Basic Dutch words and phrases

Dutch phrases for tourists

First the good news. A lot of the Dutch speak English. They will be very happy to talk to you in English, but they would be even happier to talk to you in Dutch.

Now, we are not saying you can become an expert Dutch speaker before you arrive, but knowing a few key Dutch phrases will certainly be appreciated by your hosts and help you enjoy your visit even more.

When you start to look at basic Dutch words and phrases, you’ll see some are as good as English anyway, Hallo and Hello, Sorry and Sorry for example. You will find quite a few other words that are remarkably similar, which makes learning the Dutch language – or at least a few basics – a bit simpler.

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Dutch Basics

Use the list below to help with simple interactions like how to say hello in Dutch, Dutch for good morning or good evening. But also some basic Dutch phrases like asking directions or introducing yourself.

Before looking at the list, try and get a feel for the pronunciation sounds, as that will help with how you say a word – we have popped the way the word sounds in brackets to try and help.

Tips for Dutch Pronunciation

• “G” and “ch” sounds are pronounced with a guttural sound similar to the Scottish “loch”.
• Dutch vowels can be tricky, but generally, “a” sounds like “ah”, “e” like “ay” or “eh”, “i” like “ee”, “o” like “oh”, and “u” like the “u” in “put”.

Dutch Greetings

1. Hallo (HAH-loh) – Hello
   • A simple and friendly way to greet someone.
2. Goedemorgen (KHOO-duh-MOR-khun) – Good morning
   • Used to greet someone in the morning.
3. Goedemiddag (KHOO-duh-MID-dakh) – Good afternoon
   • A greeting for the afternoon.
4. Goedenavond (KHOO-duh-NAH-vont) – Good evening
   • Used to greet someone in the evening.
5. Doei (dahkh) – Bye
   • A common way to say goodbye. You can also use Dag though not heard as much these days as it also means day.
6. Tot ziens (tot zeens) – See you
   • Another more informal way to say goodbye, usually to friends, implying you’ll see the person again.

Polite Phrases

7. Alstublieft (AHL-stu-BLEEFT) – Please
   • Use this when you want to be polite while requesting something.
8. Dank u wel (DANK oo vel) – Thank you
   • A polite way to say thank you. For informal use, you can also say “Dank je wel”.
9. Graag gedaan (KHRAKH khuh-DAHN) – You’re welcome
   • Responding to someone who thanks you.
10. Sorry (SOR-ree) – Sorry
    • The same as in English, used for apologizing.
11. Excuseer (eks-ku-ZEER) – Excuse me
    • Useful for getting someone’s attention or moving past someone.

Essential Questions

12. Waar is de wc? (vahr is duh vay-say) – Where is the bathroom?
    • An essential question in any language!
13. Hoe gaat het? (hoo khaht het) – How are you?
    • A common way to ask someone how they are doing.
14. Wat kost dit? (vaht kost dit) – How much does this cost?
    • Useful when shopping.
15. Spreekt u Engels? (spraykt oo ENG-uhls) – Do you speak English?
    • The classic save all question!
16. Ik begrijp het niet (ik buh-GHRAYP het neet) – I don’t understand
    • A useful phrase when you’re having trouble understanding.

Directions and Help

17. Kunt u mij helpen? (kunt oo may HEL-puhn) – Can you help me?
    • If you need assistance, this phrase is very useful.
18. Waar is… (vahr is) – Where is…
    • To ask for directions, just add the location, e.g., “Waar is het Rijksmuseum?” (vahr is het stah-SYON) for “Where is the Rijksmuseum?”
19. Links (links) – Left
    • For directions.
20. Rechts (rekhts) – Right
    • Also for directions.
21. Rechtdoor (rekht-DOHR) – Straight ahead
    • Another direction phrase to use.

Social Phrases

22. Hoe laat is het? (hoo laht is het) – What time is it?
    • Useful for keeping track of time.
23. Wat is je naam? (vaht is yuh nahm) – What’s your name?
    • A friendly way to ask someone’s name. More formally, you can say, “Wat is uw naam?”
24. Mijn naam is… (meyn nahm is) – My name is…
    • A way to introduce yourself.
25. Fijne dag (FAY-nuh dahkh) – Have a nice day
    • A polite and friendly farewell.
26. Alles goed – All good?

Useful Dutch Words

26. Ja (yah) – Yes
27. Nee (nay) – No
28. Misschien (mis-KHEEN) – Maybe
29. Water (VAH-ter) – Water
30. Koffie (KOH-fee) – Coffee

Hopefully this has given you a good idea of some of the basic Dutch phrases and words you might use in everyday life whilst in Amsterdam.

As with everything, practice makes perfect, so do not be afraid to practice whilst in Amsterdam, you will be very much appreciated for trying to use the Dutch language.