Cologne in Slow German

Hello, I'm Cari. And I am Janusz. And today we're spending a fun day in... Cologne. At a slow pace... German Janusz, what is Cologne known for? Clearly for Carnival, for the Cologne Cathedral, and for the delicious Kölsch beer. Toll, Janusz, you've already mentioned three things we won't see today. But we're starting today. Now let's take a look at the Cologne Cathedral. Here we go. Janusz, we were just at the Cologne Cathedral. What is your impression? Impressive, especially when you know the history. Especially knowing that this cathedral, this cathedral was built in the Middle Ages. What exactly do you mean by "when"? I estimate 1510. The cathedral was built in 1248. And how long did it take until this magnificent work was completed? Probably at least 40 years. 600 years, over 600 years. Oh, wow. And when it was finished, in 1880, this was the tallest building in the world. Oh, wow. Closest to God. We are now in front of the main train station in Cologne. And now we welcome our viewer, Kati. Hello, Kati. Hello, Janusz. Kati, where are you from? I am from Peru. Kati is from Peru and has been living in the Cologne area for six years. Kati, you're our expert today. Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Janusz, and you have no idea what we're doing right now. Oh, I'm afraid of what you have planned for me. You don't have to, it will be fun. But the time is short, we must quickly get to the taxi. Yes. Here we go. No, Kati, now you're squeezed in between Janusz and Kari. Yes, a little. All good, yes. How long have you been learning German? Perhaps four or five years ago. Yes, but it was a bit slow at the beginning. Yes, I took a few courses, but it didn't work out at first. Do you find German difficult? Yes, that was a bit difficult. You know this, that's why we're speaking slowly. Yes. Janusz, did you know that Cologne has a cable car? I didn't actually know that. And this is a place I've never been to in Cologne. Have you been here before, Kati? No. An adventure for the three of us. Thank you, Kati. Janusz, do you have a fear of heights? Yes, I'm more afraid that this damn technology here is going to fail. It was already very loud and shaky. Oh my God, I'm a little scared. Yes, then entertain yourself by looking around and admiring the surroundings. Also, we're now sitting in an incredibly tiny gondola. Janusz and I are just walking side by side. And usually, one rides in such a gondola in the mountains. Oh God. But we're crossing the Rhine. Across the Rhine. Ah, how beautiful. I would like to ride a bicycle here. Cologne is ugly and beautiful at the same time. Yes, I wouldn't know that Cologne is ugly if not for all the people I know telling me so. Also, Cologne is known for being ugly. And the background is actually sad, as much of the city was destroyed during World War II. And then rebuilt again, quickly and cheaply. My God, it's like that in very many German cities. Boah, another adventure, Janusz. It was very exciting. I urgently need a cold drink after this shock. A Kölsch. Janusz, what do you think? Shall we do some sightseeing, or shall we already have a beer? We can have a beer. That's how it's done in Cologne, isn't it? Yes, definitely. Janusz is taking a selfie. Janusz is popular. People all over Germany look forward to meeting Janusz Scharmierski. What does it mean in Germany? Around the world? Sorry, around the whole world. Except for England. Kathi, where are we now? We are in the Hay Market. At Heumarkt. Or at the Hay Market? Who knows. No, I would say we're at the Heumarkt. And what is the Hay Market? This is a very well-known place here in Cologne. And we are in the old town. There are many famous buildings here and historic houses. And there are also many restaurants and bars here. Janusz, what would you like? Historical landmarks or a Kölsch? A Kölsch and a... What did you offer me? This Cologne native... Sauerbraten? Sauerbraten, yes. Alright, first we'll look at the attractions. Now we have two famous figures. Tünnis and Schäl. Who is that, Kathi? These are two well-known figures from Cologne. That is Tünnis and that is Schäl. And Tünnis is kind, honest, and also a bit naive. And Schäl is clever, funny, and sometimes even cheeky. And these two figures represent both sides of the Rhine here in Cologne. Cologne is on the Rhine, and the Rhine runs right through the middle of the city. And that means one has always made a little joke, that Rhinelanders or people from Cologne differ on the right side and the left side. Okay, who is he? Is he coming from the left or the right? It comes from the left. And this is on the right. There are also more links to explore, and that's where the fun is. Yes, definitely. There is much more to do here, activities, historical buildings. Janusz, which side of the Rhine are we on now? On the left side. Pay attention again. I like playing guitar. Have you already heard of the app Sieleng? This is an app for learning German. You can download it on your smartphone, and we're also in this app. And I've just found out that you, Katie, also use this app to learn German. Yes, I've used it a lot in recent years. What do you particularly like about the app? For me, the reviews and the trivia. Reviews mean that you repeat words you want to remember. And trivia, what is that? You have to answer some questions in just a few seconds. It's a game. You must understand the questions correctly and then react quickly. Just download the app and give it a try. The entire thing is available directly on your smartphone via the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. It's getting cold outside, so we've retreated to a lovely Polish brewery. This is a brewery; here you can find Kölsch and food. Janusz, what are you taking? I take it someone recommended me that it's very typical of Cologne to go for this Rhineland sauerbraten. That was me. And that's actually something I want to try out myself. The food is here and the drinks are here. Janusz, what are you drinking? I'm drinking a Kölsch. Look here, and this is very typical for Cologne, people all over Germany laugh about it. In Bavaria, there are huge beer glasses; in the rest of Germany, medium-sized ones. And in Cologne, there are tiny beer glasses. Look, one sip and the beer is gone. Janusz hasn't yet learned how to pour a Kölsch glass properly. Why do people drink this small beer in Cologne? But I just want to say that as soon as you finish this beer, you must close it with the lid. Otherwise, the waiter will come uninvited and refill your glass. Also Janusz, I just said that all of Germany is laughing about it because the beer is very small and very sweet. The reason, I believe, is that it stays fresh. You get fresh beer more often, you tap the new beer, and then it always tastes fresh. Janusz, to conclude the day, we'd like to show you real life in a Cologne neighborhood one more time. Yes, I'm really excited, that makes sense. Where are we now, Kati? We are at Brussels Square, here in the Belgian quarter. Why is it called the Belgian Quarter? Because it sounded Belgian to someone. Janusz has never been here. The streets are actually named after cities in Belgium here, for example Brüsseler Platz. And why is this place particularly special? Because many people live here, especially students. We are near the university, which is why we have so many young people here. It's usually very busy here, but it's raining right now. Yes, that's why we don't have many people. Look here, this place is so popular that the city of Cologne had to impose a ban on alcohol. Alcohol may not be consumed here between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. It is now 8:15 p.m., so we have 45 minutes left. So, we were just at a newsstand, or I guess here in Cologne they call it a Büdchen. For the stall, small. Very picturesque; I've never seen a cozy little kiosk like this in Berlin before. What's available at the kiosk? Is there especially a delicious coffee, properly prepared in a professional manner? There's also a little corner where you can sit or lie down, a cozy one. We've just bought some drinks and are now sitting in the rain in front of the church, just like the locals do here. Look here, I've already established contact with the local people here. You're from Cologne? Yes, exactly, so I moved here, but I'm from Cologne. What is your name? I am Ali, hello. And you're one of the people who hang out here in the evening at the Brussels Square. Yes, as far as possible. There was more going on here before, if you know what I mean. Brussels Square has always been the hotspot, but people still meet there. Exactly, here it is cool. Why is there less going on now? Because of the alcohol ban? Exactly, so there was eventually a ban, and the municipal authority in general is no longer what it once was. It's being made smaller, being packed in tightly, yet people still come, as you can see. Where are you going now after 9 p.m.? Yes, probably home. No bottle opener on hand? No problem. Janusz opens the bottle with another bottle. You learn that in Germany. Or could you have done that already in Poland, Janusz? I didn't drink any beer in Poland. I was young and focused on studying. So, guys, we're sitting in the rain at a popular spot in Cologne. A beer has just spilled behind Janusz. Couldn't end any better, could it? I really enjoy it. Thank you, Kati, for showing us Cologne today. I am glad about that. Janusz, your final conclusion—what do you think about Cologne? Cologne is exactly what I've always suspected it to be. Cozy, beautiful, colorful, wonderful, fantastic. Wonderful? Marvelous or gorgeous? Beautiful. With that, we bid you farewell. We must now pack up the camera, because it's raining. Goodbye, dear people, see you soon. Bye.