Learning a new language is very hard, but learning a couple of basics is easy. To help our fellow free birds along, here are the 25 basic Dutch words and phrases for traveling through the Netherlands or Holland.
When traveling to a foreign country with a very different culture and a very different language, it’s best to know some common basic words! The upsides of knowing how to say hello, thank you, goodbye, yes, no and many more basic words, is that it makes you not look like a gullible tourist. It makes you seem friendly, knowledgable, and interested. Also knowing how to order two cold beers and knowing how to you like your drinks and/or food, makes your stay so much more enjoyable. The locals and the staff will deeply appreciate it when you as a tourist are trying your best to learn their language and culture. You will see people opening up and smiling big when you are speaking their tongue.
The very basics
Hello = Hallo
Goodmorning = Goedemorgen
Yes = Ja
No = Nee
Thanks = Bedankt
Goodbye = Tot ziens
By the way, if you want to know where to stay in Amsterdam, check out our recommendations for great hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals.
Greetings
How are you = Hoe gaat het? *
Very good = Heel goed
Oke = Oke
Sorry = Sorry
You’re welcome = Graag gedaan
Cheers = Proost
Beautiful = Prachtig
Perfect = Perfect
We need
Supermarkt = Supermarkt
Hotel = Hotel
Toilet = Toilet
Doctor = Dokter
Help = Help
The essentials
Water = Water
Coffee = Koffie
Beer = Bier
Tea = Thee
Looking, but no buying right?! = Kijken, kijken, niet kopen hé?!
*pro-tip; the dutch ‘G' may sound harsh at first, but try to make it sound not that harsh. It's a sound made in the back of the throat, but it's not like an Arabic sound, it's more subtle. Pronounce it faster and smoother.
Our first language is Dutch, but if we have made a mistake or if you don't agree on some words, let us know (info@freebirdsmagazine.com).
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