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Learn Dutch

If you want to learn the Dutch language, then we will teach you how.

If and when visiting The Netherlands

The national color is orange and in orange we believe, said the Dutch. Look at a soccer game when the national team plays. You just can’t miss them. Holland is a phenomenal and amazing country to visit. The Dutch are well known for so many things.

A little background

The blend and typical features of The Netherlands makes it a unique small and very interesting nation on our globe. But small doesn’t necessarily mean we never hear from them. They have traded in all corners of the world for centuries and left here and there their mark. It runs in their blood. They are also well known for their tolerance. You will both notice if and once you get to visit The Netherlands.

The kingdom holds today more than 180 nationalities from all angles of the world imaginable. There is a huge freedom in religion, cultural background and sexual orientation. The Netherlands welcomes literally everybody who comes in peace.

The trading resulted in a country with people mastering multiple languages. The modern people all grew up with learning at least one foreign language. Mostly English. During high school German and France is added.

On the eastside of the country most of them will also speak German fluently. Since it has the Germans as their friendly neighbors.

Dutch that gets you started

Although the chance is very high that a Dutch can communicate with you in English, he/she will much appreciate it when you know some Dutch phrases. It can be the trigger for new contacts or even may be new friendships.

Globally 23 million people speak Dutch. Areas can be found at The Netherlands, Suriname, Dutch Antilles and South Africa.

Well, let’s get started

Some typical Dutch phrases:

  • Can I have a herring? -- Mag ik een haring?
    (A herring is a typical Dutch delicacy.)
  • Just be normal, that’s already crazy enough. -- Doe maar normal dan doe je al gek genoeg.
    (The Dutch don’t like overexpress themselves that’s why they have this saying.)
  • Home sweet home. -- Zoals het klokje thuis tikt, tikt het nergens.
    (Do we have to explain?)
  • Coziness knows no time. -- Gezelligheid kent geen tijd.
    (Gezellig [cozy] is a word you will hear often when the Dutch having a good time.

So Dutch and commonly used

  • Dank je wel
    (Probably the most important one. Thank you, or in Dutch: "Dank je wel". Guaranteed for a smile.)
  • Sorry
    ("I am sorry" or "excuse me" -- the Dutch say just: "Sorry".)
  • Mag ik een ... alstublieft?
    (When you’re in a restaurant or bar this phrase might be very useful. It is the translation of "May I have a .. please?" Can you fill out the blank with a word of your preference?)
  • Hoe gaat het?
    (How are you is "Hoe gaat het?" The person who was asked about this will usually answer with a simple "goed" meaning OK!)
  • Wiet
    (The word you were waiting for, right? It’s pretty much the same as in English. Only slightly different pronounced as "veet". Also surprising might be that a lot of Dutch don’t even like. Many have tried, but just don’t like it. A lesson learned may be? Pop in a typical coffeeshop and you’ll find mostly foreigners.)

Here are some Dutch expression which are used often

Dutch Pronunciation Meaning
Goedemorgen khoo-duh-mawr-ghuh Good Morning
Goedenacht khoo-duh-nahkht Good Night
Goedemiddag khoo-duh-mih-dahkh Good Day
Goedenavond khoo-duh-nah-fohnt Good Evening
Hoi / Hallo / Daag / Doei hoy / hah-loh / dahk / doo-ee Hi / Bye
Tot ziens toht zeens Goodbye
Tot straks toht straks See you later (in the same day)
Tot zo toht zoh See you soon
Dank u wel / Dank je wel dahnk-ew-vehl / dahnk-yuh-vehl Thank you
Hartelijk bedankt hahr-tuh-lik buh-dahnkt Thank you very much
Graag gedaan khrahkh khuh-dahn You're welcome (don't mention it)
Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft ahlst-ew-bleeft / ahl-shuh-bleeft Please
Sorry saw-ree I'm sorry / Excuse me
Pardon, wat zei u? pahr-dohn, vat zay ew Pardon me (didn't understand)
Ja / Nee yah / nay Yes / No
Hoe gaat het met u? hoo khaht ut meht ew How are you? (formal)
Het gaat / Slecht uht khaht / slehkht So so / Bad
Goed / Heel goed khoot / hayl khoot Fine / Very well
Ik ben moe / ziek ik ben moo / zeek I'm tired / sick.
Ik heb honger / dorst ik heb hohng-ur / dohrst I'm hungry / thirsty.
Hoe heet u? hoo hayt ew What's your name? (formal)
Hoe heet je? hoo hayt yuh What's your name? (informal)
Ik heet... ik hayt... My name is (I'm called)...