10 Basic Dutch Phrases You Must Know

Dutch Language

Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands and is closely related to the English and German language. The majority of the population of the country (90 to 93%) speak the native language, and nearly 71% of the country’s population are German speakers.

Learning the Dutch language opens up a gateway to understanding the vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands. For non-native speakers, mastering key phrases like “Spreekt u Engels” (Do you speak English?) and “Hoeveel kost dit?” (How much does this cost?) is crucial for everyday situations and smoother interactions. Dutch pronunciation, with its guttural sounds and specific consonant sounds, can be challenging, but feedback on pronunciation from a native teacher can be invaluable.

Online courses and instructional videos can aid in learning essential phrases and conversational skills. Understanding Dutch grammar, including the use of definite articles, irregular verbs, and sentence structure, is fundamental. A Dutch phrasebook can be handy, especially for common situations like ordering a “glass of water” or asking for “credit card details” at train stations. Practicing basic conversation and getting feedback can help in formal situations and enhance your overall Dutch skills. Engaging in simple conversations and using courtesy phrases like “zeg maar” (go ahead) can show a position of respect, making daily interactions more enjoyable.

Whether for an average tourist or someone looking to immerse in Dutch culture, mastering these elements can significantly enhance the experience.

Dutch is considered to be a melodic language. If you’re going to be traveling in the Netherlands soon, you’ll want to know how to speak some basic Dutch phrases. The Dutch people are generally very friendly and helpful, but the Dutch language can be quite tricky if you don’t have any practice with it beforehand.

These 10 common phrases will help get you started on the basic conversation when interacting with the locals or native speaker!

1) Thank you

In Dutch, thank you is “dank u”—and it’s a good phrase to know. Say it anytime you receive service, food, or drinks (say yes when someone offers you something to drink!).

In Dutch, expressing gratitude is done by saying “Dank u” in formal situations or “Dank je” in more informal settings. This simple yet powerful phrase, equivalent to “Thank you” in English, is an essential part of everyday interactions and demonstrates politeness and respect.

For non-native speakers, incorporating “Dank u” or “Dank je” into conversations can significantly enhance social interactions and show an appreciation for Dutch culture. Whether you’re thanking someone for directions, service at a restaurant, or assistance at a train station, using this phrase appropriately can leave a positive impression and facilitate smoother interactions. Understanding when to use the formal “Dank u” versus the informal “Dank je” can also help in navigating various social situations, reflecting a deeper grasp of Dutch language nuances and cultural etiquette.

2) Please

The Dutch phrase “alsjeblieft” (please) is a fundamental component of polite conversation and an essential phrase for anyone learning the language. It is used in various contexts, much like its English counterpart. Whether you’re asking for a favor, requesting information, or receiving something, saying “alsjeblieft” shows politeness and respect. In more formal situations, “alstublieft” is the appropriate form, reflecting the Dutch cultural emphasis on formality and respect in certain interactions. Incorporating “alsjeblieft” into your vocabulary can greatly improve your conversational skills and help you navigate everyday situations with ease, from ordering in restaurants to asking for directions. Understanding and using this phrase correctly demonstrates cultural awareness and respect, making your interactions with native Dutch speakers more pleasant and respectful.”Alstublieft” is a polite way to say please. It is usually used when you want someone to give you something or do something for you, like open a door or hold a chair for you.

While other European languages also use it to say please, it does not have quite as much of an insistent tone to it as in English—it is more soft and courteous in Dutch.

3) I don’t speak Dutch

The Dutch phrase for “I don’t speak Dutch” is “Ik spreek geen Nederlands.” This phrase is incredibly useful for non-native speakers when navigating Dutch-speaking regions. It serves as a polite way to communicate language barriers and can prompt Dutch speakers to switch to English or another common language. Understanding and using this phrase can ease social interactions and show a sign of respect for the local language, even if you haven’t mastered it yet. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering at a restaurant, or simply engaging in everyday conversations, knowing how to say “Ik spreek geen Nederlands” can facilitate smoother and more effective communication.Most Dutch speakers will appreciate it if you say “Ik spreek geen Nederlands” to tell them that you don’t speak Dutch.

4) How are you?

“Hoe gaat het?” (How’s it going?). You might be surprised to learn that Dutch is a Germanic language, but its syntax and structure are far more similar to French.

The Dutch phrase for “How are you?” is “Hoe gaat het met je?” This is a common greeting used in everyday interactions to inquire about someone’s well-being. Pronounced as “hoo gaat het met yuh,” it reflects a polite and considerate approach to starting a conversation. In formal settings or when addressing someone you do not know well, you might use “Hoe gaat het met u?” instead, where “u” is the formal form of “you.”

Understanding and using this phrase can significantly improve your conversational skills in Dutch, facilitating smoother and more respectful interactions with native speakers. Additionally, being able to respond to this question, such as saying “Het gaat goed” (It’s going well) or “Het gaat niet zo goed” (It’s not going so well), is equally important for effective communication.

Engaging with these basic phrases demonstrates cultural competence and helps build rapport in both personal and professional contexts.

5) Good morning

Goedemorgen or Goeiemorgen. It is usually said in a more friendly way by saying, “Morgen“. Good afternoon: “Goedemiddag” or “Middag”. This is often said as a response to another person who says goedemiddag.

6) I don’t understand

The Dutch phrase “Ik begrijp het niet” translates to “I don’t understand” in English and is a fundamental expression for non-native speakers navigating Dutch conversations. This phrase can be a lifesaver in various situations, whether you’re trying to follow directions at a train station, understand instructions in a classroom, or communicate effectively in everyday interactions.

Mastering this phrase can lead to smoother conversations, as it signals to your Dutch-speaking counterpart that you need clarification or assistance. In a country known for its friendly and helpful residents, expressing “Ik begrijp het niet” will often prompt locals to slow down, rephrase, or provide additional context, ensuring you grasp the information being communicated. This phrase is an essential tool for anyone learning Dutch, as it fosters better communication and helps bridge the language gap in both formal and informal settings.

The simplest way to ask for clarification when you don’t understand is, “Ik begrijp het niet”.

7) Good night

“Goedeavond” when leaving at night. Saying good night before going to sleep is “slaap lekker”, which translates directly into “sleep good”. Know this about Fun and interesting facts about languages.

The Dutch phrase for “Good night” is “Goede nacht,” often shortened to “Welterusten” in more informal settings. This phrase is essential for anyone learning Dutch, as it is commonly used in everyday interactions, especially before going to bed. In Dutch culture, saying “Welterusten” or “Goede nacht” is a sign of politeness and care, similar to wishing someone sweet dreams. Pronouncing it correctly, with attention to the guttural sounds typical of Dutch, can show respect and effort in mastering the language. Whether you are staying with Dutch friends, in a homestay, or simply interacting with locals, using “Goede nacht” appropriately can help foster smoother interactions and demonstrate cultural sensitivity. It’s one of those key phrases that, while simple, can leave a positive impression and contribute to more meaningful exchanges.

8) Do you speak English?

A nice phrase to know is ‘Spreek je Engels?’ (Do you speak English?). This will be a great conversation starter for when you arrive in Amsterdam. Once you establish that both of you speak English, try asking them if they know any basic Dutch phrases. They’ll appreciate your effort to learn their native language, and if they’re not native-English speakers i.e they are only Dutch speaker, then it’s a win-win situation.

9) Excuse me

Excuse me: “pardon” or “sorry”. This is the most commonly used and a handy phrase in Dutch, and it can be a real help to know when traveling to Amsterdam or other major Dutch cities.

10) Sorry

A language learner’s best friend, “sorry” is a must-know in any language. Apologizing in Dutch is simple, just say “sorry” (a Dutch word spelled the same as its English counterpart).

When you know how to apologize in Dutch, it also increases your chances of appearing more polite and respectful.