Here are some basic Dutch phrases which you can use in everyday conversation, as well as some common words you will see on signs.
| Alsjeblieft | Please (familiar) |
| Alstublieft | Please (polite) |
| Bedankt | Thanks |
| Hartelijk dank | Thanks very much |
The following are some polite ways you can reply to someone who thanks you:
| Graag gedaan | You're welcome |
| Geen moeite | Don't mention it |
| Graag gedaan | Not at all |
Saying hello and goodbye
Here are some different ways to greet people:
| Hoi | Hi (quite informal) |
| Hallo | Hello |
| Goedemorgen | Good morning (used before noon) |
| Goedemiddag | Good afternoon (used between noon and 6pm) |
| Goedeavond | Good evening (used after 6pm) |
The following expressions, on the other hand, are some different things you can say when saying goodbye:
| Doei | Bye |
| Take care! |
| Dag | Goodbye |
| Goedenacht | Goodnight |
| Tot ziens! | See you! |
| Tot snel! | See you soon! |
| Fijne dag! | Have a nice day! |
| Fijn weekend! | Have a good weekend! |
Getting someone's attention and apologising
| excuseert u mij or pardon | Excuse me (can be used to get someone's attention, to get past someone, or to apologise) |
| Sorry | Sorry |
If someone apologises to you, you can reply using one of the following expressions:
| Geen probleem | No problem |
| Geeft niks | It's OK |
| Maak je geen zorgen | Don't worry about it |
Making yourself understood
| Spreek je Nederlands? | Do you speak Dutch? |
| Spreekt u Nederlands? | Do you speak Dutch? |
| Ik spreek geen Nederlands | I don't speak Dutch |
| Ik spreek niet zo goed Nederlands | I don't speak much Dutch |
| Ik spreek een beetje Nederlands | I speak a little Dutch |
| Ik spreek een heel klein beetje Nederlands | I only speak very little Dutch |
| Spreekt u alstublieft langzamer | Please speak more slowly |
| Schrijft u het alstublieft op | Please write it down |
| Zou u dat alstublieft kunnen herhalen? | Could you please repeat that? |
| Ik begrijp het | I understand |
| Ik begrijp het niet | I don't understand |
Other basic phrases
| Ik weet het | I know |
| Ik weet het niet | I don't know |
| Pardon, waar is het toilet? | Excuse me, where's the toilet? |
Things you might see
| Ingang | Entrance |
| Uitgang | Exit |
| Nooduitgang | Emergency exit |
| Toiletten | Toilets |
| WC | WC |
| Heren | Gentlemen |
| Dames | Ladies |
| Vrij | Vacant |
| Bezet | Occupied |
| Buiten gebruik | Out of order |
| Niet roken | No smoking |
| Privé | Private |
| Geen toegang | No entry |
