Basic words and phrases in Dutch
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
In this chapter you will learn some basic words and phrases in Dutch. Here you will learn several words you can use to say "thank you" as well as the words for "yes" and "no" in Dutch. Here you can also find some useful Dutch words and phrases that can be used in many situations, for example when visiting the doctor or when going to school.
The words for yes and no in Dutch are quite similar to the English words. If you speak German, you're in luck! The Dutch and German word for yes is exactly the same!
English | Dutch |
---|---|
Yes | Ja |
No | Nee |
Maybe | Misschien |
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
There are a couple of words you can use to say "thank you" in Dutch. You use the formal words when you're talking to older people, or to people that you do not know very well. The word "bedankt" is both formal and informal.
English | Dutch |
---|---|
Thank you (formal) | Dank u |
Thank you (informal) | Dankje |
Thank you (formal/informal) | Bedankt |
Thank you very much | Hartelijk bedankt |
No, thanks | Nee, bedankt |
Please (formal) | Alstublieft |
Please (informal) | Alsjeblieft |
You're welcome | Graag gedaan |
These Dutch phrases can be used in many situation. Some of these words and phrases can be used in case you're not understanding something in Dutch.
English | Dutch |
---|---|
Welcome | Welkom |
Where are you from? | Waar kom je vandaan? |
I am from ... | Ik kom uit ... |
Good luck | Succes |
Cheers | Proost |
Have a nice day | Fijne dag (gewenst) |
Enjoy your meal | Eet smakelijk |
Have a good journey | Goede reis |
I understand | Ik begrijp het |
I don't understand | Ik begrijp het niet |
I don't know | Ik weet het niet |
Could you speak more slowly? | Kunt u langzamer praten? |
Could you repeat that? | Kunt u dat herhalen? |
Could you write that down? | Kunt u dat opschrijven? |
Do you speak English? | Spreekt u Engels? |
You can talk to me in Dutch. | U kunt Nederlands tegen mij praten. |
Excuse me | Excuseer mij |
Sorry | Sorry |
I miss you | Ik mis je |
I love you | Ik hou van je |
Get well soon | Beterschap |
Happy Birthday | Fijne verjaardag |
Congratulations | Gefeliciteerd |
The following words and phrases might come in handy when you have to visit the doctors.
English | Dutch |
---|---|
The doctor | De dokter |
The nurse | De verpleger |
The patient | De patiënt |
The pharmacy | De apotheek |
The waiting room | De wachtkamer |
The health insurance | De ziekteverzekering |
The medications | De geneesmiddelen |
To prescribe | Voorschrijven |
The pill | De pil |
The recipe | Het recept |
The hospital | Het ziekenhuis |
The ambulance | De ambulance |
The emergency call | De noodoproep |
English | Dutch |
---|---|
Healthy | Gezond |
Ill; sick | Ziek |
Tired | Moe |
The illness | De ziekte |
The inflammation | De ontsteking |
The Common Cold | De verkoudheid |
The flu | De griep |
The sore throat | De keelpijn |
The cough | De hoest |
The headache | De hoofdpijn |
The swelling | De zwelling |
The allergy | De allergie |
English | Dutch |
---|---|
What happened? | Wat is er gebeurd? |
What's the problem? | Wat is het probleem? |
What's hurting? | Wat doet er pijn? |
Where is your pain located? | Waar voel je pijn? |
How do you feel? | Hoe voel je je? |
I feel... | Ik voel me... |
My ... hurts. | Mijn ... doet pijn. |
To better describe your medical problems, you can use the chapter about body parts in Dutch.
English | Dutch |
---|---|
The school | De school |
The teacher | De leraar; de juf; de meester; de docent |
The student | De leerling; de student |
The homework | Het huiswerk |
The test | De toets |
The exam | Het examen |
The example | Het voorbeeld |
Easy / difficult | Makkelijk / moeilijk |
Correct / incorrect | Goed / fout |
The book | Het boek |
The schedule | Het rooster |
The lunch break | De lunchpauze |
English | Slovak |
---|---|
The subject | Het vak |
History | Geschiedenis |
Biology | Biologie |
Maths | Wiskunde |
The language | De taal |
Physical Education | Lichamelijke Opvoeding |
Geography | Aardrijkskunde |
Economics | Economie |
Now it is time to test your knowledge about basic Dutch words and phrases with some of our exercises!
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Dutch lessons (all levels).
I specialize in teaching you how to apply grammar, have a fluent conversation and to improve your writing skills. Moreover, I have helped Dutch speaking students to pass their NT1 exams as well as NT2 students with their language-exams.
So....
Would you like to take some extra lessons, before, in between or after your regular courses or prepare specifically for your exams? Contact me for a trial lesson.
Are you a Dutch student, struggling with the NT1 exams? Book a lesson with me and we can do this together.
Are you an expat, new resident or student in the Netherlands and looking for a loyal language companion who helps you through the dazzling maze of the Dutch language? Book with me and let me know how I can be of any help.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Monique is a very sweet and very encouraging teacher. She is very clear in her language and has a good sense of her student's ability and progress. I enjoy studying and learning Dutch with her:)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! My name is Emilia and I am an experienced language tutor and translator from/to Bulgarian, Spanish, English and Dutch. My biggest passion are foreign languages and I have passed this passion to many of my students throughout the years. Despite the fact I have a Master's degree in Economics and International Business and I've worked few years as an economist, my heart always takes me back to my teaching and translation jobs. With more than 15 years of teaching experience, a great level of patience and dedication to my work, and a great number of happy students, I am here to help you learn Bulgarian, Spanish and Dutch at your own pace and convenience. Hope to hear from you soon! Best regards, Emilia
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Emilia is a great teacher. Very experienced and very flexible and adaptable to my specific needs. The lessons with her are going very smooth and with no stress and I really enjoy learning new language with her. Thank you Emilia!!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi!
Are you looking for someone who can help you with the Dutch language? Then you've come to the right place. I have years of experience in teaching Dutch and Sociology to pupils aged 12 to 18 years. Maybe you have trouble with a certain part of the course Dutch, for example grammar, then I can help you with that. Together we will look at where the problem lies and what you would like to learn, together we determine what is the best way for you to learn certain skills. If you do not speak Dutch but you speak and English reasonably well, then I can also help you. I can help you to understand and learn the Dutch language and teach you about the Dutch culture / politics.
I hope to meet you soon and work together.
Kind regards,
Mèlanie van Bentum
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
This was a trial lesson, thus not much to review. I liked the teacher for her communication and approach!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, my name is Michel and I'm a Dutch primary school language teacher. I moved to France in 2013 and for 7 years I worked for an international school that is well known all over France. Teaching children and adults is my passion.
My lessons are adapted to your level and due to my job and experience I have acces to teaching methodes to learn you the basics of the Dutch language or to improve your level. I can help you to improve your level of writing and speaking or help you learn your first words and phrases.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Michel is a lovely teacher. He's very knowledgable and explains the grammer very well. Very friendly, patient and encouraging. Highly recommend him!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I'm a bilingual native speaker of Polish and Czech, with fluent English and German. I've been teaching individual Polish and Czech courses for language schools and have 20 years of experience as a translator. I also gathered experience in many language tandems with Polish and Czech learners.
Feel free to book a trial lesson (30 mins) to see what I can do for you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am very happy to have Katarzyna as a czech teacher. The lessons are well prepared. She suggests conversations and then listens carefully to me. She asks me to repeat what I could not explain clearly with my own words and then corrects me. After each lesson, I take away some useful words or expressions for everyday situations.
Katarzyna S.Thanks a lot for your review! Patrick is also a very attentive and motivated student. :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dutch lessons (all levels).
I specialize in teaching you how to apply grammar, have a fluent conversation and to improve your writing skills. Moreover, I have helped Dutch speaking students to pass their NT1 exams as well as NT2 students with their language-exams.
So....
Would you like to take some extra lessons, before, in between or after your regular courses or prepare specifically for your exams? Contact me for a trial lesson.
Are you a Dutch student, struggling with the NT1 exams? Book a lesson with me and we can do this together.
Are you an expat, new resident or student in the Netherlands and looking for a loyal language companion who helps you through the dazzling maze of the Dutch language? Book with me and let me know how I can be of any help.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Monique is a very accomplished, competent and friendly teacher. She can explain content well, offers a lot of exercise material on its own and creates a pleasant learning atmosphere in which you dare to make mistakes. I can only recommend her and look forward to the next few hours with her.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dutch lessons (all levels).
I specialize in teaching you how to apply grammar, have a fluent conversation and to improve your writing skills. Moreover, I have helped Dutch speaking students to pass their NT1 exams as well as NT2 students with their language-exams.
So....
Would you like to take some extra lessons, before, in between or after your regular courses or prepare specifically for your exams? Contact me for a trial lesson.
Are you a Dutch student, struggling with the NT1 exams? Book a lesson with me and we can do this together.
Are you an expat, new resident or student in the Netherlands and looking for a loyal language companion who helps you through the dazzling maze of the Dutch language? Book with me and let me know how I can be of any help.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am loving the experience and I feel like I am making a lot of progress. The lessons are tailor made to suit my preferences and our interactions are very fluid and natural. 10/10
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
It took me a long time to find my real passion in my (work) life. After studying in two universities, graduating in two bachelors, travelling the world and working abroad for several years I realized public education is where my heart lies. I went for the third time back to the university to get my teachers degree.
I have been a classroom teacher for 5 years in Dutch primary schools before I moved 4,5 years ago abroad to Colombia where I became specifically an English teacher. I am specialized in teaching in pre-, elementary, middle (secondary) and high school. I have been teaching in all different grades and all primary subjects in English and got specialised in Teaching English as a second language. Most schools where I have been working were inspired by the philosophy of 'Vygotsky'. A philosophy and methodology I also use in my private classes. Therefore they are dynamic and adapted to your personal needs.
Working in the Netherlands and Colombia in education and in several countries worldwide have allowed me to gain a variety of skill sets. These experiences also have provided me with the tools necessary for working abroad and online including adaptability, patience, dedication to my peer’s success, and respect for cultural and societal norms. Learning English as a second language from someone that is trained to teach the language like this and also once has learned the language herself as a second language (as my native language is Dutch), gives me a lot of benefits in comparison of learning the language from a native speaker.
Aside from this being my day to day job already for the past 10 years in Bilingual primary, middle and high schools, I started private classes to teach English as a second language in the afternoons. I am new to this platform as I haven't offered my services in the past through an official platform. With the recent changes worldwide I thought it is a good moment to focus more on online teaching and decided to dedicate all my time at the moment on online teaching. Therefore I have a wide availability Let me know which level you have and if there's anything specific you would like to focus on. I have experience in teaching all facets of the language.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
We found our first Dutch class with Lisa really helpful. She is very patient and made the class enjoyable. Looking forward to getting started :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I want to help people to improve the level of their chosen language.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
wat een uitstekende leraar! In addition to being competent, Nancy is always on time and does not hesitate to exceed the class hour to complete the lesson.
Nancy C.Thank you Thibaut for your kind words. It was a pleasure to be able to help you.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dutch lessons (all levels).
I specialize in teaching you how to apply grammar, have a fluent conversation and to improve your writing skills. Moreover, I have helped Dutch speaking students to pass their NT1 exams as well as NT2 students with their language-exams.
So....
Would you like to take some extra lessons, before, in between or after your regular courses or prepare specifically for your exams? Contact me for a trial lesson.
Are you a Dutch student, struggling with the NT1 exams? Book a lesson with me and we can do this together.
Are you an expat, new resident or student in the Netherlands and looking for a loyal language companion who helps you through the dazzling maze of the Dutch language? Book with me and let me know how I can be of any help.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Monique is an outstanding teacher. She is a person with a lot of energy, immense experience, structure and humor. I am very satisfied with her teaching methods. Monique has also expertise when it comes to career advices, proper motivation letter and CV. I am very happy with my lessons and I highly recommend her!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I was born in the Netherlands and was living there for most of my life. I did a bachelor in Economics and Languages. That means I can help anyone with Dutch. From Recreational to Business use of Dutch, I will make sure we get to your goals.
Furthermore I have been using my second language, English, for many years while I was studying in England at NENE university in Northampton. I worked for a US based company for almost 10 years. I was teaching English in India and Nepal. Currently I am residing in Poland.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Jeff is a wonderful teacher. He listens well and understood my personal needs if it comes to learning Dutch. Highly recommended!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Have you always dreamed of becoming an expert in the English language? Now you can!
I am a sworn translator and have more than 15 years of experience. Together with me you will be a near native speaker in no time!
My name is Wendy and I have been working as a sworn translator and reviser in the English and Dutch language for more than 15 years. In addition, I occasionally help students and pupils with their lessons, young and old.
Would you also like to become a language professional? Or do you just want to be able to get by in the English or Dutch language, and especially want to practice speaking? Then you're in the right place with me. I would be happy to help you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Wendy is a great teacher, very perceptive and with a great adaptability. I have enjoyed my classes with here and I definitively feel an improvement after studying with her.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dutch lessons (all levels).
I specialize in teaching you how to apply grammar, have a fluent conversation and to improve your writing skills. Moreover, I have helped Dutch speaking students to pass their NT1 exams as well as NT2 students with their language-exams.
So....
Would you like to take some extra lessons, before, in between or after your regular courses or prepare specifically for your exams? Contact me for a trial lesson.
Are you a Dutch student, struggling with the NT1 exams? Book a lesson with me and we can do this together.
Are you an expat, new resident or student in the Netherlands and looking for a loyal language companion who helps you through the dazzling maze of the Dutch language? Book with me and let me know how I can be of any help.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Monique M. is an amazing teacher. Till now, we have only had one lesson together but I can say that it was reallt constructive to determine my learning process. I highly recommend her!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello
My name is Anco Peeters,. I am born in The Netherlands and a native speaker of the Dutch language..
I started my career as a schoolteacher and as a gymnastic instructor.
Later I started working in the ICT sector. Now I am a freelance instructor and consultant who teaches mainly networking and telephony.
I am also an NLP Practitioner
My hobbies are: Yoga, traveling, fitness, walking, meeting people
I would love to teach the Dutch language in an informal way with the accent on learning to speak the language. Grammar is also important. We can talk about any topic. I would like to help you making progress and have a lot of experience in creating an individual plan for every student based on your needs
Would love to see you for a trial lesson
Kind regards
Anco
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I started with Dutch language courses a few weeks ago. Anco has a good speaking and teaching style which keeps me interested during lessons. Lots of good learning material and exercises which make easier to understand and learn Dutch and to prepare for exam. Thanks Anco for the great lessons !
Anco P.Thanks a lot for this feedback Aislu! With your perseverance you will definitely pass the exam.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi!
My name is Natalia and I am a teacher of Spanish as a foreign language. I was born in Uruguay and I’m currently living in Spain.
I have a degree in International Relations and I have been developing my career as a teacher.
My classes are designed following a natural and communicative, action-oriented approach. In each class you will be able to participate, think, give your opinion and thus you will develop step by step all the necessary skills to learn and master the language.
One-on-one Spanish lessons with me include:
- Authentic materials adapted to your needs and interests.
- Exercises and activities that will keep you motivated.
- Feedback and tips to progress.
If you…
- would love to travel through Latin America or Spain
- need to improve your pronunciation in Spanish, your fluency, your comprehension
- would like to invest in your professional career and you know that speaking Spanish is essential
- need Spanish to do business.
- or just want to learn this language because you like it
Book a free trial lesson with me and start learning this beautiful language!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Natalia is a lovely and passionate teacher who clearly adores teaching and sharing her taste for languages to her pupils. She knows how to tailor them to her students, helping them to reach their goals. She adapts the subjects and themes to their tastes and is always available for help. I truly recommend her to anyone who wants to learn Spanish in a fun, informative way!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials