Luxembourg City: The Jewel of Europe

• HelloMoien
  [moy-en]
• GoodbyeÄddi
  [ah-dee]
• YesJo
  [yo]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeW.êll
  [well]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschëllegt
  [ent-shellegt]
• How are you?Wéi geet et dir?
  [way geet et deer]
• Fine. And you?Gutt. An dir?
  [goot. ahn deer]
• Do you speak English?Schwätzt dir Englesch?
  [shvets deer eng-lesh]
• I don't understandEch verstinn net
  [esh verstinn net]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEch géif gär d'Menü kucken, w.êll
  [esh gayf gair d-may-noo kook-en well]
• I don't eat meatEch iess keng Fleesch
  [esh eess keng flesh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prost]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEch géif gär bezuelen, w.êll
  [esh gayf gair bez-oo-len well]

• Help!Hëllef!
  [hell-eff]
• Go away!Geh ewech!
  [gay eh-vek]
• Call the Police!Rufft d'Police!
  [roof-t dee-pol-eets]
• Call a doctor!Rufft e Dokter!
  [roof-t eh dawk-ter]
• I'm lostEch hunn mech verluer
  [esh hun mech ver-loo-er]
• I'm illEch sinn krank
  [esh seen krahnk]

• I'd like to buy...Ech géif ... kafen
  [esh gayf ... kaf-en]
• I'm just lookingEch kuck just
  [esh kook yoost]
• How much is it?Wéi vill kascht et?
  [way vill kasht et]
• That's too expensiveDëst ass ze drêch
  [dest ass zeh dresh]
• Can you lower the price?Kënnt Dir de Präis erausleeën?
  [kent deer deh preis eraus-lee-en]

• What time is it?Wéi spéit ass et?
  [way sh-payt ass et]
• It's one o'clockEt ass e puer Auer
  [et ass e pwer ow-er]
• Half past (10)Haalwer (10)
  [hal-wer 10]
• MorningMuer
  [meer]
• AfternoonNometten
  [no-met-en]
• EveningOwend
  [oh-vend]
• YesterdayGëschter
  [gesh-ter]
• TodayHaut
  [howt]
• TomorrowMuer
  [meer]
• 1Eent
  [ent]
• 2Zwee
  [zway]
• 3Drêi
  [dresh]
• 4Véier
  [vire]
• 5Fënnef
  [fen-nef]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Siwen
  [see-wen]
• 8Aacht
  [akht]
• 9Néng
  [nang]
• 10Zéng
  [zang]

• Where's a/the...?Wou ass e/d'...?
  [woo ass e/d-...]
• What's the address?Wat ass d'Adress?
  [vat ass d-adress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kënnt Dir mir dat weisen (op der Kaart)?
  [kent deer meer dat vize-en (op der kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wéini ass de nächste (Bus)?
  [way-nee ass de nesh-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eng Kaart (no ....)
  [eng kart (no)]

Luxembourg City traces its origins to the year 963 when Count Siegfried acquired a rocky promontory, known as the Bock, from the Abbey of St. Maximin in Trier. This strategic location allowed Siegfried to establish a fortified castle, laying the foundation for what would become Luxembourg City. The fortifications and the advantageous position of the Bock allowed the city to grow and thrive over the centuries.

During the medieval period, Luxembourg City became a significant political and economic center. The House of Luxembourg emerged as a powerful dynasty, with several members becoming Holy Roman Emperors and Kings of Bohemia. The city's fortifications were continuously expanded, making it one of the strongest fortresses in Europe. This period also saw the growth of trade and commerce, contributing to the city's prosperity.

In the 16th century, Luxembourg came under Habsburg rule as part of the Spanish Netherlands. The city's fortifications were further strengthened during this period. When the Spanish Habsburg line ended, Luxembourg became part of the Austrian Netherlands in 1714. The city's strategic importance continued to grow, and it played a key role in the military conflicts of the time.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Luxembourg was occupied by French forces. After Napoleon's defeat, the 1815 Congress of Vienna established the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and placed it under the personal union of the Dutch king. Luxembourg City was designated a federal fortress of the German Confederation, leading to further fortification and military significance.

The Treaty of London in 1867 was a pivotal moment in Luxembourg City's history. The treaty guaranteed Luxembourg's neutrality and led to the dismantling of the city's fortifications. This transformation allowed the city to expand and modernize, paving the way for its development into a thriving cultural and economic hub.

Luxembourg City was occupied by German forces during World War II. The city played a significant role in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the last major German offensives on the Western Front. Luxembourg was liberated by Allied forces in 1944, and the city's resilience and recovery in the post-war period are a testament to its enduring spirit.

In the post-war era, Luxembourg City became one of the de facto capitals of the European Union. It hosts several key EU institutions, including the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Investment Bank, and parts of the European Commission. This status has transformed Luxembourg into a cosmopolitan city, blending its rich history with a dynamic modern identity.

Luxembourg City is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Luxembourg Airport (LUX) is the main international gateway, located about 6 kilometers from the city center. Major airlines offer direct flights from various European cities. The central train station, Gare de Luxembourg, is a hub for international and domestic trains, with regular services to neighboring countries. For those traveling by car, Luxembourg City is accessible via several major highways, including the A1, A3, A4, and A6.

Luxembourg City offers an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and trains. Public transport within the city is free of charge. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Cycling is also a popular mode of transport, with numerous bike-sharing stations available. Car rentals are an option for exploring the surrounding areas, but parking can be challenging in the city center.

The official currency of Luxembourg is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw cash using international cards. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. Contactless payment methods are also commonly used.

Luxembourg City is generally very safe for tourists. However, like any city, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to stay vigilant in the Gare area, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The main hospital, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, is equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available and offer over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing in upscale areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious sites. Remove hats in churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. A friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Moien' goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with beans). Don't rush meals; enjoy the leisurely dining pace.

To experience Luxembourg City like a local, visit the Grund district for its charming streets and local eateries. Explore the weekly markets at Place Guillaume II for fresh produce and Luxembourgish specialties. Engage with locals, who are often multilingual and happy to share insights about their city. Don’t miss the Bock Casemates, a network of tunnels offering a glimpse into the city’s history.