Districts of Cologne

The Stadtteile of Cologne's old and new town (Alt- and Neustadt) further consist of quarters, known as "Veedel" in both Kölsch and most often, the Rhinelandic regiolect, as well.

Since the city's foundation in 38 BC, Cologne grew through numerous extensions and incorporation of surrounding municipalities.

November 1883 a strip of territory from parts of the municipalities of Ehrenfeld, Kriel, Longerich, Müngersdorf and Rondorf was added to the city.

At the time of the Industrial Revolution, industrial enterprises already avoided the densely populated areas inside of the city limits and settled in the small towns outside the fortified area, while maintaining close economic links to the city of Cologne.

Since 1886, the Cologne City Council intensified negotiations with the surrounding communities, and on 1 April 1888 ended in a first major incorporation.