With estimates of English proficiency reaching anywhere to 93%, tourists from all over the world don’t have to worry when visiting the Netherlands. However, if you want to practice what you’ve learned about Dutch, feel free to communicate with the locals in their mother tongue. And since you’re not a native speaker and come here just to see the sights, we suggest some common, easy, and basic Dutch phrases (sentences) which are words that need for travel below.
1. Basic Dutch Phrases For Travel
Just like when you learn other languages, let’s start with simple and common phrases, such as:
- Hello – Hallo [ha-low] / Hoi [hoy]
- How are you? – Hoe gaat het? [hoo khaat het]
- My name is … – Ik heet … [ick hayt …]
- Excuse me – Pardon [par-don]
- Very good – Heel goed [hayl khoot]
- Bye – Doei [doo-ee]
- See you later – Tot ziens [tot zeens]
- You’re welcome – Graag gedaan [khraakh gkedaan]
- Sorry – Sorry [sorree]
- Yes/No – Ja [ya] / Nee [nay/neigh]
See more:
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In Dutch, both words “u” and “je” mean “you”. However, based on the situation, you’ll have to use it properly
- Use and speak “je” in an informal situation
- Use and speak “u” in a more formal situation, for example, when making an order in a restaurant
If in doubt, you can simply use “u” because it is more respectful.
Other basic Dutch phrases you have to pay attention to when used in specific situations are:
Thank you
- In formal situation: Dankuwel [dahnk-uw-well]
- In informal situation: Dankjewel [dahnk-ye-well]
Here you go
- In formal situation: Alstublieft [als-stew-bleeft]
- In informal situation: Alsjeblieft [als-ye-bleeft]
Please
- In formal situation: Alstublieft [als-stew-bleeft]
- In informal situation: Alsjeblieft [als-ye-bleeft]
Asking for a bit more challenging? Here you are:
- I don’t speak Dutch – Ik spreek geen Nederlands [ick sprayk khayn Neder-lands]
- I don’t understand – Ik snap het niet [ick sn-ap het neet]
- Do you speak English? – Spreekt u Engels? [spraykt u eng-els]
- I’d like – Ik wil graag … [ick will khrakh …]
- What a shame! – Wat jammer! [waht yam-mer!]
2. Basic Dutch Phrases for Emergency
When in hurry, we thought it would be better to know some Dutch phrases
- I am hurt – Ik ben gewond [ick ben khe-wond]
- Police! – Politie! [po-lee-tsee]
- I’m lost – Ik ben verdwaald [ick ben verdwaald
- Call 112 – Bel 112 [bell ayn-ayn-tway]
- Watch out! – Pas op! [pass op!] / Let op! [let op!]
Basically, we are all aware that the local emergency number is not always 911. And when in the Netherlands, the figure is 112. So, if you need emergency assistance, you can dial this number.
3. Common Dutch Restaurant Phrases For Visitors
Since we are all food lovers, you might need these Dutch phrases to make an order or compliment the great treats you’re served.
- This is delicious – Dit is heerlijk [dit is heer-la-eek]
- That’s amazing! – Dat is geweldig!
- How much does it cost? – Hoeveel kost het? [hoo-veel kost het?]
- Can I have the bill, please? – Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft? [makh ick de ray-ke-ning als-stew-bleeft?]
- Can I pay by card? – Kan ik met de PIN betalen? [kan ick met de pin beh-taa-len?]
- Where is the toilet? – Waar is het toilet? [waar is het tvaa-let?]
So, these are basic Dutch phrases we believe could help your travel to the Netherlands be better. And as we mentioned above, you don’t have to worry about the communication issue, just enjoy your vacation instead. But somehow, learning new foreign words is interesting, right?
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