
Are you having trouble making the leap from the beginner to the intermediate level? It can be challenging to go from using simple structures in the present tense to figuring out the more difficult structures you need for expressing complex ideas or subtle feelings.
Don’t worry; help is near. Having access to an extensive set of intermediate Dutch phrases may be the final push that will help you make this leap. And once you’re on the other side, you’ll find a lot of satisfaction in improving your skills and tackling the more challenging aspects of the language.
In this article, we’ll have a look at some of the most useful intermediate Dutch phrases and sentence structures. You’ll get practical phrases for a wide variety of situations: talking about past events, making plans for the future, explaining your reasons, and more.
Let’s dive in.

Let’s master those intermediate Dutch phrases!

- Talking About Past Events
- Making and Changing Plans
- Explaining Your Reasons
- Making Recommendations and Complaints
- Reaction Phrases for Everyday Conversations
- Dutch Etiquette Phrases for Social and Business Settings
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
1. Talking About Past Events
When you’re at a beginner level, chances are that you will only use the present tense. But as you bridge the gap toward becoming an intermediate Dutch student, you’ll need to learn how to use the Dutch past tense to talk about past events and share your experiences. Let’s have a look at some useful intermediate Dutch phrases for talking about things that happened in the past.
We hebben een geweldige tijd gehad. |
We had a great time. |
Literally: We have had a great time. |
We hebben genoten van het feest gisteravond. |
We enjoyed the party last night. |
Dat was de ergste dag van mijn leven. |
That was the worst day of my life. |
Ik werk hier nu drie jaar. |
I have been working here for three years now. |
Literally: I work here three years now. This Dutch sentence uses the present tense because we’re talking about something that is still ongoing. |
Vorig jaar reisde ik naar Argentinië. |
Last year, I traveled to Argentina. |
Ik had vroeger een hond die Billie heette. |
I used to have a dog named Billie. |
- ➜ Do you want a quick overview of Dutch tenses? Then have a look at our Beginner’s Guide to Dutch Verb Conjugation. It’s available for free on DutchPod101.com.
2. Making and Changing Plans
Now that we have a better grasp of the past, let’s go to the future. For this, you’ll need to be able to manage the Dutch future tense. As you will gather from the following Dutch phrases for the intermediate level, there are many different ways to use this tense, and they’re all quite simple—so give them a go! Usually, mentioning the date of the event will be enough for the other person to understand you’re talking about the future; from that point on, whether you use the present or future tense is a matter of preference.
Be aware: The Dutch love to plan, so you may have to make plans in advance and avoid canceling at the last minute (as this is viewed as rude).

How do you make and change plans in Dutch? Let’s have a look!
Ik ben volgende week beschikbaar. |
I am available next week. |
Heb je dit weekend tijd? |
Do you have time this weekend? |
Wil je vanavond pizza eten? |
Do you want to eat pizza tonight? |
Mag ik mijn vriend/vriendin meenemen? |
Can I bring my boyfriend/girlfriend? |
Kunnen we het naar volgende week verplaatsen? |
Can we move it to next week? |
Zouden we een nieuwe afspraak kunnen maken? |
Could we make a new appointment? |
We hebben het er later over in onze bespreking. |
We will talk about it later in our meeting. |
- ➜ Do you want to learn more useful phrases for talking about your plans? Then have a look at our free vocabulary list Talking About Your Plans, which comes with audio recordings so you can practice your pronunciation.
3. Explaining Your Reasons
Another essential set of Dutch phrases for the intermediate level consists of those for explaining the reasons behind your actions. Describing your reasons is quite straightforward in Dutch; it only takes a few key words and structures to start talking about causes and consequences. See what we mean by taking a look at the useful intermediate Dutch phrases we’ve listed below.
Ik eet geen eieren of vis want ik ben allergisch. |
I don’t eat eggs or fish because I’m allergic. |
Ik hou van deze muziek omdat ik er graag op dans. |
I like this music because I like to dance to it. |
Ik ben een beetje dronken, dus ik loop terug naar huis. |
I am a bit drunk, so I’ll walk back home. |
Omdat ik uitgeput was, sliep ik tot in de middag. |
Because I was exhausted, I slept until noon. |
Ik praat zachtjes want ik wil haar niet wakker maken. |
I’m speaking softly because I don’t want to wake her up. |
4. Making Recommendations and Complaints
One way to gain a deeper insight and understanding of people is to share our opinions and learn from each other’s experiences. Making recommendations or complaints is a great way to bond with people. Whether you want to recommend a great restaurant to your friends or discourage them from reading a boring book, the following intermediate Dutch phrases will help you get the message across.
Je moet dit proberen. Het is de beste koffie die ik ooit heb gehad. |
You should try this. It’s the best coffee I’ve ever had. |
Dit is mijn favoriete restaurant. |
This is my favorite restaurant. |
Dit is de beste pizzeria van de stad. |
This is the best pizza place in town. |
Literally: This is the best pizza place of the city. |
Ik heb echt genoten van deze film. Ik zou hem graag nog een keer zien. |
I really enjoyed this movie. I would like to see it again. |
Ik zou dit boek niet aanraden, ik vond het erg saai. |
I would not recommend this book; I found it very boring. |
- ➜ Do you want to learn more? Have a look at our vocabulary list Making Complaints in Dutch, which comes with useful audio recordings for pronunciation practice.
5. Reaction Phrases for Everyday Conversations

Get ready for everyday Dutch conversations by learning these useful intermediate Dutch phrases!
Are you interested in improving your Dutch conversation skills? In this section, we’ll teach you some short intermediate-level phrases for reacting to statements and expressing emotions like enthusiasm, curiosity, and disbelief. Being able to react fully (rather than just saying yes or no) is a great step forward in becoming more fluent in Dutch.
1 – Great!
A:
Ik vind de serie die je me hebt aangeraden heel erg leuk.
“I really love the series you recommended to me.”
B:
Wat leuk, ik ben blij dat je het leuk vindt!
“That’s great; I’m glad you like it!”
2 – Sorry.
A:
Ik heb een notenallergie.
“I have a nut allergy.”
B:
Oh, sorry, dat wist ik niet.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t know.”
3 – I can’t believe it.
A:
Ik hou niet van kaas.
“I don’t like cheese.”
B:
Echt waar?
“Really?” [Formal/Casual]
B:
Meen je het?
“Are you serious?” [Formal/Casual]
B:
Maak je een grapje?
“Are you making a joke?” [Casual]
4 – That’s a shame.
A:
Ik kan vanavond niet komen.
“I can’t come tonight.”
B:
Ah, dat is jammer.
“Oh, that’s a shame.” [Formal/Casual]
B:
Ah, dat is balen!
“Ah, that sucks!” [Casual]
5 – Keep me posted!
A:
Ik weet nog niet of ik vanavond kan komen.
“I don’t know if I can come tonight.”
B:
Oké, hou me op de hoogte!
“Okay, keep me posted!”
6 – Thanks for coming!
A:
We hebben genoten van het feest gisteravond.
“We enjoyed the party last night.”
B:
Wat fijn, bedankt voor het komen!
“How nice, thanks for coming!”
- ➜ Do you need to improve your Dutch speaking skills? Have a look at our vocabulary list How to Improve Your Speaking Skills for some useful tips. You can also see our Using Small Talk Phrases list.
6. Dutch Etiquette Phrases for Social and Business Settings

What Dutch etiquette rules do you already know?
Last but not least, to really become an intermediate-level Dutch speaker, you should also know some Dutch etiquette phrases for social and business settings. Even though the Dutch aren’t the most polite people in the world, there is more to Dutch courtesy than just saying alstublieft (“please”) and bedankt (“thank you”). We do appreciate some etiquette, especially in the Dutch business culture. So, let’s have a look at some useful Dutch phrases for intermediate-level students who want to make a great impression in social and business settings.
Doe alsof je thuis bent. |
Make yourself at home. |
Literally: Do as if you are at home. |
Laat het me weten als je vragen hebt. [Casual] | Laat het me weten als u vragen heeft. [Formal] |
Please let me know if you have questions. |
Goede reis! |
Have a good trip! |
Ik kijk er naar uit om van je te horen. [Casual] | Ik kijk er naar uit van u te horen. [Formal] |
I look forward to hearing from you. |
Leuk je te ontmoeten. [Casual] | Aangenaam kennis te maken. [Formal] |
Nice to meet you. |
Sorry dat ik je stoor. [Casual] | Sorry dat ik u stoor. [Formal] |
I’m sorry to disturb you. | |
Literally: Sorry to disturb you. |
Gezondheid. |
Bless you. |
Literally: Health. This is used when someone sneezes. When someone sneezes three times, some people may add morgen mooi weer (“good weather tomorrow”), but it’s old-fashioned and mostly used as a joke. |
- ➜ Would you like to learn more about Dutch etiquette? You’re in luck! We have a complete guide [link] on what’s polite and what’s not in the Netherlands. It’s available for free on DutchPod101.com.
7. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
In this guide, you have learned more than thirty useful intermediate Dutch phrases covering different aspects of our daily lives. As a true intermediate Dutch speaker, you can now talk about past events, make and change plans, explain your reasons, make recommendations or complaints, react to everyday conversations, and even use those tricky Dutch etiquette phrases for social and business settings.
Are there any other types of Dutch phrases for the intermediate level you would like to learn? Or some useful intermediate Dutch phrases on another topic? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!
Try to really practice all of the intermediate Dutch phrases from our list by following these steps:
- Read the sentence carefully and see if you can understand it.
- Try and translate it yourself with the words and grammar that you already know.
- Compare your results to the given translation (and to its literal translation, when needed).
- Once you understand the words and the grammatical structure, you can make some changes to the sentence to make it more personal or applicable to other situations.
- Once you’re comfortable enough, you could even try to rephrase it completely or make it more complex.

Yes, you are ready to master the Dutch intermediate level!
You can start mastering these Dutch phrases for intermediate learners with the help of DutchPod101.com. We offer audio and video lessons, vocabulary lists with audio recordings, and other free resources to boost your studies. With DutchPod101, you can really keep your Dutch learning fun and diverse.
Would you like some special attention? Remember that we also offer a Premium PLUS service with personal 1-on-1 coaching: MyTeacher. Let your private teacher help you with every aspect of the Dutch language, from the pronunciation of common phrases to the expansion of your intermediate Dutch vocabulary. You’ll receive personalized exercises, constructive feedback, and interactive assignments.
What are you waiting for? Sign up today!

Guide to the Best Podcasts for Learning Dutch

Effortlessly learning Dutch: It may sound too good to be true, but it is possible.
How?
The solution is really quite simple: Engage in some passive listening.
Instead of cramming endless vocabulary words and grammar rules into your memory, you can just sit back and listen to something that interests you. As is the case with Dutch movies and series, you can use Dutch podcasts to efficiently practice your listening comprehension and improve your language skills. The key here is to listen to podcasts on a regular basis, as this will give you natural exposure to the language every day.
Podcasts are very popular these days as they give you the opportunity to listen to something while doing simple daily tasks (cleaning, cooking, walking, commuting to work, etc.). This regular passive listening will help you learn new words and idioms, and it will help solidify the grammar structures you’ve already learned.
There are many different podcasts you could use to learn Dutch, and you can find them on a variety of platforms: Spotify, the internet, or even your phone’s podcast app.
In this article, we’ll show you the benefits of using podcasts to learn Dutch, list seven of the best podcasts for doing so, and even give you some handy tricks and tips.
Put on your headphones and get ready to improve your Dutch!

Let’s start listening to podcasts and learn some Dutch along the way.

- Benefits of Using Podcasts to Learn Dutch
- The Best Dutch Podcasts
- Tricks to Help You Learn Dutch More Effectively with Podcasts
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
1. Benefits of Using Podcasts to Learn Dutch
- Practice when it suits you.
- Improve your listening skills.
- Reinforce correct pronunciation.
- Consolidate your understanding of grammar as you hear different structures in context.
- Enrich your vocabulary on the topics of your choice.
There are many ways to learn Dutch: taking classes, downloading apps, going through long vocabulary lists, doing fill-in-the-blank exercises… These are all reasonable approaches to learning Dutch, but in this day and age, there is so much more you can take advantage of—such as podcasts!
So, what are the benefits of listening to podcasts in Dutch? How can it help you learn the language? Let’s see!
- → How do you motivate yourself when learning a language? If you’re having trouble keeping yourself motivated, have a look at this vocabulary list to find some useful tips.
1 – Optimize Your Time
Practice makes perfect, so it’s necessary to get some daily exposure to the Dutch language if you want to improve. In addition to the primary method or program you’re using to study, the simple habit of listening to Dutch every day in your car, on the bus, or while doing the dishes will contribute greatly to your learning progress.
Listening to podcasts in Dutch will allow you to study during those short gaps in your busy schedule. This could be when you’re on the metro, on your lunch break, or while exercising. As such, you’ll be able to study regularly and spread your Dutch learning throughout the day.
- → Looking for other ways to learn Dutch while commuting? Have a look at our vocabulary list Effective Ways to Learn While Commuting for some ideas.

Listen to Dutch podcasts while commuting.
2 – Different Levels, Different Perks
Because there are so many Dutch podcasts out there, you’ll always be able to find podcasts suitable for your current level.
As a beginner, you may want to stick to podcasts designed for Dutch learners, as other Dutch podcasts may be difficult for you to understand. Listening to podcasts early on gives you a good sense of how the language sounds and will help you with your pronunciation.
Intermediate learners can dip into Dutch podcasts that focus on subjects outside of language learning. They can use podcasts to enhance their grammar skills, learn new vocabulary, and get more comfortable with Dutch in general.
Advanced students may benefit the most from podcasts, especially since they’ll be able to listen to the massive amount of content out there for native Dutch speakers. You’ll have many Dutch podcasts to choose from and can listen to those that cover the topics you most enjoy.
- → Do you like listening to Dutch podcasts but need to improve your Dutch listening skills for a better experience? Have a look at our vocabulary list How to Improve Your Listening Skills for some pointers.
2. The Best Dutch Podcasts
As mentioned, there are many Dutch podcasts you can choose from. Some of them are specifically designed with Dutch learners in mind, while others are geared toward native Dutch speakers and cover a variety of topics.
So, what are the best podcasts for learning Dutch?
1 – One Minute Dutch
- Level: (True) Beginner
- Theme: Teaching Podcast
- Free
The great thing about the One Minute Dutch podcast is that each episode is only a couple of minutes long and teaches very basic Dutch concepts. There are ten short episodes that cover things like numbers, greetings, and how to introduce yourself. It’s one of the best Dutch podcasts for beginners as it introduces listeners to all the basics they need to get started.
2 – Zeg Het in Het Nederlands (“Say it in Dutch”)
- Level: Intermediate
- Theme: Teaching Podcast
- Free
Zeg Het in Het Nederlands (“Say it in Dutch”) is an intermediate-level Dutch language learning podcast that will help you improve your Dutch listening and interpretation skills. In this podcast, the narrators speak Dutch at a slow pace, and there’s even a full PDF transcript so you can follow along with the dialogue. The podcast covers a range of topics, including politics, sports, and entertainment. The episodes aren’t that long (usually under 20 minutes), so you can easily combine them with your daily activities.
3 – SBS Dutch
- Level: Advanced
- Theme: News
- Free
This Dutch news podcast is produced by the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), an Australian multimedia network that has a Dutch radio and podcasting program. SBS Dutch gives listeners a range of Dutch content focusing on both international and local news. You’ll have access to interviews, features, community stories, and news stories in Dutch so that you can strengthen your listening skills, broaden your vocabulary, and improve your pronunciation.
There are many episodes available, and SBS frequently uploads new ones so you’ll always have new content to listen to. As most episodes are relatively short (between 5 and 15 minutes long), it’s the perfect way to catch up with the latest news while improving your Dutch.
4 – DutchPod101
- Level: Absolute Beginner to Advanced
- Theme: Teaching Podcast
- Free content + Premium and Premium PLUS subscriptions
DutchPod101 has a great collection of podcast episodes for learners at every level, from absolute beginners to intermediate and advanced students. There are lessons explaining basic Dutch-language concepts, depicting common daily situations, and teaching first-hand information about the country. At DutchPod101.com, you can also complement these podcasts with grammar points, exercises, quizzes, vocabulary lists, and even personal coaching. As there are podcast episodes for every level, you can make use of DutchPod101 throughout your entire Dutch language learning journey.

Discover the benefits of DutchPod101!
5 – Man met de Microfoon (“Man with the Microphone”)
- Level: Advanced
- Theme: Stories
- Free
This is a great podcast for more advanced Dutch learners. The man met de microfoon (“man with the microphone”) drives around Amsterdam by bus in search of exciting stories from strangers. No two stories will be quite the same, as they depend on the people he encounters on the streets. This show is hosted by Chris Bajema, and each episode is around 15 minutes long.
6 – Echt Gebeurd (“True Story”)
- Level: Advanced
- Theme: Stories
- Free
Echt Gebeurd (“True Story”) is a Dutch podcast hosted by comedians and writers. It focuses on people telling true stories that are a bit unbelievable. This podcast features a wide range of storytellers recounting funny, beautiful, surprising, and special events that have really happened to them. For advanced Dutch students, it’s a fun way to challenge their Dutch skills. There are many episodes to choose from, and new ones are uploaded weekly. The episodes are about 10 or 15 minutes long, so you can perfectly combine them with your daily activities.
7 – Vloeiend Vlaams (“Fluent Flemish”)
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Theme: History and Stories
- Free
Are you learning Dutch but plan to use these language skills in Belgium? This podcast offers you a way to improve your Flemish skills. The podcast is relatively new and doesn’t have a lot of episodes yet. However, it tells you stories about Flemish history, and you’ll be able to listen to correct Flemish accents, intonation, and vocabulary. It’s a great way to improve your Flemish listening, comprehension, and pronunciation skills.
3. Tricks to Help You Learn Dutch More Effectively with Podcasts

How can you learn Dutch by listening to podcasts?
Now that you have a list of the best Dutch podcasts for learners, you’re ready to start listening. But how can you really take advantage of these podcasts to learn Dutch effectively?
- Pick the right podcast for your level.
Although it sounds very obvious, it’s important to choose the right podcast for your level so that you don’t get discouraged. It’s better to start off easy so that you can get motivated and ready for more. You can always move on to some more challenging content later. - Select the right topic for you.
If you find a Dutch podcast with a theme that you really enjoy, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and come back for more. Of course, it’s mainly the advanced students who have the luxury of choice and can choose the topics they’re most passionate about.
- Try out several podcasts.
There are many podcasts out there, and it’s likely that you won’t find the perfect program from Day One. Try out different podcasts to see which one matches your level and tastes. This will also expose you to more than one voice and accent. - Daily exposure is key.
Try making your podcast listening part of your routine. For example, you could try always listening to them while commuting or washing the dishes. If you can find the time for a daily podcast session, you will get that necessary exposure to really improve your Dutch. You can combine your podcast listening with many activities, but try to avoid too much multitasking as your ears and brain should be fully available. - Don’t forget to mix it up.
Passive learning has many benefits, but you’ll benefit more if you combine it with other language learning methods. So mix it up and combine those Dutch podcasts with the classic grammar and vocabulary work. Use podcasts as a complementary activity and not as your main (or only) Dutch language learning tool.
4. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

Let’s start learning Dutch while having fun!
In this guide, you’ve learned how to boost your studies by using podcasts to learn Dutch. We have shown you our picks for the best Dutch podcasts, and we have given you some tips and tricks to apply for the best experience.
Are there any other amazing Dutch podcasts you’re following? What do you think is the best podcast for learning Dutch?
Don’t forget to combine those Dutch podcasts with other language learning methods, such as our vocabulary lists with audio recordings (and other free resources). With DutchPod101, you can really keep your Dutch learning fun and diverse.
Would you like some special attention? Remember that we also offer a Premium PLUS service with personal 1-on-1 coaching: MyTeacher. Let your private teacher help you with Dutch grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and much more. You’ll receive personalized exercises, constructive feedback, and interactive assignments.
Happy learning on DutchPod101.com!

80+ Basic Dutch Phrases for Beginners

How many Dutch phrases do you know? Does it ever feel like you don’t know enough Dutch to handle the different situations that pop up every day?
It can be frustrating not being able to explain or express yourself due to having a limited vocabulary. But having access to an extensive set of basic Dutch phrases for beginners will surely help you feel more confident about using the Dutch language.
Luckily, you don’t have to know everything. Learning even a few Dutch beginner phrases will be enough to help you manage yourself in everyday situations and speak with clarity.
In this article, we’ll list essential Dutch phrases for beginners that will allow you to communicate in Dutch. We have included greetings, self-introductions, goodbyes, courtesy phrases, dining and shopping phrases, and phrases you can use to ask for help. By the time you reach the end, you’ll know the best Dutch beginner phrases for a wide variety of situations.

Let’s master these Dutch beginner phrases!

- Greetings, Self-introductions, and Goodbyes
- Courtesy Phrases
- Dining and Shopping Phrases
- Asking for Help
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
1. Greetings, Self-introductions, and Goodbyes
First, to make a great first impression, it’s important to get your Dutch greetings right. There are different greetings for different situations, from formal gatherings to more casual social encounters. When in doubt, remember that Hallo (“Hello”) is always a great option as it works well in both formal and casual situations.
Hallo. [Formal or casual] | Hoi. [Casual] |
Hello. | Hi. |
Goedemorgen. [Formal or casual] |
Good morning. |
Goedenavond. [Formal or casual] |
Good evening. |
Hallo meneer. [Formal] |
Hello, sir. |
Goedemorgen mevrouw. [Formal] |
Good morning, madam. |
- → Would you like to learn some more options or hear the pronunciation of the Dutch greetings above? Have a look at our vocabulary list Common Ways to Say Hello in the Netherlands.
Now that you have given your Dutch greeting, you may want to ask how they’re doing. Here are some basic Dutch phrases you could use:
Hoe gaat het met u? [Formal] | Alles goed? [Casual] |
How are you? | |
Literally: How are you going? | Literally: Everything fine? |
Goed, dank u. [Formal] | Ja, alles prima. [Casual] |
I am good, thank you. | Yes, everything is fine. |
Literally: Good, thank you. |
Would you like to keep the conversation going? In case you don’t know the other person, you can use the following Dutch beginner phrases to begin introductions.
Wat is uw naam? [Formal] | Hoe heet je? [Casual] |
What’s your name? |
Ik heet Mark. [Formal or casual] |
My name is Mark. |
Ik ben Kim. [Casual] |
I am Kim. |
Waar komt u vandaan? [Formal] | Waar kom je vandaan? [Casual] |
Where are you from? |
Waar woont u? [Formal] | Waar woon je? [Casual] |
Where do you live? |
Ik ben Duits. |
I’m German. |
Ik woon in Parijs. |
I live in Paris. |
Ik kom uit Argentinië. |
I’m from Argentina. |
- → Not sure what the Dutch name for your nationality or country is? You can find your nationality (along with its pronunciation) on this vocabulary list and the name of your country on this one.
Hoe oud bent u? [Formal] | Hoe oud ben je? [Casual] |
How old are you? |
Ik ben dertig jaar oud. |
I’m thirty years old. |
Aangenaam (kennis te maken). [Formal or casual] |
Nice to meet you. |
Literally: Nice to get to know you. You can either say aangenaam by itself or use the whole phrase (aangenaam kennis te maken). Both versions are perfectly fine for formal situations; in more casual settings, it sounds better to just say aangenaam. |
Leuk u te ontmoeten. [Formal] | Leuk je te ontmoeten. [Casual] |
Nice to meet you. |
Het was leuk u gesproken te hebben. [Formal] | Het was leuk je gesproken te hebben. [Casual] |
It was nice talking to you. |
All good things must come to an end. Here are some beginner phrases in Dutch that are perfect for ending a conversation and saying goodbye.

How do you say goodbye in Dutch?
Dag! [Formal or casual] |
Bye. |
Tot ziens. [Formal or casual] |
Goodbye. |
Literally: Until seeing you. |
Tot later! [Casual] |
See you later! |
Literally: Until later. |
Tot morgen. [Casual] |
See you tomorrow. |
Literally: Until tomorrow. |
Succes! [Formal or casual] |
Good luck. |
Veel plezier! [Casual] |
Have fun! |
- → Have a look at our vocabulary list Most Common Ways to Say Goodbye to discover many more options for saying goodbye in Dutch.
→ Would you like to learn more self-introduction sentences with useful audio recordings? See our list 10 Lines You Need for Introducing Yourself and practice your Dutch pronunciation!
2. Courtesy Phrases
The Dutch might not be the politest people in the world, but there are certain manners that the Dutch highly appreciate. To give you a leg up in social settings, we have included a list of useful Dutch phrases for beginners that are considered polite and courteous in the Netherlands. Make sure to use these courtesy phrases whenever appropriate to leave a good impression on others.
Excuseer me. [Formal] | Sorry. [Casual] |
Excuse me. | |
This phrase is used to catch someone’s attention before asking for something, or to apologize in advance for an inconvenience. For example:
|
Alstublieft. [Formal] | Alsjeblieft. [Casual] |
Please. | |
Literally: If it pleases you. |
Bedankt. [Formal or casual] |
Thank you. |
Dank u wel. [Formal] | Dank je wel. [Casual] |
Thank you. |
Graag gedaan. [Formal or casual] |
You’re welcome. |
(Dat is) geen probleem. [Casual] |
That’s no problem. |
If, despite your best efforts, you make a mistake and want to apologize for it, you can keep it simple:
Sorry. [Formal or casual] |
Sorry. |
Het spijt me. [Formal or casual] |
I’m sorry. |
Neem me niet kwalijk. [Formal] |
Excuse me. |

Use these simple Dutch beginner phrases when you’re sorry.
- → A simple sorry might not be enough if you really messed up. In this case, you might want to consult our Common Ways to Say Sorry vocabulary list.
3. Dining and Shopping Phrases
As you travel through the Netherlands, you’ll surely enjoy the country’s dining culture and the many shopping places we have. Even though the staff in shops, bars, and restaurants will surely speak English, wouldn’t it be nice to practice your Dutch?
Do you plan on dining out a lot? Learning these common Dutch phrases for beginners will help you order food, ask for the bill, and more.
Ik heb honger. |
I am hungry. |
Mag ik de menukaart zien? |
Can I see the menu? |
Ik wil graag twee koffie, alstublieft. |
I’d like two coffees, please. |
De rekening, alstublieft. |
The bill, please. |
Ik wil graag contant betalen. | Ik wil graag pinnen. |
I would like to pay in cash. | I would like to pay by card. |
These phrases will also come in handy for discussing payment options with the cashier at a store. |
We willen graag splitsen. |
We would like to split the bill. |
When you’re with friends (or even a date) in a bar or restaurant, it’s quite common in the Netherlands to split the bill, or “go Dutch.” In this case, you would just ask the staff if you could each pay your own part. |
- → You’ll find many more restaurant phrases in our vocabulary list Useful Phrases for Ordering Food. It even contains recorded examples to help you practice your pronunciation!
Now that you’ve quieted your hunger or thirst in a nice Dutch café or restaurant, it’s time to do some shopping. Here are a few beginner phrases in Dutch that will help you shop like there’s no tomorrow:
Waar is de paskamer? |
Where is the changing room? |
Ik wil graag deze broek passen. |
I’d like to try on these pants. |
Hoeveel kost dit? |
How much is this? |
Ik wil graag deze jas kopen. |
I’d like to buy this jacket. |
Verkoopt u postzegels? |
Do you sell postage stamps? |
- → Do you need more shopping words? Make sure to stop by our Shopping vocabulary list.

Let’s go shopping with these useful Dutch beginner phrases.
4. Asking for Help
Since you’re reading these basic Dutch phrases for beginners, chances are you’re not fluent yet. This means there will likely be times when you get a little lost and confused. This is perfectly fine, as long as you can explain the situation and move on. The following Dutch beginner phrases will help you do just that, even when you’re dealing with that pesky language barrier!
1 – Lost in Translation
Are you worried about listening comprehension issues during your visit? While the easiest option would be to switch to English, you should try to stick with Dutch as this will help improve your Dutch language skills.
Ik spreek niet zo goed Nederlands. |
I don’t speak Dutch very well. |
Ik begrijp u niet. [Formal] | Ik begrijp je niet. [Casual] |
I don’t understand you. |
Hoe zeg je “dog” in het Nederlands? |
How do you say “dog” in Dutch? |
Kunt u dat herhalen? [Formal] | Kun je dat herhalen? [Casual] |
Could you repeat that, please? |
Ik versta u als u langzaam praat. [Formal] | Ik versta je als je langzaam praat. [Casual] |
I understand you if you speak slowly. |
And if you really can’t save yourself in Dutch, then you could always say:
Spreekt u Engels? [Formal] | Spreek je Engels? [Casual] |
Do you speak English? |
2 – Asking for Directions
Besides being lost in translation, you might also really get lost when traveling in the Netherlands. When you’re stranded in the middle of a strange Dutch city or you don’t know where the nearest restroom is, you’ll definitely need to know these Dutch beginner phrases for asking directions.
Sorry, waar zijn de toiletten? |
Excuse me, where are the toilets? |
Waar is het centraal station? |
Where is the central station? |
Ik ben op zoek naar de Damstraat. |
I am looking for the Damstraat. |
Hoe kan ik daar komen? |
How can I get there? |
3 – Getting Out of Trouble
Did you get into trouble in the Netherlands or find yourself in a situation that you really don’t understand? Then these simple beginner phrases might come in handy.
Ik weet het niet. |
I don’t know. |
Wat is dat? |
What’s that? |
Wat gebeurt er? |
What’s happening? |
Het is oké. |
That’s okay. |
Het maak niet uit. |
It doesn’t matter. |
Maak je geen zorgen. [Formal or casual] | Maak je niet druk. [Casual] |
Don’t worry. |
- → Did someone go too far? Then have a look at our vocabulary list, Dutch Phrases to Use When You’re Angry.
5. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

These Dutch beginner phrases will surely help you improve your Dutch and start conversing!
In this guide, you’ve learned many phrases in Dutch for beginners: greetings, self-introductions, goodbyes, courtesy phrases, and even phrases for shopping, dining, and getting help.
Can you think of any more basic Dutch phrases you might need to know?
You can start practicing and rehearsing these phrases right away by checking out the free vocabulary lists on DutchPod101.com. Each list contains a recorded pronunciation of the words and phrases it covers, making them perfect for getting your pronunciation just right! In addition, we provide a variety of free resources and audio/video lessons for learners at every level. With DutchPod101, you can really keep your Dutch learning fun and diverse.
Would you like some special attention? Remember that we also offer a Premium PLUS service with personal 1-on-1 coaching: MyTeacher. Let your private teacher help you with Dutch vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and much more. You’ll receive personalized exercises, constructive feedback, and interactive assignments.
Happy learning on DutchPod101.com!

A Useful List of 150+ Advanced Dutch Words

Have you been studying Dutch for a while and feel confident in your ability to conquer more advanced Dutch words? It sure takes a lot of dedication and brainpower to master these words, but once you pull it off, you’ll find that there’s nothing as rewarding as having fluent conversations with your Dutch-speaking friends, colleagues, or classmates.
In this article, we’ll list a wide variety of advanced Dutch vocabulary words. This includes everything from general advanced words to more nuanced terms for the academic, business, medical, and legal spheres. In addition, we’ll introduce you to more sophisticated alternatives to common words that will help you ace your Dutch language exam.
With this advanced Dutch wordlist, you’ll be able to express yourself better, understand more advanced conversations, and slowly but surely perfect your Dutch.

Let’s refine your Dutch vocabulary!

- General Advanced Dutch Words
- Academic Words
- Advanced Business Words
- Advanced Medical Words
- Advanced Legal Words
- Alternative Words for Acing a Dutch Language Exam
- How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch
1. General Advanced Dutch Words
These are advanced verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and linking words that you could use in a variety of situations. They allow you to express yourself in a sophisticated manner and relay your ideas with greater clarity.
1 – Verbs
Argumenteren | De leerlingen argumenteren tegen elkaar in het debat. |
To argue | The students argue against each other in the debate. |
Besteden | Ik besteed een groot deel van mijn budget aan marketing. |
To spend / To pay | I spend a lot of my budget on marketing. |
Bevatten | Sinaasappelen bevatten veel vitamine C. |
To contain / To have | Oranges contain lots of vitamin C. |
Discussiëren | We zouden hier de hele dag over kunnen discussiëren. |
To debate | We could debate this all day. |
Fluisteren | Hij fluisterde in mijn oor. |
To whisper | He whispered in my ear. |
Leiden tot | De crisis in de huizenmarkt leidde tot vele problemen. |
To lead to | The crisis in the housing market led to many problems. |
Verantwoordelijkheid nemen | Ik neem verantwoordelijkheid voor de risico´s van deze missie. |
To take responsibility | I take responsibility for the risks of this mission. |
Verkrijgen | Ik moet een visum verkrijgen om naar Rusland te reizen. |
To obtain / To acquire | I need to obtain a visa to travel to Russia. |
Verzamelen | Wij zijn data aan het verzamelen. |
To collect / To gather | We are collecting data. |
2 – Adjectives
Feilloos | Haar kleding is altijd feilloos gestyled. |
Flawless | Her clothes are always flawlessly styled. |
Gedetailleerd | Hij schreef een gedetailleerd rapport. |
Detailed | He wrote a detailed report. |
Geschikt | We zoeken een geschikte oplossing. |
Suitable / Adequate | We’re looking for an adequate solution. |
Onaanvaardbaar | Deze resultaten zijn onaanvaardbaar! |
Unacceptable | These results are unacceptable! |
Onwaarschijnlijk | Dit lijkt erg onwaarschijnlijk. |
Unlikely | This seems very unlikely. |
Raadselachtig | De film is erg raadselachtig. |
Puzzling / Mysterious | This movie is very puzzling. |
Redelijk | Dit is een redelijke oplossing. |
Reasonable | This is a reasonable solution. |
Subtiel | Een subtiele mix van knoflook en basilicum |
Subtle | A subtle blend of garlic and basil |
Voortreffelijk | Het eten was voortreffelijk! |
Excellent / Outstanding | The food was excellent! |
Willekeurig | Er is een willekeurige selectie gemaakt. |
Random | A random selection has been made. |
3 – Adverbs
Absoluut | Het heeft absoluut geen zin. |
Absolutely | It is absolutely pointless. |
Abrupt | We zijn abrupt weg gegaan. |
Abruptly | We left abruptly. |
Briljant | Hij sloeg die bal briljant weg. |
Brilliantly | He hit that ball brilliantly. |
Gematigd | Hij praat altijd erg gematigd over dat onderwerp. |
Moderately | He always talks very moderately about that subject. |
Letterlijk | Hij heeft dat letterlijk gezegd. |
Literally | He said that literally. |
Natuurlijk | Het winnen van de wedstrijd maakte me natuurlijk blij. |
Naturally | Winning the game naturally made me happy. |
Precies | Het is precies andersom. |
Precisely | It is precisely the other way around. |