Card 8
Answer Gronings words:
BOKSEM (Dutch = broek)
ANSWER: PANTS
POKKEL (Dutch = buik)
ANSWER: BELLY
SPAIGELPLOAT (Dutch = CD)
ANSWER: CD
PLOFPUUT (Dutch = Airbag)
ANSWER: Airbag
KNOALFLIPPER (Dutch = Afstandsbediening)
ANSWER: Remote control
Prinsentuin sundial:
The sundial can be seen above the entrance gate of the Prinsentuin. You will see a golden sun with a rod attached to it, and the shadow of the rod indicates the time. The maze of lines represents different meanings. It can be used to read the length of the days and the timing of sunrise and sunset. The Latin text above the sundial can be translated as: "The past time is nothing, the future uncertain, the present unstable. Make sure you don't waste yours."
Diepenring (Canal Ring):
The term "Diepenring" is typical Gronings. The people of Groningen refer to the canals as "diep" or, in Gronings dialect, "daip." In the 19th century, the expression "een diepje omgaan" was used to indicate taking a walk around the city.
Martinikerkhof (Martini cemetery):
The Martinikerkhof is one of the oldest parts of the city of Groningen. Over the centuries, various buildings with ecclesiastical and administrative functions were erected here. Until 1828, it was used as a graveyard; after that year, it became legally forbidden to bury people within the city walls. The oldest known graves in the (former) graveyard date back to the fifth century AD.
Until 1627, the Saint Walburg Church stood on the graveyard, just behind the Martinikerk, and it likely served as an episcopal chapel. On the site of the church’s former water well, the city marker “The Tenth Sign” by Daniel Libeskind has stood since 1990, placed in celebration of Groningen’s 950th anniversary. The Martinikerkhof was even used as a parking area for some time, but it now once again functions as a green, peaceful spot in the heart of the city centre.
Today, only one grave remains here. In earlier times, people believed that spirits wandered around the graveyard. To ward off evil spirits, a candle was placed inside a niche. This niche can still be found in the wall of the Martini Tower. Have you spotted it yet? Maybe this photo will help you find it after all!
Provinciehuis (Provincial House):
In front of the Provincial Government Building, on the left side, you will find a small street that many people claim to be the smallest street in Groningen. This street is also known as "Kleine Snor" (Little Mustache). Did you know that since 1602, the Provincial Council has been meeting in the remarkable assembly hall of the Provincial Government Building? This is unique in the Netherlands, as no other province has been using the same meeting room for such a long time.
Kleine Snor (Little Mustache):
A tiny street next to the Provincial Government Building. This is the street that many people claim to be the smallest street in Groningen. The street is so small that it's easy to walk past it without noticing. Are you curious about this special street? You will find it on your left, just before the Provincial Government Building.
Nieuwe Markt (The New Market)
The New Market is one of Groningen’s newest and most vibrant squares. Located next to the impressive Forum building, it quickly grew into a popular meeting place for locals, students, and visitors from outside the city. Where there was once a maze of narrow streets, you now find a modern city square that offers space for culture, hospitality, and gatherings.
If you look closely, you’ll notice a narrow stream of water running through the paving. This is a subtle reference to the old waterways that once flowed through this part of the city. The water symbolically marks the connection between historic Groningen and the modern city center.
Along this stream, bronze coins have been embedded in the square. These coins are replicas of real finds discovered by archaeologists in the city center. During research carried out prior to the redevelopment of this area, various historical objects and coins were unearthed—traces of the city’s rich trading past.
Het Forum: (The Forum)
This building opened its doors in 2019. Locals (residents of Groningen) gave it the nickname Gain Porum, which loosely translates to “no face.” This nickname reflects the fact that not all locals were immediately enthusiastic about the building. We’re happy to let you form your own opinion. If you feel like it, be sure to take a look inside— the view from the rooftop is breathtaking.
Key facts:
Height: 45 meters
10 floors
Construction cost: €140 million
Facilities: library, movie theater, debate center, museum, exhibition spaces, several food and beverage venues, educational facilities, and a tourist information office (VVV).
