Basic Dutch Phrases — Greetings, Thank You & Sorry

Learning basic Dutch phrases is a great first step toward understanding the language and culture. These common expressions will help you greet people, ask simple questions, and handle daily situations in the Netherlands or Belgium. Whether you're a complete beginner or brushing up, this guide gives you the essentials to start communicating.

🔊 Quick Pronunciation Tips

• g is often a throaty sound (especially in the Netherlands).
• ui sounds a bit like “ow” + “uh” mixed (as in huis “house”).
• ij/ei both sound like English “eye”.
• sch is like “s” + guttural “ch” (e.g., school).

Politeness: alsjeblieft (informal) vs alstublieft (formal). je/jij (you, informal) vs u (formal).

👋 Greetings & Introductions

• Hallo – Hello
• Goedemorgen – Good morning
• Goedemiddag – Good afternoon
• Goedenavond – Good evening
• Tot ziens – See you
• Dag – Bye / Hello
• Hoe heet je? – What’s your name? (informal)
• Hoe heet u? – What’s your name? (formal)
• Ik heet [naam] – My name is [name]
• Aangenaam – Nice to meet you

❓ Useful Questions

• Hoe gaat het? – How are you?
• Wat is dit? – What is this?
• Waar is het toilet? – Where is the toilet?
• Spreek je Engels? – Do you speak English? (informal)
• Spreekt u Engels? – Do you speak English? (formal)
• Hoeveel kost het? – How much does it cost?
• Kunt u me helpen? – Can you help me? (formal)

👍 Essential Phrases

• Dank je wel / Dank u wel – Thank you (informal / formal)
• Alsjeblieft / Alstublieft – Please / Here you go
• Sorry – Sorry
• Ik begrijp het niet – I don’t understand
• Kunt u dat herhalen? – Could you repeat that? (formal)
• Ik spreek een beetje Nederlands – I speak a little Dutch
• Geen probleem – No problem

🧭 Directions & Travel

• Waar is het station? – Where is the station?
• Links / Rechts – Left / Right
• Rechtdoor – Straight ahead
• Ik ben verdwaald – I am lost
• Hoe ver is het? – How far is it?
• Ik zoek de bushalte – I’m looking for the bus stop
• Mag ik een kaartje naar Amsterdam? – May I have a ticket to Amsterdam?

🍽️ At a Restaurant

• De menukaart, alstublieft – The menu, please
• Ik wil graag bestellen – I would like to order
• Mag ik water zonder prik? – May I have still water?
• Ik ben vegetarisch – I am vegetarian
• Ik ben allergisch voor noten – I’m allergic to nuts
• Zonder ui, alstublieft – Without onion, please
• De rekening, alstublieft – The bill, please
• Het was lekker – It was delicious

🛍️ Shopping & Money

• Heeft u dit in maat M? – Do you have this in size M?
• Wat is de prijs? – What’s the price?
• Kan ik met pin betalen? – Can I pay by card?
• Mag ik een kassabon? – May I have a receipt?
• Ik kijk alleen – I’m just looking

⏰ Time & Days

📝 Practice Tip

Practice these phrases aloud and try using them in real situations. Record yourself, shadow native speakers, and repeat short dialogues daily. Small, frequent practice builds confidence quickly.

📚 Related Lessons

• Dutch Pronouns
• Dutch Numbers
• Dutch Alphabet