The Dutch language, spoken primarily in the Netherlands and Belgium, is a Germanic language closely related to English and German. Dutch is known for its straightforward grammar and vocabulary, making it relatively accessible for English speakers. However, it also features unique sounds and pronunciation rules that can be challenging for beginners. The Dutch alphabet consists of 26 letters, similar to English, but includes distinct sounds such as the guttural “g” and the diphthong “ij,” which does not exist in English.

See Which countries speak Dutch Language?

When traveling in the Dutch speaking countries, knowing some basic phrases can greatly enhance your experience. Not only does it help you navigate daily interactions more smoothly, but it also shows respect for the local culture. The following guide provides essential vocabulary organized by categories that travelers will find useful.

Numbers

Dutch	Pronunciation
1	Eén (ayn)
2	Twee (tway)
3	Drie (dree)
4	Vier (veer)
5	Vijf (vife)
10	Tien (teen)
100	Honderd (HON-derd)

Days of the Week

Dutch	Pronunciation
Monday	Maandag (MAHN-dahg)
Tuesday	Dinsdag (DINS-dahg)
Wednesday	Woensdag (WOON-sdahg)
Thursday	Donderdag (DON-der-dahg)
Friday	Vrijdag (VRY-dahg)
Saturday	Zaterdag (ZAH-ter-dahg)
Sunday	Zondag (ZON-dahg)

Months

Dutch	Pronunciation
January	Januari (YAH-noo-AH-ree)
February	Februari (FEH-broo-AH-ree)
March	Maart (MAHRT)
April	April (AH-pril)
May	Mei (MAY)
June	Juni (YOO-nee)
July	Juli (YOO-lee)
August	Augustus (AH-goos-tus)
September	September (SEP-tem-ber)
October	Oktober (OK-toe-ber)
November	November (NO-vem-ber)
December	December (DEH-sem-ber)

Greetings

• Hallo (HAH-lo) – Hello
• Goedemorgen (GOO-deh-MOR-ghen) – Good morning
• Goedenmiddag (GOO-den-MID-dahg) – Good afternoon
• Goedenavond (GOO-den-AH-vond) – Good evening
• Tot ziens (TOT zeens) – Goodbye

Polite Expressions

• Alstublieft (AL-stu-BLEEFt) – Please
• Dank u wel (DANK oo VEL) – Thank you (formal)
• Dank je wel (DANK yuh VEL) – Thank you (informal)
• Excuseer me (ex-KYOO-seer meh) – Excuse me
• Graag gedaan (GRAHK ge-DAN) – You’re welcome

Basic Shopping Phrases

• Hoeveel kost dit? (HOO-vayl kost dit?) – How much does this cost?
• Ik wil dit kopen. (IK vil dit KOH-puhn.) – I want to buy this.

Ordering Food

• Mag ik een koffie, alstublieft? (MAKH ik ayn KAW-fee, AL-stu-BLEEFt?) – Can I have a coffee, please?
• De rekening, alstublieft. (Duh RAY-keh-ning, AL-stu-BLEEFt.) – The bill, please.

Transportation Terms

• Waar is het station? (VAHR is het stah-SYOHN?) – Where is the station?
• Ik heb een kaartje naar … (IK hep ayn KAART-yuh NAHR …) – I have a ticket to …

Directions

• Links (LINKS) – Left
• Rechts (REKHTS) – Right
• Rechtdoor (REKHT-door) – Straight ahead

Hotel and Accommodation Vocabulary

• Kamers (KAH-mers) – Rooms
• Reservering (REH-ser-VAY-ring) – Reservation

Emergency Phrases

• Help! (HELP!) – Help!
• Ik heb een dokter nodig. (IK hep ayn DOK-ter NOH-dig.) – I need a doctor.

Common Questions

• Spreekt u Engels? (SPRAYKT oo ENG-guhls?) – Do you speak English?

Weather Terms

• Het is koud. (HET is KOWT.) – It is cold.
• Het is warm. (HET is VARM.) – It is warm.

Cultural Etiquette Phrases

Using polite expressions can enhance your interactions:

• Gezellig! (geh-ZELL-ikh!) – Cozy or nice atmosphere.

Health and Medical Terms

Familiarize yourself with basic health-related vocabulary:

• Medicijnen (MED-ee-SINE-en) – Medicines

Dining Etiquette

When dining out:

• Eet smakelijk! (EHT SMAK-e-likh!) – Enjoy your meal!

Local Attractions Vocabulary

Learn terms related to sightseeing:

• Museum (MU-ZAYUM) – Museum

Currency and Payment Terms

Essential for shopping:

• Contant geld (KON-tant GHELT) – Cash

Social Interactions

Engaging with locals:

• Hoe gaat het? (HOO ghaht het?) – How are you?

Compliments and Small Talk

Building rapport:

• Je ziet er goed uit! (Yuh ZEET er GHOOT out!) – You look good!

By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and vocabulary, you’ll be better prepared to navigate daily life in the Netherlands. Practice regularly, and don’t hesitate to engage with locals; they will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language.