The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. It is a Germanic language spoken by an estimated 27 million people world-wide. While most Dutch people speak excellent English and Amsterdam has the distinction of being the largest Anglophone city in continental Europe, learning the local language can enhance your travel experiences.
Here are some useful Dutch phrases (with their English equivalents) to flash around when you come to the Netherlands.
Ik spreek geen Nederlands = I don't speak Dutch
Ik spreek een beetje Nederlands = I speak a little Dutch
Ja = Yes
Nee = No
Alstublieft = Please
Dank u = Thank you
Ik begrijp het niet = I don't understand
Hoe zegt u ______ in het Nederlands? = How do you say ________ in Dutch?
Spreekt u Engels? = Do you speak Dutch?
Hoeveel kost het? = How much does it cost?
Waar is het toilet? = Where is the toilet?
Pardon = Excuse me
Sorry = Sorry
Wat zegt u? = What did you say?
Hoe gaat het met u? = How are you?
Mijn naam is _______ = My name is ____________
Goedemorgen / Goedemiddag / Goedenavond = Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
Ik kom uit ________ = I'm from ___________
Graag gedaan = You're welcome
Ik ben verdwaald = I am lost
Mag ik uw telefoon gebruiken? = May I use your telephone?
Ik ben mijn (sleutels, portemonee, paspoort, bagage) kwijt = I've lost my (keys, wallet, passport, luggage)
Tot ziens = Goodbye
To hear the above words and phrases pronounced in Dutch, go to acapela-group.com. Select either "Femke" or "Max" under "select a voice," copy and paste the word you want to hear in the text box, and press "say it."
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