included the renovation of historical buildings and the promotion of local businesses, contributing to a renewed sense of identity and pride among residents.

Today, Connewitz is known for its eclectic blend of cultures, reflecting Leipzig's broader diversity. It is home to a mix of students, artists, and families, with numerous cafes, galleries, and music venues that celebrate the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage. Events such as the Connewitz Festival showcase local talent and foster community spirit, ensuring that Connewitz remains a vibrant part of Leipzig's cultural landscape.

Connewitz is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Leipzig. The tram lines 1 and 2 connect Connewitz to the city center and main train station (Hauptbahnhof). If you are coming from the airport, the S-Bahn (S5) takes you to the city center, where you can switch to a tram or bus heading to Connewitz. Additionally, Leipzig's central bus station (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof) offers connections to Connewitz via local buses.

Connewitz is well-served by public transportation. Tram lines 1 and 2 run frequently, providing easy access to other parts of Leipzig. Buses also cover the area, connecting to neighbouring districts. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle; Leipzig is a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes. Walking is another great way to explore Connewitz, especially its parks and historical sites.

Connewitz is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is wise to take precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. Some parts of the city, particularly near train stations, may have higher incidences of petty crime, so remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the Klinikum St. Georg, which is equipped to handle emergencies. It's also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency medical needs, local pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes for exploring, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Don't wear overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in places of worship. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on trams or buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag'. Don't be overly formal; a smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties in cafes and restaurants. Don't be rude to staff; service is generally friendly and welcoming.

To experience Connewitz like a local, visit the vibrant Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse, known for its independent shops, cafes, and bars. Attend local events or festivals, which often take place in the parks or community spaces. Engage with locals at the weekly markets for fresh produce and handmade goods. Don't miss the Connewitz cinema, known for showing independent films. Lastly, be sure to check out the local street art scene, which reflects the neighbourhood's creative spirit.