Stuttgart: The Heart of German Engineering and Culture

• 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-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh merkhte dee shpy-zuh-kahr-tuh zay-en, bih-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-suh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [ikh merkhte bih-tuh bay-tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vayg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee po-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-buh meesh fuh-ir-t]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh bin krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkhte kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh show-uh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel koss-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 zeng-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeyt ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb elf]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [ge-shtern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-tuh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 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...?
  [vo ist iyn/deer]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dres-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [kern-en zee meer (owf der kahr-teh) tsay-gen]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kommt der nakh-steh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh ...)]

Stuttgart was founded in the 10th century by Duke Liudolf of Swabia, who established a stud farm in the area. The city's name is derived from 'Stuotgarten,' meaning 'stud farm.' It rapidly grew due to its strategic location and fertile soil, becoming a significant center for agriculture and trade.

During the medieval period, Stuttgart flourished as a market town. It became the residence of the Counts of Württemberg in the 14th century, spurring further development. The construction of the Old Castle and the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross marked this era of prosperity.

The House of Württemberg played a pivotal role in Stuttgart's history. In 1495, Count Eberhard V was elevated to Duke of Württemberg by Emperor Maximilian I, making Stuttgart the duchy's capital. The city witnessed significant architectural and cultural advancements under their rule.

In the early 19th century, Stuttgart experienced major changes due to the Napoleonic Wars. The city became the capital of the newly established Kingdom of Württemberg in 1806, leading to modernization efforts such as expanded infrastructure and the founding of educational institutions.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Stuttgart transform into an industrial hub. The establishment of companies like Daimler and Bosch turned the city into a center of innovation and automotive engineering, contributing to its economic boom.

Stuttgart suffered extensive damage during World War II due to Allied bombings. Post-war reconstruction efforts were monumental, with the city being rebuilt and modernized. The establishment of the Stuttgart Stock Exchange and the hosting of the first German Federal Garden Show in 1950 were significant milestones.

The latter half of the 20th century saw a cultural renaissance in Stuttgart. The city became renowned for its contributions to the arts, with institutions like the Stuttgart State Opera and the Stuttgart Ballet gaining international acclaim. The annual Stuttgart Wine Festival also started during this period, celebrating the region's rich viticulture.

Today, Stuttgart is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. It is home to numerous cultural landmarks such as the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum, as well as educational institutions like the University of Stuttgart. The city's commitment to sustainability and green initiatives is evident in its extensive parks and green areas.

Stuttgart can be easily accessed by various means of transportation. Stuttgart Airport (STR) is the primary international gateway, with numerous flights connecting it to major cities worldwide. The airport is about 13 kilometers south of the city center and is well-connected by public transport. High-speed trains (ICE) and regional trains connect Stuttgart to other German cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Additionally, long-distance buses operate routes to Stuttgart from various European cities.

Stuttgart has an efficient and comprehensive public transportation system, including trains (S-Bahn), trams (U-Bahn), and buses. The Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart (VVS) manages the public transport network. Tickets can be purchased at automated machines, online, or via the VVS app. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in the city. Renting a bicycle or e-scooter is also a popular option for short distances.

Germany uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Stuttgart, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and many banks offer currency exchange services. Contactless payments via NFC-enabled cards or smartphones are becoming more common.

Stuttgart is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to take basic precautions. Areas like the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and Königstraße can be crowded, so be mindful of pickpockets. Neighborhoods such as Bad Cannstatt and Zuffenhausen have been reported to have higher crime rates, but they are generally safe during the day. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical, fire, or police assistance. Stuttgart has several hospitals and medical facilities, including the Klinikum Stuttgart which offers emergency services. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are widespread and provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or attending events. Avoid overly casual clothing like flip-flops in upscale settings. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and being quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and beverages like Swabian Maultaschen and local wines. Don't forget to say 'Prost!' before taking a sip of your drink.

To experience Stuttgart like a local, visit the Markthalle for fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a stroll in the Schlossgarten or Rosensteinpark. Enjoy a beer at a traditional beer garden like the Biergarten im Schlossgarten. Don't miss the Stuttgart Wine Festival if you're visiting in late summer. For a unique experience, ride the Zacke, Stuttgart's historic rack railway, offering scenic views of the city.