Munster: The Green Heart of Westphalia

• 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 een-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oont een-en]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
• 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 hah-teh gehr-neh dee shpigh-eh-kahr-teh, bih-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-eh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh mehrk-teh bih-tuh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [geh-en zee vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsigh]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen ahrtst]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh mikh feh-rirt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krahngk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh mehrk-teh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-eh 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?
  [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 (tsayn)]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gn]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tehrn]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gehn]
• 1Eins
  [iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [akht]
• 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-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie es mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kuh-nen zee es meer tsi-gen (owf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nekh-steh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-eh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh ....)]

Münster was founded as a monastery in 793 by Frisian missionary Saint Ludger. It quickly grew into a significant religious center. The city's name, derived from the Latin word 'monasterium,' reflects its ecclesiastical origins.

In the early 16th century, Münster became the site of a radical Anabaptist rebellion. Led by Jan Matthys and later Jan van Leiden, the city was transformed into a theocracy. The rebellion was brutally crushed in 1535, and the leaders were executed.

Münster played a crucial role in European history as one of the cities where the Peace of Westphalia was negotiated and signed in 1648. This treaty ended the Thirty Years' War and marked a turning point in the balance of power in Europe.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw Münster flourish under the influence of Baroque architecture and culture. The Prince-Bishopric commissioned many of the city's iconic buildings, including the Erbdrostenhof palace and the St. Paulus Cathedral.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Münster was annexed by France. After Napoleon's defeat, the city became part of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1815. This period saw significant modernization and development.

Münster suffered extensive damage during World War II due to Allied bombing raids. Post-war reconstruction focused on restoring many of the city's historic buildings and landmarks, preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Today, Münster is known for its vibrant cultural scene, prestigious universities, and as a center for cycling. The city's blend of historical architecture and modern amenities makes it a unique destination for visitors.

Munster is well-connected and can be easily reached by various means of transportation. The nearest major airport is Münster Osnabrück International Airport (FMO), located about 25 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach Munster. Additionally, Munster has excellent train connections, with frequent services from major German cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne. The city's main railway station, Münster Hauptbahnhof, is centrally located and offers easy access to local and regional destinations.

Munster boasts an extensive public transportation network, including buses and trains. The city is also known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, with numerous bike lanes and rental services available. For short distances within the city, walking or biking is often the most convenient option. For longer trips, the local buses are efficient and well-connected. Taxis are also readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in the city. If you plan to explore the surrounding region, renting a car can be a practical choice.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Munster, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and most accept international cards. Contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also becoming increasingly popular.

Munster is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's important to remain vigilant and take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Areas around the main train station might be busier and require extra caution, especially late at night. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing. Overall, Munster has a low crime rate, but it's always best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Munster has well-equipped hospitals and clinics, including the University Hospital Münster (UKM), which offers comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but neatly. Casual wear is fine, but avoid overly sloppy attire. Religion: Do respect religious customs, particularly in churches. Silence your phone and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful. Offer your seat to those in need. Don't talk loudly or play music. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Don't be overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and enjoy the local beer. Don't leave a huge tip; rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is customary.

To experience Munster like a local, rent a bike and explore the city's extensive cycling paths. Visit the weekly market at Domplatz for fresh produce and local goods. Spend some time at Lake Aasee, a popular spot for leisurely walks and picnics. Engage with locals at traditional beer gardens and try the local Westphalian cuisine. Don't miss visiting the Prinzipalmarkt, a historic street lined with beautiful gabled houses and shops. For a unique cultural experience, check out the Pablo Picasso Art Museum.