Dutch Language Guide
Basics
Dutch is very similar to German — many words are instantly recognizable (Huis = House, Boek = Book, Kerk = Church). However, the pronunciation takes some getting used to: The famous "g" (a guttural sound like in Swiss German) and the "ij" (sounds like a long "ei") are the biggest hurdles.
The Most Important Words and Phrases
| Dutch | German | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hallo / Hoi | Hello / Hi | Hallo / Hoi |
| Goedemorgen | Good Morning | Chude-morchen |
| Goedemiddag | Good Day | Chude-middach |
| Goedenavond | Good Evening | Chude-nawont |
| Dankjewel / Dank u wel | Thank you / Thank you (formal) | Dank-je-well / Dank-ü-well |
| Alsjeblieft / Alstublieft | Please (give) / Please (formal) | Als-je-blieft / Als-tü-blieft |
| Ja / Nee | Yes / No | Ja / Nee |
| Sorry / Pardon | Excuse me | Sorry / Pardon |
| Spreekt u Duits? | Do you speak German? | Spreeekt-ü Döüts? |
| Hoeveel kost het? | How much does it cost? | Hu-feel kost het? |
| Waar is...? | Where is...? | Wahr is...? |
| De rekening, alstublieft | The bill, please | De ree-ke-ning, als-tü-blieft |
| Proost! | Cheers! | Prohst! |
| Lekker! | Delicious! / Great! | Lecker! |
| Gezellig | Cozy / Sociable (untranslatable!) | Che-sell-ich |
| Tot ziens | Goodbye | Tot siens |
| Doei! | Bye! | Dui! |
Language Situation & Tips
The Netherlands is the most linguistically talented country in Europe. Over 90% of the population speaks English (often fluently and without an accent), around 70% speak German (especially near the border and among older generations), and many also speak French.
German or English?
An interesting phenomenon: Many Dutch people, especially in Amsterdam, prefer to switch to English rather than German. This has historical reasons (World War II) and cultural ones (English is cooler). Near the border (Limburg, Overijssel, Groningen) and among the older generation, German is often and gladly spoken.
Tip: Greet in Dutch (Goedemorgen! Hoi!) and then continue in German or English. Most Dutch people appreciate the attempt and respond in the language that fits best.
Untranslatable Words
- Gezellig — The most important Dutch word that has no translation. It means roughly "cozy + sociable + warm + nice" all at once. A café can be gezellig, an evening, a person, even a room. If something is "gezellig," everything is good.
- Lekker — Means "delicious," but is used for EVERYTHING: lekker weer (nice weather), lekker slapen (good sleep), lekker belangrijk (I don't care). The most versatile word in the Dutch language.
- Uitwaaien — Literally "to blow out": to go into the wind to clear your head. Walking on the beach of Scheveningen during a storm — that is uitwaaien.
Tipp
The golden rule: Never assume that everyone speaks German — better to ask: "Spreekt u Duits?" Many Dutch people can, but they don't want to be forced to. And: A "Dankjewel" or "Lekker!" works wonders for sympathy.
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