Centrum: The Heart of The Hague

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [AHL-stu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je wel
  [dahnk yeh vell]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [SOH-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo gahht het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [spreekt oo eng-uhls]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ick buh-GRAIP het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMag ik de menukaart zien, alsjeblieft
  [mahkh ik duh men-oo-kahrt zeen, ahl-syuh-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ick ayt khayn vlays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alstublieft
  [ick vil khrahkh buh-TAH-luhn, ahl-stu-bleeft]

• 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 uhn daw-kuhr]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ick ben vuhr-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ick ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ick vil khrahkh koh-puhn]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ick kike a-layn mahr]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-veyl kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh dur]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt oo duh prys vur-lah-khun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is één uur
  [het is ain oor]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [OHK-tuhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [MIH-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [AH-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [KHIS-tuh-run]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [MOHR-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tway]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-vuhn]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is de...?
  [vahr is duh]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het AH-druhs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt oo may laa-tuhn zeen (op duh kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-ayr is duh vohl-huhn-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kahrt-yuh (nar)]

The history of Centrum, as part of The Hague, begins in the 13th century when Count Floris IV of Holland established a hunting lodge in the area. This lodge, known as 'Haga', eventually developed into a settlement, providing a foundation for what would become one of the most important cities in the Netherlands.

Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, The Hague grew in prominence as the residence of the Counts of Holland. The establishment of the Binnenhof in the 13th century marked a significant transition for Centrum, as it became the political heart of the Netherlands. This area housed the Dutch Parliament and the Council of State, solidifying The Hague's role in Dutch governance.

The 17th century, often referred to as the Dutch Golden Age, saw Centrum flourish culturally and artistically. The area became known for its beautiful architecture, with the construction of notable buildings such as the Mauritshuis, which now houses masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt. The Hague's status as a cultural hub was further enhanced by the establishment of the Royal Theatre and various art galleries.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Hague evolved into an international city, hosting numerous diplomatic missions and international organizations. The completion of the Peace Palace in 1913, which houses the International Court of Justice, symbolized this shift. Centrum became a focal point for global diplomacy and law, reinforcing The Hague's reputation as a center for peace and justice.

In recent decades, Centrum has undergone significant urban renewal, blending modern architecture with historical preservation. The area has seen the development of contemporary cultural spaces, shops, and restaurants while maintaining its historical charm. Events such as the annual Tong Tong Fair celebrate the multicultural fabric of The Hague, reflecting the diverse community that calls Centrum home.

Centrum is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in The Hague. The city is well-connected by public transport, including trams and buses. From the main train station, Den Haag Centraal, you can take tram lines 1, 2, or 6 directly into the heart of Centrum. Buses also run frequently from various neighborhoods, making it convenient to reach the area.

Centrum is pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions within walking distance. Public transport options include trams and buses, which are operated by HTM. You can also rent bicycles from various bike-sharing services or traditional bike rental shops for a more local experience. Taxis are available but may be more expensive than public transport.

Centrum is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep personal belongings secure in crowded places. While the overall crime rate is low, areas around the central station may experience petty theft. Stay vigilant, especially in tourist hotspots.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The nearest hospital is the Haga Hospital, located not far from Centrum. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available throughout the area.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for various settings. Casual attire is acceptable, but upscale restaurants may require smarter dress. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches or historical sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on trams and buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen'. Don’t forget to use polite phrases like 'Alstublieft' (please) and 'Dank u wel' (thank you). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as herring and stroopwafels. Don’t engage in loud conversations or disruptive behavior in cafés or restaurants.

To experience Centrum like a local, visit the weekly markets where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage in conversations with shopkeepers and locals; they are often eager to share stories about the area. Take time to explore the hidden courtyards and smaller streets to discover unique shops and cafés that may not be in tourist guides. Also, try to attend local events or festivals if your visit coincides with them for a taste of The Hague's vibrant culture.