Basic Dutch for TravelersMar 30 '01 (Updated Apr 02 '01) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Most people in the Netherlands speak and understand English. But I think it's a nice courtesy to learn at least a few words in Dutch. I spent 3 years in the Netherlands, just south of Amsterdam, with my Dutch husband who I met on the internet. I studied Dutch at the University in Utrecht until I became ill, so I never became fluent. However, I did get a pretty good grasp of the words to know to get around the country. First of all...most Dutch people speak at least a little English, and they understand even more. Often, I had conversations where I spoke English while the other person spoke Dutch and we understood each other perfectly. But, Dutch people love it when you try to speak their language, even a little bit. And, I think it's simply good manners to master at least a few politenesses in the language of the country you are visiting. Okay.... important point for listening and understanding...."g" is not pronounced like the English "g". It sounds more like a "h" with a very nasal snarl. And, unfortunately, "g" is a common letter in Dutch, very common. Accept the fact that you will not be able to pronounce "g" but learn to recognize it when you hear it. You will find that many Dutch words are almost the same as English, but may vary in pronounciation. You can guess what these words mean: trein, station, jam, mosterd, biefstuk, salade. Okay...enough preamble...let's get to the words.. Polite Greetings and basics Hallo - same as English Dag - goodbye Tot ziens - see you soon. Often used as goodbye in a shop. Pardon - Excuse me, pardon me. Ja (yeah) - yes Nee (nay) - no Alstublieft - please Also used as "there you are". When a server gives you your dinner, they will say alstublieft. Dank u, Dank u wel - thank you, thank you very much Meneer - Sir, Mister Mevrouw - Ma'am, Mrs. You can never go wrong addressing a man or woman in this way. For instance, when asking a question, always preface your question with meneer or mevrouw. The Dutch are polite people and appreciate it if you try to be polite to them in their own language. Ik begriip het niet - I don't understand. Spreekt u Engels? - Do you speak English? Most likely answer to this is "een beetje" which means a bit. Ik spreek geen Nederlands - I don't speak any Dutch Ik wil - I want Ik wil een kamer - I want a room Ik zoek - I'm looking for Ik zoek een hotel. - I'm looking for a hotel. Heeft u...? - Do you have...? Hoeveel is het...? - How much is it? Kunt u me helpen? - Can you help me? At the Airport It may be useful to understand these signs. Aankomst - arrivals Vertrek - departures Douane - customs Uitgang - exit Vlucht - flight Vertraging - delay Other signs Toiletten - toilets. If you ask for a bathroom, you are likely to be shown to a room with a shower and a sink, but no toilet. You mostly have to pay to use public toilets. Dames - women Heren - men Ingang - entrance Uitgang - exit Kamers vrij - Vacancies, rooms available Te huur - for hire, to rent Gesloten - closed Questions Heeft U....? - Do you have..? "W" in Dutch is pronounced like a cross between the English "v" and "w". Try to listen for it, and that will help you understand how to pronounce it. Wanneer? - When? Wie? - Who? Waar? - Where? Wat? - What? Waarom? - Why? Hoe? - How? Kan ik....? - Can I...? Hoe laat is het? - What time is it? In a Restaurant Eet smakelijk - enjoy your meal This is said often, by almost everyone, from your server to the other people at the table. Wilt u iets drinken? - Would you like something to drink? Ja, een bier, een witte wijn, een melk, een koffiee. - Yes, a beer, a white wine, a milk, coffee. Wilt u iets eten? - Would you like something to eat? Ontbijt - breakfast. Almost always included with the cost of a hotel room Places It's useful to remember that Dutch often puts two or three words together to make a new word. Knowing this will help you to understand place names. Straat - street So, Weesperstraat is Weesper Street Gracht - canal in a city So, Herengracht is the Gentlemen's Canal, and also the name of the street beside the canal. Plein - square Leidseplein is the square in Amsterdam that is the most interesting for nightlife and cafes. This glossary is definitely a work in progress. I'd appreciate any comments and suggestions, and I'll make changes and additions in a few days.  |
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