Basic Dutch for Travelers
Mar 30 '01 (Updated Apr 02 '01)
The Bottom Line Most people in the Netherlands speak and understand English. But I think it's a nice courtesy to learn at least a few words in Dutch.
I spent 3 years in the Netherlands, just south of Amsterdam, with my Dutch husband who I met on the internet. I studied Dutch at the University in Utrecht until I became ill, so I never became fluent. However, I did get a pretty good grasp of the words to know to get around the country.
First of all...most Dutch people speak at least a little English, and they understand even more. Often, I had conversations where I spoke English while the other person spoke Dutch and we understood each other perfectly. But, Dutch people love it when you try to speak their language, even a little bit. And, I think it's simply good manners to master at least a few politenesses in the language of the country you are visiting.
Okay.... important point for listening and understanding...."g" is not pronounced like the English "g". It sounds more like a "h" with a very nasal snarl. And, unfortunately, "g" is a common letter in Dutch, very common. Accept the fact that you will not be able to pronounce "g" but learn to recognize it when you hear it.
You will find that many Dutch words are almost the same as English, but may vary in pronounciation. You can guess what these words mean: trein, station, jam, mosterd, biefstuk, salade.
Okay...enough preamble...let's get to the words..
Polite Greetings and basics
Hallo - same as English
Dag - goodbye
Tot ziens - see you soon. Often used as goodbye in a shop.
Pardon - Excuse me, pardon me.
Ja (yeah) - yes
Nee (nay) - no
Alstublieft - please
Also used as "there you are". When a server gives you your dinner, they will say alstublieft.
Dank u, Dank u wel - thank you, thank you very much
Meneer - Sir, Mister
Mevrouw - Ma'am, Mrs.
You can never go wrong addressing a man or woman in this way. For instance, when asking a question, always preface your question with meneer or mevrouw. The Dutch are polite people and appreciate it if you try to be polite to them in their own language.
Ik begriip het niet - I don't understand.
Spreekt u Engels? - Do you speak English?
Most likely answer to this is "een beetje" which means a bit.
Ik spreek geen Nederlands - I don't speak any Dutch
Ik wil - I want
Ik wil een kamer - I want a room
Ik zoek - I'm looking for
Ik zoek een hotel. - I'm looking for a hotel.
Heeft u...? - Do you have...?
Hoeveel is het...? - How much is it?
Kunt u me helpen? - Can you help me?
At the Airport
It may be useful to understand these signs.
Aankomst - arrivals
Vertrek - departures
Douane - customs
Uitgang - exit
Vlucht - flight
Vertraging - delay
Other signs
Toiletten - toilets. If you ask for a bathroom, you are likely to be shown to a room with a shower and a sink, but no toilet. You mostly have to pay to use public toilets.
Dames - women
Heren - men
Ingang - entrance
Uitgang - exit
Kamers vrij - Vacancies, rooms available
Te huur - for hire, to rent
Gesloten - closed
Questions
Heeft U....? - Do you have..?
"W" in Dutch is pronounced like a cross between the English "v" and "w". Try to listen for it, and that will help you understand how to pronounce it.
Wanneer? - When?
Wie? - Who?
Waar? - Where?
Wat? - What?
Waarom? - Why?
Hoe? - How?
Kan ik....? - Can I...?
Hoe laat is het? - What time is it?
In a Restaurant
Eet smakelijk - enjoy your meal
This is said often, by almost everyone, from your server to the other people at the table.
Wilt u iets drinken? - Would you like something to drink?
Ja, een bier, een witte wijn, een melk, een koffiee. - Yes, a beer, a white wine, a milk, coffee.
Wilt u iets eten? - Would you like something to eat?
Ontbijt - breakfast. Almost always included with the cost of a hotel room
Places
It's useful to remember that Dutch often puts two or three words together to make a new word. Knowing this will help you to understand place names.
Straat - street
So, Weesperstraat is Weesper Street
Gracht - canal in a city
So, Herengracht is the Gentlemen's Canal, and also the name of the street beside the canal.
Plein - square
Leidseplein is the square in Amsterdam that is the most interesting for nightlife and cafes.
This glossary is definitely a work in progress. I'd appreciate any comments and suggestions, and I'll make changes and additions in a few days.
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