Handy Dutch Phrases

While most Dutch people speak English very well, it is not uncommon to encounter a (usually older) person that doesn’t speak English or doesn’t feel confident in the language. In these situations, it can be helpful to know some Dutch phrases!

Hello: Hallo, Dag, Goede morgen/middag/avond

Goodbye: Tot ziens (see you later) or Tot straks (see you soon)

Please: Alstublieft (formal) or Alsjeblieft (familiar)

Thank you: Dank u (formal), Dank je or Bedankt (familiar)

Excuse me: Pardon or Sorry

I am sorry: Het spijt me

I beg your pardon: Neem me niet kwalijk

As well as phrases, there is also some words you will hear commonly in the Dutch language:

Gezellig – Cozy, (sometimes) social

Lekker – good, nice (food)

Leuk – nice, fun