So, you’ve mastered the art of dodging bicycles, you know your stroopwafel from your bitterbal and you are feeling very confident… until someone speaks to you in Dutch. Panic not. While almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks excellent English, using a few local phrases will earn you smiles, better service and possibly an extra biscuit with your coffee.
Dutch may look like English had a strange argument with German, but it is friendlier than it sounds. Here are 10 useful phrases to help you survive, thrive and feel just a little bit impressive while travelling in the Netherlands.
1. Hallo
👋 Hello
Pronunciation: hah-loh
Simple, universal and always appreciated. Use it when entering shops, cafés or lifts and you already sound polite.
💡 Tip: Eye contact plus “Hallo” is peak Dutch politeness.
2. Dank je wel
🙏 Thank you
Pronunciation: dahnk yuh vel
This is the classic thank you and you will use it a lot. The Dutch are efficient but still appreciate good manners.
💡 Tip: For extra enthusiasm, say “Dank je wel!” with a smile and mean it.
3. Alstublieft
🤝 Please or here you go
Pronunciation: al-stu-bleeft
A multitasker of a word. It means please when asking and here you go when handing something over.
💡 Tip: If it feels long, do not worry. Everyone struggles with this one.
4. Ja / Nee
👍 Yes / No
Pronunciation: yah / nay
Short, sharp and essential. You will hear these constantly and now you can confidently reply.
💡 Tip: The Dutch appreciate clear answers, so do not be shy with your “Nee”.
5. Spreekt u Engels?
🗣️ Do you speak English?
Pronunciation: spraykt oo eng-uhls
Polite, respectful and often unnecessary because they will probably answer you in English anyway.
💡 Tip: Asking first is still good manners and makes you look thoughtful.
6. Ik begrijp het niet
🤔 I do not understand
Pronunciation: ik buh-grayp het neet
Perfect for ticket machines, fast speakers and moments when Dutch suddenly sounds very advanced.
💡 Tip: Say this once and English will magically appear.
7. Waar is de wc?
🚻 Where is the toilet?
Pronunciation: vahr is duh vay-say
Possibly the most important phrase on this list. Especially after several coffees or a night out.
💡 Tip: Yes, they say “wc” and no, it is not free everywhere.
8. Hoeveel kost dit?
💶 How much does this cost?
Pronunciation: hoo-fayl kost dit
Useful in markets, small shops and anywhere price tags are feeling shy.
💡 Tip: Pointing at the item while asking is completely acceptable.
9. Mag ik betalen?
💳 May I pay?
Pronunciation: mak ik buh-tah-luhn
Ideal when you are ready to leave but the bill is not making an appearance.
💡 Tip: Cards are king, so feel free to tap confidently.
10. Tot ziens
👋 Goodbye
Pronunciation: tot zeens
A friendly and natural way to say goodbye that works in shops, hotels and cafés.
💡 Tip: Use this instead of just waving and you will sound charmingly local.
✨ Final Language Thoughts
You do not need to be fluent in Dutch to travel the Netherlands comfortably, but a few phrases go a long way. They show respect, curiosity and effort, which the Dutch quietly appreciate.
So practise a little, laugh when you get it wrong and remember that confidence is half the pronunciation. Say it like you mean it and you will do just fine.
