Here are some basic Dutch phrases which you can use in everyday conversation, as well as some common words you will see on signs.
ja | yes |
nee | no |
misschien | maybe |
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 |
Dutch phrase guide | |
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Contents |
Emergencies
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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 |
Duwen | Push |
Trekken | Pull |
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 |