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.)