Dudweiler is a district (**Stadtbezirk**) of Saarbrücken, the capital of the German state of Saarland. While it is now part of a larger city, it has a distinct identity shaped by a long industrial history, a major university presence, and a unique local culture.

Here is a comprehensive overview of Dudweiler:

### 1. Geography and Administration
*   **Location:** It is situated in the Sulzach Valley, northeast of Saarbrücken’s city center.
*   **Status:** Formerly an independent city, it was incorporated into Saarbrücken in **1974** during a regional administrative reform. However, it retains its own district council and a degree of local autonomy.
*   **Sub-districts:** Dudweiler is divided into several areas, including Dudweiler-North, Dudweiler-South, Herrensohr, and Jägersfreude.

### 2. History: Coal and Industry
Dudweiler’s history is inextricably linked to the **mining industry**.
*   **Early Roots:** First mentioned in records in the year 977 as "Duodivillare."
*   **Industrial Boom:** In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Saar region became a powerhouse for coal mining. Dudweiler grew rapidly from a village into an industrial town.
*   **Brennender Berg (The Burning Mountain):** One of the most famous natural phenomena in the area is located nearby. In 1688, a coal seam caught fire spontaneously. It has been smoldering underground ever since. **Johann Wolfgang von Goethe** visited the site in 1770 and wrote about it in his autobiography, *Dichtung und Wahrheit*.

### 3. Connection to Saarland University
Dudweiler is essentially a "university town within a city."
*   The main campus of **Saarland University (Universität des Saarlandes)** is located in the forest directly adjacent to Dudweiler.
*   Because of this, the district is home to many students and faculty members. It houses several university-related institutes, such as the **DFKI** (German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence) and the **LPM** (Landesinstitut für Pädagogik und Medien).

### 4. Cultural Landmarks and Sightseeing
*   **The "Dudweiler Miezekatz":** This is the town’s most famous landmark—a historic tower that was formerly a transformer station. Its name (meaning "Kitty Cat") and its distinctive shape make it a symbol of local pride.
*   **Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall):** A beautiful building that reflects the era when Dudweiler was a wealthy, independent industrial city.
*   **Parkbad:** A large outdoor swimming pool complex that is a major summer attraction for the entire Saarbrücken region.
*   **The Marketplace:** The pedestrian zone and market square are the heart of the district, hosting weekly markets and the traditional "Dudweiler Faasend" (Carnival) celebrations.

### 5. Culture and Traditions
*   **Faasend (Carnival):** Dudweiler is a stronghold of the Saarland Carnival tradition. The local clubs are very active, and the parades are among the most spirited in the region.
*   **Local Dialect:** The local speech is a variant of the Rhine Franconian (Rheinfränkisch) dialect, specifically the "Saarbrücker Platt."
*   **Greencity:** Because it is surrounded by the vast **St. Ingbert-Kirkeler Wald** (forest), Dudweiler offers extensive hiking and biking trails, making it popular for outdoor enthusiasts.

### 6. Economy and Infrastructure
*   **Decline of Mining:** The last mines closed decades ago, forcing the district to transition from heavy industry to a service and education-based economy.
*   **Transport:** It is well-connected by the "Sulzbachtalbahn" railway (linking Saarbrücken to Neunkirchen/Bingen) and several major bus lines.
*   **LIDL Headquarters:** The regional headquarters and a large distribution center for the discount giant Lidl are located in Dudweiler, providing significant employment.

### 7. Notable People
*   **Johannes Hoffmann:** The first Prime Minister of the Saarland (during its period as an autonomous territory after WWII) lived in Dudweiler.

### Summary
Today, Dudweiler is a place of contrast: it keeps its rough-around-the-edges, blue-collar "miner" soul while simultaneously serving as a modern academic hub. It is a place where you can visit a 300-year-old underground fire in the morning and a world-class AI research institute in the afternoon.
