Nijmegen: The Ancient Heart of the Netherlands

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [ahls-yuh-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je wel
  [dahnk yuh vel]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo gah-t het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [sprayk yuh eng-els]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-grayp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart willen zien, alstublieft
  [ik zow khrahg duh men-yoo-kahrt vil-len zeen, ahl-stu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik ayt khayn vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ik zow khrahg vil-len buh-tah-len, ahl-stu-bleeft]

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

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag willen kopen...
  [ik zow khrahg vil-len koh-pen]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ik kayk a-leen mahr]
• 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 oo duh prays fur-lah-ghen]

• 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
  [okh-tend]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnd]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-teh-run]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tway]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vijf
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• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khen]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

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

The history of Nijmegen dates back to Roman times when it was known as Noviomagus. Established around 19 BC, it became one of the key settlements in the Roman province of Germania Inferior. The strategic location along the Waal River made it an essential military and trade hub. Remnants of Roman architecture, such as the Valkhof Museum's collection of artifacts, still reflect this ancient heritage.

During the Middle Ages, Nijmegen evolved into an important city within the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, it was granted city rights, contributing to its rapid growth and prosperity. The St. Stevenskerk, built in the 13th century, stands as a testament to the city's medieval significance. The annual Four Days Marches also trace their roots back to this era, reflecting the city's long-standing cultural traditions.

Nijmegen was a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. This membership, from the 14th to the 16th century, bolstered its trade connections, especially in textiles and wine. The city's involvement in the League played a crucial role in its economic development and international relations during the late Middle Ages.

Nijmegen faced significant challenges during the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648), a revolt of the Seventeen Provinces against the Spanish Empire. The city was strategically important and changed hands multiple times between the Dutch rebels and the Spanish forces. The Treaty of Nijmegen, signed in 1678-1679, ended several concurrent wars involving France, Spain, and the Dutch Republic, underscoring the city's diplomatic importance.

Nijmegen endured severe hardship during World War II. The city was heavily bombed in February 1944, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. Later that year, it became a key battleground during Operation Market Garden, an Allied military operation aimed at securing key bridges. The Waal Bridge played a crucial role in the Allies' efforts to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Post-war, Nijmegen rebuilt itself, preserving its rich history while modernizing its infrastructure.

Today, Nijmegen is a vibrant cultural center, home to Radboud University and numerous festivals, including the International Four Days Marches, which attract participants from around the world. The city's diverse cultural scene is celebrated through its museums, theaters, and historical sites. The rich blend of ancient and contemporary culture makes Nijmegen a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Nijmegen is well-connected and easily accessible. The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Nijmegen, which takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Eindhoven Airport, which is about 70 kilometers away, and take a train or bus to Nijmegen. If traveling by train within Europe, Nijmegen has direct connections to major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Arnhem.

Nijmegen boasts an efficient public transportation system. The city's bus network is extensive, operated by Breng, with buses running frequently. You can purchase an OV-chipkaart, a rechargeable travel card, for easy access to all public transport. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, with designated bike lanes throughout the city. For those who prefer taxis, they are readily available and can be booked via apps like Uber or through local services.

The official currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. Contactless payments are common, and ATMs are plentiful for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller transactions or in more local venues.

Nijmegen is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and remain vigilant of your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, the city center can get busy, so keep an eye on personal items to avoid pickpocketing.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Nijmegen has several hospitals and clinics that provide excellent medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and stylishly; casual attire is common. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and be quiet in religious places. Public Transport: Do be punctual and validate your ticket. Don't talk loudly or disturb others. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be polite when dining. Don't leave without trying the local specialty, 'Hete Bliksem'.

To experience Nijmegen like a local, rent a bike and explore the city's many parks and the beautiful Ooijpolder nature reserve. Visit the weekly farmers' market at the Grote Markt for fresh produce and local treats. Engage with locals at cafes and bars; Nijmegen is known for its friendly and open residents. Don't miss the opportunity to attend one of the city's many festivals, such as the Four Days Marches (Vierdaagsefeesten), which is a highlight of the year.