Debrecen: The Heart of Hungary's Great Plain

• HelloHelló
  [heh-loh]
• GoodbyeViszontlátásra
  [vee-son-tlaa-taash-ra]
• YesIgen
  [ee-gen]
• NoNem
  [nem]
• Please/You're welcomeKérem
  [keh-rem]
• Thank youKöszönöm
  [koe-szoe-noem]
• Excuse me/SorryElnézést
  [el-ney-zeest]
• How are you?Hogy vagy?
  [ho-dj va-dj]
• Fine. And you?Jól vagyok. És te?
  [yoel va-djok eesh te]
• Do you speak English?Beszélsz angolul?
  [be-szeyl-s ang-oh-lool]
• I don't understandNem értem
  [nem ehr-tem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSzeretnék megnézni az étlapot, kérem
  [seh-reht-nayk meh-nyez-nee az eht-la-pot, keh-rem]
• I don't eat meatNem eszem húst
  [nem es-em hoost]
• Cheers!Egészségedre!
  [eh-gehs-say-gehd-reh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFizetni szeretnék, kérem
  [fee-zeht-nee seh-reht-nayk, keh-rem]

• Help!Segítség!
  [she-gheet-saeg]
• Go away!Menj el!
  [men-y el]
• Call the Police!Hívja a rendőrséget!
  [hee-vya ah rehn-dur-say-get]
• Call a doctor!Hívjon orvost!
  [hee-vyon or-vosht]
• I'm lostEl vagyok tévedve
  [el va-djok tey-ved-ve]
• I'm illBeteg vagyok
  [be-teg va-djok]

• I'd like to buy...Szeretnék vásárolni...
  [seh-reht-nayk va-sha-roel-nee]
• I'm just lookingCsak nézelődöm
  [chak ne-zeh-loe-dum]
• How much is it?Mennyibe kerül?
  [men-yi-be keh-roel]
• That's too expensiveEz túl drága
  [ez tool draa-ga]
• Can you lower the price?Le tudnád engedni az árat?
  [leh tud-naad eng-ed-nee az aa-rat]

• What time is it?Mennyi az idő?
  [men-yee az ee-doe]
• It's one o'clockEgy óra van
  [edj o-ra van]
• Half past (10)Fél tizenegy
  [feyl tee-zen-edge]
• MorningReggel
  [re-ggel]
• AfternoonDélután
  [deh-lu-taan]
• EveningEste
  [es-te]
• YesterdayTegnap
  [teg-nap]
• TodayMa
  [ma]
• TomorrowHolnap
  [hol-nap]
• 1Egy
  [edj]
• 2Kettő
  [ket-toe]
• 3Három
  [haa-rom]
• 4Négy
  [neydg]
• 5Öt
  [oet]
• 6Hat
  [haat]
• 7Hét
  [hey-t]
• 8Nyolc
  [nyolts]
• 9Kilenc
  [kee-lents]
• 10Tíz
  [tees]

• Where's a/the...?Hol van a...
  [hol van a]
• What's the address?Mi a cím?
  [mee ah cheem]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Megmutatnád (a térképen)?
  [meg-moo-tat-naad ah tehr-keh-pen]
• When's the next (bus)?Mikor jön a következő (busz)?
  [me-kor yoen ah ke-vek-toe (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Egy jegyet (....-ra)
  [edj ye-gyet ra]

Debrecen, known as the 'Calvinist Rome,' was founded in the 13th century. Its strategic location on the Great Hungarian Plain made it a vital market town. The town's early prosperity was driven by its role as a trade center, connecting routes from the Balkans to Poland and from Vienna to the Black Sea.

In the 16th century, Debrecen became a focal point for the Protestant Reformation in Hungary. The city embraced Calvinism, and the Reformed Great Church, built in the early 19th century, stands as a symbol of this religious shift. Debrecen played a crucial role in spreading Protestantism throughout the region.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Debrecen was under constant threat from the Ottoman Empire. Despite being a border town in a contested region, it managed to retain a degree of autonomy by paying tribute to the Ottomans. This period was marked by economic hardship but also by the resilience and adaptability of its citizens.

Debrecen holds a significant place in Hungarian revolutionary history. On April 14, 1849, Lajos Kossuth declared Hungary's independence from the Habsburg Empire in Debrecen's Great Church. The city served as the temporary capital of Hungary during this period of uprising, symbolizing resistance and national pride.

The 20th century brought significant changes and challenges to Debrecen. During World War II, the city suffered extensive damage from bombings. In 1944, it was briefly the seat of the interim Hungarian government after the Soviet Red Army captured it. These events marked a tumultuous period in Debrecen's history, leading to post-war reconstruction.

Post-World War II, Debrecen underwent significant reconstruction and modernization. It has become a major educational and cultural center, home to the University of Debrecen and numerous festivals, including the renowned Debrecen Flower Carnival. The city continues to honor its rich history while embracing contemporary growth and innovation.

Debrecen is accessible via Debrecen International Airport, which has direct flights from several European cities. Alternatively, you can arrive in Budapest and take a train or bus to Debrecen. The train journey from Budapest to Debrecen takes approximately 2.5 hours, while buses may take slightly longer. For those driving, Debrecen is well-connected by highways.

Debrecen has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or kiosks. Taxis are also widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. For a more flexible option, car rentals are available at the airport and in the city.

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Debrecen is generally considered safe for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as not leaving belongings unattended and being cautious in crowded areas. Areas around the train station and certain neighborhoods may have higher petty crime rates, so extra vigilance is recommended.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Debrecen has several hospitals and medical facilities. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Avoid very casual clothing in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to food offerings. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Debrecen like a local, visit the Nagyerdei Park, a popular spot for relaxation and socializing. Explore the local markets for fresh produce and traditional Hungarian goods. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their city. Don’t miss the thermal baths for a unique and relaxing experience.