Welcome to the Netherlands! If you’re visiting this beautiful country with its windmills, tulips, and world-famous cycling culture, you might be wondering whether you need to speak Dutch. Here’s the good news: most Dutch people speak excellent English, often fluently. But here’s the even better news: making an effort to speak some Dutch will earn you smiles, appreciation, and occasionally even better service or discounts. The Dutch genuinely appreciate when visitors attempt their language, and you’ll find that locals are incredibly patient and encouraging with learners.

This guide covers the essential Dutch phrases you’ll actually use as a traveler. You won’t need to become fluent, but knowing these basics will enhance your experience, help you navigate everyday situations, and show respect for your hosts. Plus, it’s fun!

Greetings and Basic Pleasantries

Let’s start with the foundations. These greetings form the backbone of every interaction you’ll have in the Netherlands.

Hallo (HAH-lo) – Hello
This is your most basic greeting and works in almost any situation. Simple, friendly, and universally understood.

Goedemorgen (KHOO-duh-MOR-gun) – Good morning
Use this from waking until around noon. The Dutch start their day early, so a morning greeting is appreciated.

Goedemiddag (KHOO-duh-mid-AHK) – Good afternoon
This covers the afternoon hours, typically from noon until around 5 or 6 PM. It sounds fancier than just “hallo” and is perfect for shops and restaurants.

Goedenavond (KHOO-duh-AH-vont) – Good evening
Use this after sunset or in the evening. It’s warmer than a simple hello.

Hoe gaat het met u? (HOO khaat het met oo?) – How are you? (formal)
Perfect for older people, officials, or service workers you want to show respect to.

Hoe gaat het? (HOO khaat het?) – How are you? (informal)
Use this with peers, people your age, or in casual settings.

Prima, dank je (PREE-mah, DANK yuh) – Fine, thanks
The standard response to “hoe gaat het?” It’s short, friendly, and effective.

Tot ziens (TOT zee-ens) – Goodbye/See you
This literally means “see you later” and is the most common farewell.

Dag (DAKH) – Bye
Casual goodbye, often used when leaving shops. You’ll hear this constantly.

Welterusten (wel-tuh-ROO-stun) – Good night
Use this if someone is going to bed, not as a greeting.

Please, Thank You, and Politeness

These magical words will get you far in the Netherlands.

Alstublieft (ALS-too-BLEEFT) – Please (formal)
This is the formal version and is commonly used in shops and restaurants.

Alsjeblieft (ALS-yuh-BLEEFT) – Please (informal)
Use with friends and people your age. It’s the casual version.

Dank u wel (DANK oo vel) – Thank you very much (formal)
Perfect for formal situations or when someone has done something substantial for you.

Dank je wel (DANK yuh vel) – Thank you (informal)
The everyday way to say thank you to friends and casual acquaintances.

Dankje (DANK yuh) – Thanks (very casual)
Super informal, what you might say when someone hands you something small.

Graag (KHRAHKH) – You’re welcome/Gladly
A common response to thanks, or used before “dank je” to mean “you’re welcome.”

Excuses (eks-KOO-zes) – Excuse me/Sorry
A handy word for getting attention or apologizing for minor infractions.

Het spijt me (het SPYT muh) – I’m sorry
A more sincere apology than just “excuses.”

Geen problem (KHAYN PROH-blem) – No problem
The Dutch love to say this, and it’s very useful for responding to apologies.

Yes, No, and Important Confirmations

These simple words are crucial for understanding responses.

Ja (YAH) – Yes
Straightforward and universally understood. The Dutch prefer this over “yes” in formal settings.

Nee (NAY) – No
Equally straightforward. The Dutch use this clearly and directly—no ambiguity here!

Prima (PREE-mah) – Good/Okay
Often used as agreement or to confirm something is fine.

Oké (OH-KAY) – Okay
Borrowed from English, but widely used in Dutch.

Zeker (ZEK-er) – Certainly
A more formal affirmation that something will happen.

Jammer (YAH-mer) – Too bad/Shame
Used when disappointed about something.

Numbers 1-10

Essential for understanding prices, times, and quantities.

Een (AYN) – One
Twee (TWAH) – Two
Drie (DREE) – Three
Vier (VEER) – Four
Vijf (VYF) – Five
Zes (ZES) – Six
Zeven (ZAY-vun) – Seven
Acht (ACHT) – Eight
Negen (NAY-gun) – Nine
Tien (TEEN) – Ten

Learning these opens doors to understanding prices, phone numbers, and quantities at markets.

Days of the Week

Useful for making reservations, planning excursions, or understanding posted schedules.

Maandag (MAHN-dakh) – Monday
Dinsdag (DINS-dakh) – Tuesday
Woensdag (WOENS-dakh) – Wednesday
Donderdag (DON-der-dakh) – Thursday
Vrijdag (VRY-dakh) – Friday
Zaterdag (ZAH-ter-dakh) – Saturday
Zondag (ZON-dakh) – Sunday

Notice the pattern? Most Dutch days end in “dag” (day), making them slightly easier to remember.

Basic Questions

These questions cover most traveler scenarios you’ll encounter.

Spreekt u Engels? (SPRAYT oo ENG-els?) – Do you speak English? (formal)
A respectful way to ask if someone can help you in English. Most will say yes!

Spreek je Engels? (SPRAYK yuh ENG-els?) – Do you speak English? (informal)
Same question, less formal.

Waar is het toilet? (VAHR is het TOI-let?) – Where is the toilet?
Perhaps the most important question for any traveler!

Waar is…? (VAHR is…?) – Where is…?
Follow this with any destination: “het station” (the train station), “de kathedraal” (the cathedral), “een café” (a café).

Hoeveel kost het? (HOO-vayl KOST het?) – How much does it cost?
Your price-checking essential.

Hoeveel? (HOO-vayl?) – How much?
The short version, sometimes asked about food at markets.

Welke taal spreek je? (VEL-kuh TAHL SPRAYK yuh?) – What language do you speak?
A friendly conversation starter.

Hoe heet je? (HOO HAYT yuh?) – What’s your name? (informal)
Perfect for meeting locals.

Wat is dit? (VAT is dit?) – What is this?
Point at something and ask when you’re curious.

Heeft u…? (HAYFT oo…?) – Do you have…? (formal)
Essential for asking if shops have items.

Hotel Check-In and Room Phrases

When checking into your accommodation, these phrases will smooth the process.

Ik heb een reservering (ik hep ayn res-er-VAY-ring) – I have a reservation
Say this when arriving at your hotel.

Wat is mijn kamernummer? (VAT is myn KAH-mer-noom-er?) – What is my room number?
They’ll tell you, but it’s good to confirm.

Waar is het ontbijt? (VAHR is het ONT-byt?) – Where is breakfast?
If breakfast is included, ask where to find it.

Kunt u mij helpen? (KOONT oo my HEL-pun?) – Can you help me? (formal)
A polite request for assistance.

Kan ik WiFi krijgen? (KAN ik WY-fy KRY-gun?) – Can I get WiFi?
Essential modern question!

Wat is het WiFi-wachtwoord? (VAT is het WY-fy VACHT-vort?) – What is the WiFi password?
Following up on the previous question.

Buying Tickets and Admissions

Whether for trains, museums, or attractions, these phrases help.

Één kaartje naar… (AYN KAHR-chuh NAHr…) – One ticket to…
Complete with your destination: “Amsterdam,” “Utrecht,” “Zaanse Schans.”

Twee kaartjes (TWAH KAHR-chuz) – Two tickets
Just change the number for your group size.

Ik wil graag… (ik vil KHRAHKH…) – I would like…
A polite way to request things, followed by what you want: “koffie” (coffee), “een hamburger” (a hamburger).

Hoe laat gaat de trein? (HOO laht khaat duh TRAYN?) – What time does the train leave?
Critical for catching your connection.

Wanneer is het open? (VAN-ayr is het OH-pun?) – When is it open?
Ask before heading to attractions.

Polite Expressions That Show Respect

These little phrases go a long way in the Netherlands.

U bent erg aardig (oo bent erkh AHR-dikh) – You are very kind
A warm compliment for helpful locals.

Dat is heel mooi (dat is hayl MOY) – That is very beautiful
Use this when admiring something Dutch.

Bedankt voor uw hulp (buh-DANKT voor oo HULP) – Thank you for your help (formal)
Perfect when leaving a shop or after someone helps you.

Veel sterkte (VAYL STER-ktuh) – Good luck/Be strong
A nice phrase to use when someone mentions a challenge.

Pronunciation Tips for Beginners

The Dutch G and CH sounds are notoriously difficult for English speakers. That guttural sound from the back of the throat (represented as KH in our guide) takes practice, but don’t worry—you don’t need to perfect it. Most Dutch people will understand you even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.

Remember that the Dutch appreciate the effort more than the perfection. Even if you butcher the pronunciation, they’ll be charmed that you tried. Many will respond in English, but having made the effort, you’ve already won their goodwill.

Final Thoughts

These essential phrases will carry you through most traveler situations in the Netherlands. From greetings to asking for directions, from ordering food to finding facilities, you’re now equipped with the basics. The Dutch are extremely welcoming to visitors who make an effort to speak their language, even if that effort is minimal.

Don’t be shy about using these phrases. The worst that can happen is someone gently corrects you or responds in English—and they’ll do both with a smile. So go forth, greet people in Dutch, order your stroopwafel with confidence, and enjoy your adventures in this wonderful country. The Dutch language awaits!