6 Dutch language tips to help you learn Dutch

Learn the basics of the Dutch language with our guide, from common phrases and asking for directions to buying groceries and ordering food.

Phoebe

4 minute read

·

Updated on 13 Jun 2024

·

Living

With its high quality of life, job and study opportunities in English, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Netherlands is one of the top destinations for expats. Moving to the Netherlands also gives you the perfect opportunity to learn the Dutch language! It might look a bit overwhelming in the beginnining but the language of the Netherlands is easy to learn. Especially with the 10 tips we give you in this article!

What are we waiting for? Let’s learn a little Dutch!

The Dutch language is made up of five vowels and 21 consonants, with the same number of letters as the English language. However, some pronunciations will be a little different.

Vowels

The vowel sounds in Dutch can vary primarily with pairings, such as the following:

• oe - “oo” as in loose
• eu - “uh” as in umbrella
• ei - “ay” as in day
• au - “ou” as in house
• ieuw - “ew” as in brew
• ooi - “oh-eye” as in boy pronounced as a long o

Consonants

The consonant sounds in Dutch can vary in singular letters, along with pairings, including the following:

• g - “ch” as in Bach
• v - “f” but stronger or "v" as in value
• j - “y” as in yellow
• r - is similar, but typically rolled
• w - is similar but with lips between the teeth
• sj - “sh”
• ng - as in king
• sch - "s" + Dutch "g"
• nj - “n” sounds like onion

Some of the most important ways that you can utilize the Dutch language is in casual conversation, such as making introductions or asking polite questions.

• How are you? - Hoe gaat het met u? (hoo khaht ut meht ew)
• Good morning. - Goedemorgen. (khoo-duh-mawr-ghuh)
• Excuse me. - Pardon - (pahr-dohn)
• I’m sorry. - Sorry. (saw-ree)
• Do you speak English? - Spreek je Engels? (sprayk yuh ehng-uhls)
• It’s nice to meet you! - Aangenaam (kennis te maken) (ahn-guh-nahm) (ken-nis tuh mah-kuh)
• My name is… - Ik heet… (ik hayt)
• What is your name? - Hoe heet je? (hoo hayt yuh)

As we mentioned, almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks at least a bit of English, especially in the bigger cities. But if you find yourself lost in one of the small Dutch villages, it's always best to know how to ask for directions in Dutch.

• Where is the closest bus stop? - Waar is de dichtstbijzijnde bushalte?
• How far is the train station? - Hoe ver is het treinstation?
• How close is the city center? - Hoe dichtbij is het stadscentrum?

Reading signs

When you’re in a strange city, one of the most confusing things imaginable is not to be able to read the signs around you. You don’t want to end up opening the wrong door in some situations, that’s for sure!

• Bathrooms - Badkamers
• Staff only - Alleen personeel
• Stop - Hou op
• Go - Ga
• Entrance - Ingang
• Exit - Uitgang
• Registration - Registratie
• Police - Politie
• Information - Informatie

If you’re not familiar with the Dutch language, you can really order the wrong thing when you’re dining out. While your server will most definitely explain the menu to you when asked, wouldn’t it be nice to look smart in front of your new Dutch friends and know the difference between Bitterballen and Apple Pie? A few basic things to know include:

Important mentions

There are always a few things that your server needs to know or questions that you might have, before your meal. Learning them in Dutch makes things easier, especially when there’s no room for misunderstandings.

• When do you close? - Wanneer sluit u?
• There will be four for dinner. - We zijn met voor het avondeten.
• I have a food allergy to… - Ik heb een voedselallergie voor...
• I can’t eat gluten. - Ik kan geen gluten eten
• I am lactose intolerant. - Ik ben lactose-intolerant

Asking your server

Learning a few things to ask your server can be a great way to test out a few new Dutch words.

• Is this sugar-free? - Is dit suikervrij?
• What is this? – Wat is dit?
• Can I see the beer menu? - Kan ik het biermenu zien?
• Could I have the ketchup? - Mag ik de ketchup?
• What are your specials? - Wat zijn jouw specials?
• Can I have another drink? - Mag ik nog iets te drinken?

Shopping can be a very important part of life, especially when you’re replacing items that you didn’t have room for in your suitcases. Making conversation with store employees can be a great way to practice the language, and it can come in useful if the employee happens to only speak Dutch.

Grocery shopping

Many expats choose to cook their food at home when they move to the Netherlands, especially when they’re trying to stick within a budget. Here are a few helpful questions and words to learn:

• How much is it? - Wat kost het? (vat khost ut)
• Where is the beer? - Waar is het bier?
• Chicken - Kip
• Pork - Varkensvlees
• Veal - Kalfsvlees
• Fish - Vis
• Beef - Runvlees

Markets

Many Dutch cities have markets, where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and a ton of bargains on other things that you may need to start your new Dutch lifestyle.

• Do you have any bicycles? - Heb je fietsen?
• Is this for sale? - Is dit te koop?
• What is the price? - Wat is de prijs?
• How fresh is the meat? - Hoe vers is het vlees?
• Do you have change? - Heb je wisselgeld?

Unfortunately, during your time in the Netherlands, you may need to make use of your health insurance and visit a physician or pharmacy. The following phrases could be helpful:

• I have pain in my … - Ik heb pijn in mijn …
• I need medicine for a headache. - Ik heb medicijnen nodig tegen hoofdpijn.
• I have a stomach ache. - Ik heb buikpijn.
• Do I have a fever? - Heb ik koorts?
• When can I go back to work? - Wanneer kan ik weer gaan werken?
• Can I return to school? - Kan ik weer naar school?
• I think it may be broken. - Ik denk dat het misschien gebroken is.

Of course, there are numerous other things that you’ll need to do before you relocate, or as soon as you arrive, so be sure to check out our helpful guide to living the Netherlands to learn more about life in the country.