Eindhoven: The Innovator's Playground

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [AHL-stu-blayft]
• Thank youDank je wel
  [dahnk yuh vel]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [SOH-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het met je?
  [hoo gah-t het met yuh]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [spreek yuh eng-uls]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-ghreyp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk wil graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [ik vil khrahg duh meh-noo-kahrt zeen, ahl-stu-blayft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik ayt khayn vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alstublieft
  [ik vil khrahg buh-tah-luhn, ahl-stu-blayft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dawk-tur]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben fur-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ik vil khrahg koh-puhn]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk even rond
  [ik kayk ay-ven ront]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vel kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh dur]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt u duh prays fur-lah-ghun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [ohk-tuhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [ghis-tur-uhn]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tway]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/de]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vat is het ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt u may lah-tun zeen (op duh kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [ven-er is duh vohl-hun-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kahrt-yuh (nar)]

Eindhoven's roots stretch back to prehistoric times, with archaeological discoveries indicating human settlements as early as the Stone Age. These early inhabitants were primarily hunters and gatherers, who eventually transitioned into farming communities.

Eindhoven was officially granted city rights in 1232 by Hendrik I of Brabant. During the Middle Ages, it was a small village surrounded by a wooden palisade and a moat. The city’s strategic location made it a focal point for trade and commerce, especially in textiles and agriculture.

In the late 16th century, during the Eighty Years' War, Eindhoven was frequently caught in the crossfire between Dutch rebels and Spanish forces. The city was burned down and rebuilt several times, significantly impacting its development and architecture.

The 19th century marked Eindhoven’s transformation into an industrial hub. The establishment of the Philips company in 1891 was a turning point, making Eindhoven a center for electrical engineering and lighting technology. Philips’ growth attracted workers and led to rapid urban expansion.

Eindhoven played a significant role during World War II, particularly in Operation Market Garden. The city was heavily bombed, resulting in substantial destruction. Post-war reconstruction efforts were swift, driven by the resilience of its inhabitants and the economic boom facilitated by Philips.

Today, Eindhoven is known as the 'Brainport' of the Netherlands, a hotbed of innovation and technology. Home to the Eindhoven University of Technology and numerous tech startups, the city continues to thrive as a leading center for research and development in Europe.

Eindhoven boasts a rich cultural scene, with landmarks such as the Van Abbemuseum, which houses a vast collection of contemporary art. The city also hosts annual events like the Dutch Design Week and the Glow Festival, celebrating creativity and technological advancements.

Eindhoven is well-connected and easy to reach. Eindhoven Airport (EIN) is the primary airport serving the city, with a range of European flights. From the airport, a bus service (Bus 400 and Bus 401) takes you directly to Eindhoven Central Station in about 20 minutes. If you're traveling from other Dutch cities or neighboring countries, you can arrive by train at Eindhoven Central Station. There are direct train services from Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, as well as international connections from Belgium and Germany.

Eindhoven has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains. The city's bus network is operated by Hermes, and the buses are frequent and reliable. You can use an OV-chipkaart (a rechargeable smart card) for seamless travel on buses and trains. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, with many dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available, but they are more expensive compared to public transport.

The official currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Eindhoven, including Visa and MasterCard. Contactless payments are also common. However, it's advisable to keep some cash on hand for smaller establishments or markets that might not accept cards. ATMs are easily found throughout the city.

Eindhoven is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it’s important to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas and parks at night. The neighborhoods of Woensel-Zuid and Woensel-Noord have higher crime rates compared to other parts of the city. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially around the train station and shopping districts. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Eindhoven has several hospitals, including the Catharina Hospital and Máxima Medical Center, where you can receive medical attention. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, as the Dutch are generally informal. Avoid wearing overly flashy or revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites, though Eindhoven is largely secular. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket or OV-chipkaart before boarding. Don’t speak loudly or play music on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. The Dutch appreciate directness and eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'bitterballen' and 'stroopwafels.' Don’t leave a tip; service charges are usually included in the bill, but rounding up the bill is appreciated.

To experience Eindhoven like a local, visit the Strijp-S district, a former industrial area now transformed into a cultural and creative hub with trendy cafes, shops, and art spaces. Explore the weekly market at the 18 Septemberplein for fresh produce and local delicacies. Rent a bike and take a ride along the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde cycle path, which glows in the dark and is inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s 'Starry Night.' Engage with locals at one of the many cafes and bars in the city center, particularly around the Markt and Stratumseind, the longest pub street in the Netherlands.