Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Medieval Masterpiece in Germany

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [ouf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bi-te]
• Thank youDanke
  [dan-ke]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gate es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shprek-en zee eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-e neekt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh heh-te gern dee shpy-ze-kar-te, bi-te]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-se kine fli-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prost]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [ikh mosh-te bi-te be-tsal-en]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-fe]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [ge-en zee veg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee po-leet-sigh]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh ha-be mish feh-rirt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh bin krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh mosh-te kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-e noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [vee feel kos-tet das]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [das ist tso toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [koo-nen zee den prees sen-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (10) Uhr
  [halb (10) oor]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nah-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-te]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [akht]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/deer]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dre-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [koo-nen zee meer tsy-gen (ouf der kar-te)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [van komt deer nakh-ste (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [i-ne fahr-kar-te (nakh)]

Rothenburg ob der Tauber was founded in 1170, when the Staufer King Conrad III built a fortress on a hill overlooking the Tauber River. The town’s strategic location made it an important center for trade and commerce during the medieval period.

By the 14th century, Rothenburg ob der Tauber had become a Free Imperial City, directly under the Holy Roman Emperor’s control. This period saw significant growth and prosperity, with the construction of the town’s iconic half-timbered houses, fortifications, and the Town Hall.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber faced significant hardship during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). In 1631, the town was captured by the Catholic League’s army under General Tilly. The legend of the ‘Master Draught’ emerged from this period, where the town's mayor allegedly saved the town by drinking a massive quantity of wine in one gulp.

After the Thirty Years' War, Rothenburg ob der Tauber experienced a period of economic decline. However, the lack of industrial development preserved its medieval architecture. By the 19th century, Rothenburg became known for its picturesque beauty, attracting artists and tourists.

During World War II, Rothenburg ob der Tauber suffered bombings in March 1945, which led to significant damage. Thanks to the efforts of the American Assistant Secretary of War John J. McCloy and the local community, much of the town was spared from destruction. Post-war, extensive reconstruction work restored the damaged buildings to their former glory.

Today, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, attracting tourists from around the globe. The town hosts numerous cultural events, including the annual ‘Reiterlesmarkt’ Christmas market, and maintains its historical charm through careful preservation efforts.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located in the Bavarian region of Germany. The nearest major airports are Nuremberg Airport (approximately 90 km away) and Frankfurt Airport (approximately 180 km away). From either airport, you can take a train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which involves a transfer at either Nuremberg or Würzburg. The train journey from Nuremberg takes about 1.5 hours, whereas from Frankfurt it takes around 2.5 hours. Alternatively, rental cars and taxis are available for a more direct route.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. For those preferring public transportation, local buses operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. Taxis are also readily available. If you wish to explore the surrounding countryside, renting a bicycle or a car can be a good option.

The official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are available throughout the town for your convenience.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is generally a very safe destination for tourists. However, like any other travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in any unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Rothenburg ob der Tauber has local police and medical facilities available. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for walking, but avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting religious sites, such as covering your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do purchase a ticket before boarding and validate it if required. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including the famous Schneeballen (snowball pastries). Don’t leave a small tip; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary.

To experience Rothenburg ob der Tauber like a local, try to visit during the weekdays when it's less crowded. Spend time in the local markets and small shops to buy unique souvenirs. Engage with locals, who are often very friendly and willing to share insights about the town's history. Don't miss the Night Watchman's tour for an entertaining and informative experience. For a quieter time, take a stroll along the town walls for panoramic views.