Do you know your left from your right in Dutch? Asking for directions can mean the difference between a heavenly day on the beach and a horrible day on your feet, hot and bothered and wondering how to even get back to the hotel. Believe me – I know! On my earlier travels, I didn’t even know simple terms like ‘go straight ahead’ or ‘go west,’ and I was always too shy to ask locals for directions. It wasn’t my ego, but rather the language barrier that held me back. I’ve ended up in some pretty dodgy situations for my lack of directional word skills.

This never needs to happen! When traveling in Netherlands, you should step out in confidence, ready to work your Dutch magic and have a full day of exploring. It’s about knowing a few basic phrases and then tailoring them with the right directional words for each situation. Do you need to be pointed south in Dutch? Just ask! Believe me, people are more willing to help than you might think. It’s when you ask in English that locals might feel too uncertain to answer you. After all, they don’t want to get you lost. For this reason, it also makes sense that you learn how to understand people’s responses. 

Asking directions in Netherlands is inevitable. So, learn to love it! Our job here at DutchPod101 is to give you the confidence you need to fully immerse and be the intrepid adventurer you are.

Table of Contents

1. Talking about position and direction in Dutch
2. Getting directions in Dutch
3. Conclusion

1. Talking about position and direction in Dutch

Have you ever tried saying the compass directions of north, south, east and west in Dutch? These words are good to know, being the most natural and ancient method of finding direction. In the days before GPS – before the invention of the compass, even – knowing the cardinal directions was critical to finding the way. Certainly, if you were lost somewhere in the mountain regions now and using a map to navigate, you’d find them useful. Even more so if you and a Dutch friend were adrift at sea, following the stars!

In most situations, though, we rely on body relative directions – your basic up, down, left and right, forward and backwards. Most cultures use relative directions for reference and Dutch is no exception. Interestingly, in a few old languages there are no words for left and right and people still rely on cardinal directions every day. Can you imagine having such a compass brain?

Well, scientists say that all mammals have an innate sense of direction, so getting good at finding your way is just a matter of practice. It’s pretty cool to think that we were born already pre-wired to grasp directions; the descriptive words we invented are mere labels to communicate these directions to others! Thus, the need to learn some Dutch positional vocabulary. So, without further ado… let’s dive in.

1- Top – bovenop

If planting a flag at the top of the highest mountain in Netherlands is a goal you’d rather leave for  adrenaline junkies, how about making it to the top of the highest building? Your view of the city will be one you’ll never forget, and you can take a selfie  for Twitter with your head in the clouds. 

2- Bottom – onderkant

The ‘bottom’ can refer to the lower end of a road, the foot of a mountain, or the ground floor of a building. It’s the place you head for after you’ve been to the top!

What are your favorite ‘bottoms’? I love the first rung of a ladder, the base of a huge tree or the bottom of a jungle-covered hill. What can I say? I’m a climber. Divers like the bottom of the ocean and foxes like the bottom of a hole. Since you’re learning Dutch, hopefully you’ll travel from the top to the bottom of Netherlands.

3- Up – omhoog

This is a very common and useful word to know when seeking directions. You can go up the street, up an elevator, up a cableway, up a mountain… even up into the sky in a hot air balloon. It all depends on how far up you like to be!

4- Down – omlaag

What goes up, must surely come down. This is true of airplanes, flaming arrows and grasshoppers – either aeronautics or gravity will take care of that. In the case of traveling humans who don’t wish to go down at terminal velocity, it’s useful to know phrases such as, “Excuse me, where is the path leading back down this mountain?”

5- Middle – midden

In Lord of the Rings, Tolkien’s characters live in Middle-earth, which is just an ancient word for the inhabited world of men; it referred to the physical world, as opposed to the unseen worlds above and below it. The ancients also thought of the human world as vaguely in the middle of the encircling seas.

When we talk about the ‘middle’, we’re referring to a point that’s roughly between two horizontal lines – like the middle of the road or the middle of a river. While you’re unlikely to ask for directions to the ‘middle’ of anything, you might hear it as a response. For example, “You’re looking for the castle ruins? But they’re in the middle of the forest!”

6- Center – centrum

Although similar in meaning to ‘middle’, this word is more specific. Technically, it means the exact central point of a circular area, equally distant from every point on the circumference.  When asking for directions to the center of town, though, we don’t mean to find a mathematically-accurate pinpoint!

7- Front – voorkant

The front is the place or position that is seen first; it’s the most forward part of something.  In the case of a hotel, the front is going to be easy to recognize, so if you call a taxi and are told to wait “in front of the hotel”, you won’t have a problem. It’s pretty cool how just knowing the main Dutch directional words can help you locate something if there’s a good landmark nearby.

8- Back – achterkant

I once rented a house in a charming little street that was tucked away at the back of a popular mall. It was so easy to find, but my boss took three hours to locate it from 300 meters away. Why? Well, because she spoke no English and I had no clue what the word for ‘back’ was. All she heard, no matter which way I said it, was “mall, mall, mall”.  As a result, she hunted in front of and next to the mall until she was frazzled. 

Knowing how to describe the location of your own residence is probably the first Dutch ‘directions’ you should practice. This skill will certainly come in handy if you’re lost and looking for your way home. 

9- Side – zijkant

If the place you’re looking for is at the ‘side’ of something, it will be located to the left or the right of that landmark. That could mean you’re looking for an alleyway beside a building, or a second entrance (as opposed to the main entrance). 

As an example, you might be told that your tour bus will be waiting at the right side of the building, not in front. Of course, then you’ll also need to understand “It’s on the right” in Dutch.

10- East – oosten

If you’re facing north, then east is the direction of your right hand. It’s the direction toward which the Earth rotates about its axis, and therefore the general direction from which the sun appears to rise. If you want to go east using a compass for navigation, you should set a bearing of 90°. 

We think of Asia as the ‘East’. Geographically, this part of the world lies in the eastern hemisphere, but there’s so much more that we’ve come to associate with this word. The East signifies ancient knowledge and is symbolic of enlightenment in many cultures.

11- West – westen

West is the opposite to east and it’s the direction in which the sun sets. To go west using a compass, you’ll set a bearing of 270 degrees. 

If you were on the planet Venus, which rotates in the opposite direction from the Earth (retrograde rotation), the Sun would rise in the west and set in the east… not that you’d be able to see the sun through Venus’s opaque clouds. 

Culturally, the West refers mainly to the Americas and Europe, but also to Australia and New Zealand, which are geographically in the East. The Western way of thinking is very different to that of the East. One of the most striking differences is individualism versus collectivism. In the West, we grew up with philosophies of freedom and independence, whereas in the East concepts of unity are more important. 

Food for thought: as a traveler who’s invested in learning the languages and cultures of places you visit, you have an opportunity to become a wonderfully balanced thinker – something the world needs more of.

12- North – noorden

North is the top point of a map and when navigating, you’d set a compass bearing of 360 degrees if you want to go that way. Globes of the earth have the north pole at the top, and we use north as the direction by which we define all other directions.

If you look into the night sky, the North Star (Polaris) marks the way due north. It’s an amazing star, in that it holds nearly still in our sky while the entire northern sky moves around it. That’s because it’s located nearly at the north celestial pole – the point around which the entire northern sky turns. Definitely a boon for lost travelers!

13- South – zuiden

South is the opposite of north, and it’s perpendicular to the east and west. You can find it with a compass if you set your bearings to 180 degrees. 

The south celestial pole is the point around which the entire southern sky appears to turn. In the night sky of the southern hemisphere, the Southern Cross is a very easy to find constellation with four points in the shape of a diamond. If you come from the southern hemisphere, chances are your dad or mum pointed it out to you when you were a kid. You can use the Southern Cross to find south if traveling by night, so it’s well worth figuring it out!

14- Outside – buiten

This word refers to any place that is not under a roof. Perhaps you’ve heard talk about some amazing local bands that will be playing in a nearby town on the weekend. If it’s all happening outside, you’ll be looking for a venue in a park, a stadium or some other big open space. Come rain or shine, outside definitely works for me!

15- Inside – binnenkant

I can tolerate being inside if all the windows are open, or if I’m watching the latest Homeland episode. How about you? I suppose going shopping for Dutch-style accessories would be pretty fun, too, and that will (mostly) be an inside affair. 

16- Opposite – tegenovergesteld

This is a great word to use as a reference point for locating a place. It’s right opposite that other place! In other words, if you stand with your back to the given landmark, your destination will be right in front of you. 

17- Adjacent – aangrenzend

So, the adorable old man from next door, who looks about ninety-nine, explains in Dutch that the food market where he works is adjacent to the community hall on the main road. ‘Adjacent’ just means next to or adjoining something else, so… head for the hall! 

While you’re marveling at the wondrous and colorful displays of Dutch food, think about how all of these delicious stalls lie adjacent to one another. Having a happy visual association with a new word is a proven way to remember it!

18- Toward – naar

To go toward something is to go in its direction and get closer to it. This word can often appear in a sentence with ‘straight ahead’, as in:

“Go straight ahead, toward the park.”

If you’ve come to Netherlands to teach English, you might have to ask someone how to find your new school. Depending on what town you’re in, you could simply head toward the residential area at lunch time. You’ll see (and probably hear) the primary school soon enough – it will be the big fenced building with all the kids running around the yard!

19- Facing – tegenover

If you look at yourself in a mirror, you’ll be facing your reflection. In other words: you and your reflection look directly at each other.  Many plush hotels are ocean-facing or river-facing, meaning the main entrance is pointed directly at the water, and the beach out front faces the hotel. 

20- Beside – naast

I know of a special little place where there’s a gym right beside a river. You can watch the sun go down over the water while working out – it’s amazing. What’s more, you can park your scooter beside the building and it will still be there when you come out.

21- Corner – hoek

I love a corner when it comes to directions. A street corner is where two roads meet at an angle – often 90 degrees – making it easier to find than a location on a straight plane. 

“Which building is the piano teacher in, sir?”

“Oh, that’s easy – it’s the one on the corner.”

The key to a corner is that it leads in two directions. It could form a crossroads, a huge intersection, or it could be the start of a tiny one-way cobblestone street with hidden treasures waiting in the shadow of the buildings.

22- Distant – afgelegen

When a location is distant, it’s in an outlying area. This Dutch word refers to the remoteness of the site, not to how long it takes to get there. For that reason, it’s a very good idea to write the directions down, rather than try to memorize them in Dutch. Even better, get a Dutch person to write them down for you. This may seem obvious, but always include the location of your starting point! Any directions you’re given will be relative to the exact place you’re starting from.

23- Far – ver

This word has a similar meaning to the previous one, but it speaks more about the fact that it will take some time to get there. If you’re told that your destination is “far”,  you’ll no doubt want to go by public transport if you don’t have your own vehicle. Get your hands on a road map and have the directions explained to you using this map. Don’t hesitate to bring out the highlighters. 

24- Close – dichtbij

This word is always a good one to hear when you have your heart set on a very relaxing day in the sun. It means there’s only a short distance to travel, so you can get there in a heartbeat and let the tanning commence. Remember to grab your Nook Book – learning is enhanced when you’re feeling happy and unencumbered. Being close to ‘home’ also means you can safely steal maximum lazy hours and leave the short return trip for sunset! 

25- By – bij

This word identifies the position of a physical object beside another object or a place. A Bed and Breakfast can be ‘by the sea’ if it’s in close proximity to the sea. 

‘By’ can also be used to describe the best mode of transport for your route, as in:

“You can get there by bus.”

26- Surrounding – omheen

If something is surrounding you, it is on every side and you are enclosed by it – kind of like being in a boat. Of course, we’re not talking about deep water here, unless you’re planning on going fishing. Directions that include this word are more likely to refer to the surrounding countryside, or any other features that are all around the place you’re looking for.

27- All sides – alle kanten

Another useful descriptive Dutch term to know is ‘all sides’. It simply means that from a particular point, you will be able to see the same features to the front, back and sides of you. It doesn’t necessarily imply you’ll be completely surrounded, just more-or-less so. Say, for example, you’re visiting the winelands for the day. When you get there, you’ll see vineyards on all sides of you. How stunning! Don’t neglect to sample the local wines – obviously. 

28- Next to – naast

The person giving you directions is probably standing next to you. The place being described as ‘next to’ something is in a position immediately to one side of it. It could refer to adjoining buildings, neighbouring stores, or the one-legged beggar who sits next to the beautiful flower vendor on weekdays. ‘Next to’ is a great positional term, as everything is next to something! 

“Excuse me, Ma’am.  Where is the train station?”

“It’s that way – next to the tourist market.”

29- Above – boven

This is the direction you’ll be looking at if you turn your head upwards. Relative to where your body is, it’s a point higher than your head. If you’re looking for the location of a place that’s ‘above’ something, it’s likely to be on at least the first floor of a building; in other words, above another floor.

‘Above’ could also refer to something that will be visible overhead when you get to the right place. For example, the road you’re looking for might have holiday decorations strung up from pole to pole above it. In the cities, this is very likely if there’s any kind of festival going on.

30- Under – onder

Under is the opposite of above, and refers to a place that lies beneath something else. In the case of directions in Dutch, it could refer to going under a bridge – always a great landmark – or perhaps through a subway. In some parts of the world, you can even travel through a tunnel that’s under the sea!

Of course, you might just be missing your home brew and looking for an awesome coffee shop that happens to be under the very cool local gym you were also looking for. Nice find!

2. Getting directions in Dutch

The quickest and easiest way to find out how to get where you’re going is simply to ask someone. Most people on the streets of Netherlands won’t mind being asked at all and will actually appreciate your attempt to ask directions in Dutch. After all, most tourists are more inclined to ask in their own language and hope for the best. How pedestrian is that, though?

I know, I know – you normally prefer to find your own way without asking. Well, think of it like this: you obviously need to practice asking questions in Dutch as much as you need to practice small talk, counting, or ordering a beer. Since you can’t very well ask a complete stranger if they would please help you count to five hundred, you’ll have to stick with asking directions!

We spoke earlier about body relative directions and these tend to be the ones we use most. For example:

“Turn left.”

“Go straight.”

“Turn right.” 

Remember, too, that your approach is important. Many people are wary of strangers and you don’t want to scare them off. It’s best to be friendly, direct and get to the point quickly.  A simple ‘Hi, can you help me?” or “Excuse me, I’m a bit lost,” will suffice. If you have a map in your hand, even better, as your intentions will be clear. 

The bottom line is that if you want to find your way around Netherlands with ease, it’s a good idea to master these basic phrases. With a little practice, you can also learn how to say directions in Dutch. Before you know it, you’ll be the one explaining the way!

3. Conclusion

Now that you have over thirty new directional phrases you can learn in Dutch, there’s no need to fear losing your way when you hit the streets of Netherlands. All you need is a polite approach and your own amazing smile, and the locals will be excited to help you. It’s a chance for them to get better at explaining things to a foreigner, too. Most will enjoy that!

I advise keeping a few things handy in your day pack: a street map, a highlighter, a small notebook and pen, and your Dutch phrasebook. It would be useful to also have the Dutch WordPower app installed on your phone – available for both iPhone and Android. 

Here’s a quick challenge to get you using the new terms right away. Can you translate these directions into Dutch?

“It’s close. Go straight ahead to the top of the hill and turn left at the corner. The building is on the right, opposite a small bus stop.”

You’re doing amazingly well to have come this far! Well done on tackling the essential topic of ‘directions’ – it’s a brave challenge that will be immensely rewarding. Trust me, when you’re standing at a beautiful location that you found just by knowing what to ask in Dutch, you’re going to feel pretty darn good.

If you’re as excited as I am about taking Dutch to an even deeper level, we have so much more to offer you. Did you know that we’ve already had over 1 billion lesson downloads? I know – we’re blown away by that, too. It’s amazing to be bringing the world’s languages to people who are so hungry for learning. Let me share some of our best options for you:

• If you haven’t done so already, grab your free lifetime account as a start. You’ll get audio and video lessons, plus vocabulary building tools. 
• My favorite freebie is the word of the day, which will arrive in your inbox every morning. Those are the words I remember best!
• Start listening to Dutch music. I’m serious – it really works to make the resistant parts of the brain relax and accept the new language. Read about it here for some tips.
• If you enjoy reading, we have some great iBooks for your daily commute.
• If you have a Kindle and prefer to do your reading on a picnic blanket,  there are over 6 hours of unique lessons in Dutch for you right there.

That’s it for today! Join DutchPod101 to discover many more ways that we can offer you a truly fun and enriching language learning experience. Happy travels!

Everybody loves to receive compliments. Compliments make people feel special and, most importantly, good about themselves. And the Dutch are no exception. They might be more selective about giving compliments, but that just makes the compliments even more special. When you receive Dutch compliments, you know it’s really worth something.

Compliments are an indispensable part of any conversation—they’re the perfect way to connect with people. So if you’re in the Netherlands and you’d like to get to know someone, it would be great to learn how to give compliments in Dutch. It will make you come across as sympathetic and interested. Dutch people may be quite reserved at first, but compliments can be the perfect way to open them up. However, do it the Dutch way and go easy on the compliments: in the Netherlands, less is more.

Would you like to know how to compliment and flirt in Dutch? Then dive into this Dutch Compliments Guide with the top Dutch compliments and useful Dutch complimenting phrases.

Table of Contents

1. General Compliments
2. Dutch Compliments on Someone’s Looks
3. Dutch Compliments on Someone’s Work
4. Dutch Compliments on Someone’s Skills
5. Dutch Compliments on Someone’s Character
6. What to Do After Receiving Compliments
7. Tips & Tricks on How to Flirt in Dutch
8. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

1. General Compliments

Let’s start with the more general compliments. You can use these in a wide variety of situations: encouraging someone, flirting in Dutch, or complimenting a chef on his or her dish.

You get the idea. These general Dutch compliments are multifunctional:

• Dat is leuk! (“That’s nice!”)
• Dat is geweldig! (“That’s amazing!”)
• Dat is super! (“That’s amazing!” – Literally, it means: “That’s super!”)
• Super! (“Sweet!” – Literally, it means the same as in English: “Super!”)

2. Dutch Compliments on Someone’s Looks

The Dutch people like to give and receive compliments on looks. This can be done in a more flirty setting, but it’s also very common between colleagues, friends, and family members. The level of flirtyness depends on the intensity of the compliment, and the setting.

Let’s get superficial and learn how to compliment someone on their good looks.

The first structure is: Je ziet er … uit (“You are looking …”). In the blank, you can add the adjective that you want to use. This sentence structure can be used negatively (Je ziet er slecht uit or “You are looking bad”), and positively:

• Je ziet er goed uit. (“You are looking good.”)
• Je ziet er mooi uit. (“You are looking beautiful.”)
• Je ziet er prachtig uit. (“You are looking amazing.”)

The second structure for these compliments in Dutch is: Je bent … (“You are …”). This structure can also be used negatively (Je bent lelijk or “You are ugly”) as well as positively:

• Je bent mooi. (“You are beautiful”)
• Je bent knap. (“You are handsome.”)

Let’s have a look at some more-specific compliments in Dutch on someone’s look:

• Je hebt een prachtige glimlach. (“You have a beautiful smile.”)
• Je hebt mooie ogen. (“You have beautiful eyes.”)
• Je hebt geweldig haar. (“You have great hair.”)
• Je hebt mooie handen. (“You have nice hands.”)

As you can see, these compliments have the je hebt … (“you have …”) structure. You can add the adjective and noun that you would like to use.

→ Be original in your compliments and find some other Body Parts in Dutch to compliment.

Let’s get even more specific:

• Die jas staat je goed. (“That jacket looks nice on you.”)
• Wat een leuke schoenen. (“Great shoes.” – It literally means “What a great shoes.”)
• Je hebt een goede smaak. (“You have good taste.”)
• Ik vind je shirt leuk. (“I like your shirt.”)

As you can imagine, all of these nouns and adjectives can be changed depending on what you want to compliment.

3. Dutch Compliments on Someone’s Work

It’s very common in work settings in the Netherlands to give people praise when it’s deserved.

Let’s first have a look at the more general work compliments:

• Prima prestatie! (“Good job!” – Literally, it means “Good achievement!”)
• Goed gedaan! (“Well done!”)
• Goed werk! (“Great work!”)
• Goed bezig! (“Doing well!”)
• Gefeliciteerd! (“Congratulations!”)

Let’s continue and have a look at some more-specific work compliments in Dutch:

• Je cv is indrukwekkend. (“Your resume is impressive.”)
• Ik weet dat het een lastig project was maar je optreden overtreft al mijn verwachtingen. (“I know that it was a tough project, but your performance exceeded my expectations.”)
• Je presentatie was erg goed. (“Your presentation was very good.”)
• De manier waarop je dat probleem aanpakte was geweldig. (“The way you approached that problem was amazing.”)

4. Dutch Compliments on Someone’s Skills

A job well done can also be complimented in other (non-work) settings, like at home, in school, in art class, etc. In these settings, the general compliments we went over in the last section can also be used.

Would you like to learn how to compliment a specific skill in a social context? Then have a look at these Dutch compliments:

1- Cooking

• Je bent een geweldige kok! (“You are a great cook!”)
• Ik hou van je kookkunst. (“I love your cooking.”)

2- Photography

• Je neemt geweldige foto’s! (“You take great shots!”)
• Ik vind je foto’s erg mooi. (“I really like your pictures.”)

3- Language speaking

• Je Dutch is erg goed. (“Your Dutch is very good.”)
• Je spreekt perfect Dutch. (“You speak perfect Dutch.”)

4- Sports

• Je bent super goed in het spelen van [type of sport]! (“You are amazing at playing [type of sport]!”)
• Weet je zeker dat je geen professionele [type of sport] speler bent? (“Are you sure you’re not a professional [type of sport] player?”)

5- Music

• Je speelt heel goed gitaar. (“You play the guitar very well.”)
• Je zingt erg goed. (“You sing very well.”)

5. Dutch Compliments on Someone’s Character

Okay, so let’s end these top Dutch compliments with some depth: compliments on someone’s character.

Here are some examples:

• Je bent slim. (“You are smart.”)
• Je bent lief. (“You are sweet.”)
• Je bent grappig. (“You are funny.”)
• Je bent aardig. (“You are nice.”)
• Je bent schattig. (“You are adorable.”)
• Je hebt een geweldig gevoel voor humor. (“You have a great sense of humor.”)
• Je bent een geweldige vriend. (“You are an awesome friend.”)

As you can see, a lot of the character compliments have the same structure: Je bent [adjective]. (“You are [adjective].”) Easy! This way, you can quickly use the right adjective to compliment someone’s character.

→ Find the perfect adjective for your compliment with these Adjectives that Describe Personalities.
→ Make sure to visit our vocabulary list on The Top 15 Compliments You Always Want to Hear, with audio recordings of the Dutch complimenting phrases to practice your pronunciation. It’s freely available on DutchPod101.com.

6. What to Do After Receiving Compliments

You’ve just received your first Dutch compliment. What to do? Let’s keep that flow going. Compliments are often a two-way street, and there are some social norms on how to respond to them. So what’s the most common way for Dutch people to respond to compliments?

1- Express Your Gratitude

The most common way to respond to a compliment in the Netherlands is to express your gratitude. Luckily, this is easy. Just smile, say “thank you,” and you’re good to go:

• Bedankt! (“Thank you!”)
• Heel erg bedankt! (“Thank you very much!”)
• Dank je wel! (“Thank you!”)

→ Do you want to learn some other words to express your gratitude? Have a look at these Common Ways to Say Thank You.

But what if you are the person giving a compliment, and the other person is responding with a bedankt? You can respond with:

• Graag gedaan! (“You’re welcome!” – Literally: “Pleased to do so!”)

2- Answer with Another Compliment

Would you like to keep this positive vibe and conversation going? Then answer the compliment with a “thank you” and another compliment. You can either give the same compliment back with a simple “you too,” or compliment them on something else.

For example:

• Bedankt, jij ook! (“Thanks, you too!”)
• Je hebt ook hele mooie ogen. (“You also have very beautiful eyes.”)
• Dank je wel, ik vind je shirt echt geweldig! (“Thank you, I really love your T-shirt!”)

3- Share the Credit

Is your great work or achievement due to the help of colleagues, friends, your lover, or your family? Then give credit where it’s due:

• Ik had het niet kunnen doen zonder de hulp van [person(s)]. (“None of this would have been possible without [person(s)].”)

7. Tips & Tricks on How to Flirt in Dutch

You’ve learned some top Dutch compliments. Now, let’s see how compliments and flirting in Dutch go together. In this chapter, we’ll give you some tips and tricks on how to flirt in Dutch and make use of all this compliment knowledge.

1. Don’t go over the top.

Dutch people are very down-to-earth, and this applies to their flirting (and love lives). So, it’s easy to go over the top if you’re a foreigner with a more expressive culture in your homeland.

So flirt, but do this with some moderation. Give your crush some compliments, but stick to words like mooi (“pretty””, leuk (“nice”), and grappig (“funny”). Avoid more exaggerated words like fantastisch (“fantastic”) or geweldig (“amazing”).

2. Be original.

When flirting, try to give some original compliments. Don’t just go for the je bent mooi (“you are beautiful”) compliment. Try to find something special to point out. This way, you’ll show that you’re really paying attention to the other person.

This is especially important when flirting with Dutch women, as they receive quite a few compliments every day, including a lot of creepy ones from guys on the street. Therefore, compliments (especially when given by strangers) have somewhat of a bad reputation with Dutch women. Sometimes it’s better to play it safe and flirt by making (friendly) eye contact and smiling.

3. Be confident.

If you really want to use a Dutch pick-up line, the only way to do this is with confidence. Go over to your crush and impress them with your Dutch pick-up lines. Is it going terribly? Then just laugh about yourself. This way, you’ll show your Dutch crush that you don’t take yourself too seriously, and that’s also a sign of confidence.

→ Be smooth and confident with these Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date.

4. Play the foreigner card.

You’re a foreigner giving your crush a compliment in Dutch, using Dutch pick-up lines. That itself is already quite impressive, and hopefully your Dutch crush will realize this as well. Just play the foreigner card and tell them that you’re practicing your Dutch. That way, you’ll at least have a conversation-starter.

→ Do you want to learn what to say in Dutch if your crush asks you why you’re learning their language? Find some Key Phrases on Why You Are Learning a Language.
→ Do you need some more help with flirting in Dutch? Then have a look at these Dutch pick-up line phrases.

8. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

In this guide, you’ve learned all about the top Dutch compliments and flirting. By now, you should have a better idea of how to say compliments in Dutch, and receive Dutch compliments yourself.

So are you ready to put this useful knowledge into action? Do you feel ready to start complimenting Dutch people using everything you’ve learned today?

Start using these compliments with the help of DutchPod101.com: boost your studies using our vocabulary lists with audio recordings and other free resources.

Would you like some private lessons? DutchPod101 also offers personal one-on-one coaching with our premium MyTeacher service. This feature allows you to really practice saying compliments in Dutch with your own private teacher, through interactive exercises, personalized feedback, and much more.

Master these Dutch compliments on DutchPod101.com!

Did you know that only about twenty percent of people in the Netherlands identify as Christian? The majority of the population is atheist or doesn’t identify with a single religion.

However, Whit Monday (though a Christian holiday), is a day that both Christians and the non-religious can enjoy. What is the meaning of Whit Monday, and what kind of traditions take place in the Netherlands?

In this article, you’ll learn about the meaning of Pentecost Monday, explore how the Dutch celebrate it, and pick up some new vocabulary!

Let’s get started.

1. What is Whit Monday in the Netherlands?

Whit Monday (the first Monday after Pentecost) is a Christian holiday that commemorates the giving of the Heilige Geest (“Holy Spirit” ) to the apostles. Because Christians consider this event to be the beginning of Christianity, the Whit Monday holiday is often called the “birthday of the Christian church.” The Catholic Church celebrates this holiday as the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.

The name “Whit Monday” derives from Pentecost’s other name: Whit Sunday (or Whitsun). “Whit” is thought to refer to the white-colored garments that people wanting to be baptized would wear on Pentecost. However, some people speculate that it could also have roots with the Anglo-Saxon “wit,” referring to one’s understanding. After all, the Holy Spirit is thought to grant understanding and wisdom to Christians.

This holiday has varying status around the world. In the Netherlands, Whit Monday is a public holiday, meaning that most people have the day off from work and school.

→ See our vocabulary list on Religion to learn some useful Dutch words!

2. What Date is Whit Monday This Year?

Whit Monday is a moveable holiday, meaning that its date changes each year according to the Christian calendar and the date of Pasen (“Easter” ). For your convenience, we’ve outlined this holiday’s date for the next ten years.

2020: June 1
2021: May 24
2022: June 6
2023: May 29
2024: May 20
2025: June 9
2026: May 25
2027: May 17
2028: June 5
2029: May 21

3. How is Whit Monday Celebrated?

As we mentioned earlier, Whit Monday in the Netherlands is a public holiday, giving the majority of the population time off work and school. However, Pentecost Monday tends to have less of a religious connotation than Pentecost Sunday does, and many people use this holiday as an excuse to relax and engage in activities they enjoy.

In particular, the Dutch like doing outdoor activities with friends and family in the warmer weather. Popular activities include kamperen (“camping” ), zeilen (“sailing” ), and fietsen (“cycling” ). The Dutch love flowers, so if rainy weather strikes, many enjoy visiting a tuincentrum (“garden center” ). Of course, many people enjoy lighter activities around the home or simply taking a short nature walk.

Above all, this holiday is about having fun with those closest to you. It’s a time for family members to reconnect and for good friends to catch up.

→ What are your favorite activities? Check out our vocabulary lists for Talking About Your Summer Vacation and Hobbies!

4. Muziekfestival

In the Netherlands, Whit Monday is also the perfect time to attend a muziekfestival (“music festival” ). And attending one is no small matter! The Netherlands is renowned for its massive, elaborate, and exhilarating music festivals, which take place year-round.

Around the time of Whit Monday (late May to early June), there are two music festivals you won’t want to miss: The Holland Festival and Pinkpop. If you’re a music junkie or just looking for a new experience, the Netherlands is a great place to get your fill. 😉

Expatica has a full list of can’t-miss music festivals in the Netherlands—check it out!

5. Must-Know Whit Monday Vocabulary

Ready to review the most important words and phrases for Whit Monday? Here you go:

• Maandag — “Monday” [n. masc]
• Pasen — “Easter” [n. masc]
• Heilige Geest — “Holy Spirit” [n. masc]
• Kamperen — “Camping” [n.]
• Muziekfestival — “Music festival” [n. neut]
• Zeilen — “Sailing” [n. neut]
• Fietsen — “Cycling” [n.]
• Tuincentrum — “Garden center”
• Vrije dag — “Holiday” [n. masc]
• Tweede Pinksterdag — “Whit Monday”

If you want to hear the pronunciation of each word and phrase listed above, visit our Dutch Whit Monday vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about Whit Monday in the Netherlands with us, and that you took away some valuable cultural information!

Do you celebrate Whit Monday in your country? If so, are traditions there similar or quite different from those in the Netherlands? We look forward to hearing your answers in the comments!

If you want to keep learning about the Netherlands and the Dutch language, DutchPod101.com has many free resources for you:

• Pasan: Celebrating Easter Monday in the Netherlands
• Prinsjesdag: Prince’s Day in the Netherlands
• Essential Vocabulary for Life Events in Dutch
• DutchPod101’s Essential Dutch Travel Phrase Guide
• The Best Dutch TV Shows and Series to Boost Your Dutch

This only scratches the surface of everything that DutchPod101.com has to offer the aspiring Dutch-learner. To make the most of your study time, create your free lifetime account today; for access to exclusive content and lessons, upgrade to our Premium or Premium PLUS plans.

We want to help you reach your goals, and we’ll be here with you on every step of your language-learning journey!

Let’s be honest, the Dutch can sometimes be a bit annoying. We’re loud, direct, and don’t often shy away from confrontation. Foreigners who experience this typical Dutch directness may see it as offensive, especially when they’re not used to it.

Is that the case for you? Don’t take it personally, and keep your cool. We promise that you’ll get used to the Dutch directness, and you may even learn to appreciate the loose use of mild Dutch curse words.

However, did the Dutch cross a line? Are you ready to get angry? Then do it well and do it Dutch-style—direct and honest. Learn how to say “angry” in Dutch, and how to use various words and phrases to express your anger in the heat of the moment.

Keep in mind that the Dutch like to use curse words even when they’re not angry. It’s quite common to hear Dutch people use swear words in public places, with friends, around family, and even at work. However, for the sake of this article, we’ll focus on more family-friendly Dutch curse words and Dutch insults. This way, you learn Dutch swear words and phrases that you can use in all situations.

A DutchPod101 guide wouldn’t really be a guide without some tips and tricks on how to annoy the Dutch, and how to make them happy again. This information will give you the tools you need to manage a heated situation in the Netherlands.

Table of Contents

1. How to Annoy the Dutch
2. Angry Orders
3. Angry Questions
4. Angry Blames
5. Describing How You Feel
6. What to Do When You Annoy the Dutch
7. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

1. How to Annoy the Dutch

1- Refer to the Netherlands as Holland

Did you know that Holland is not the same as the Netherlands? There’s an important difference: The Netherlands has twelve provinces and Holland makes up only two of those provinces (Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland). Calling the Netherlands Holland in front of Dutch people from other provinces can get them a bit irritated.

→ You may want to do some more research on the differences between Holland and the Netherlands!

2- Belittle the country

The Netherlands may be a small country, but for the Dutch, that doesn’t make it insignificant. Belittling their country—by not recognizing its value or by being ignorant about its history or culture—may annoy them.

And if you really want to get on their nerves, confuse the Netherlands with Germany. Trust me, you won’t be the first person to do this. The Dutch are often overshadowed by this neighbor, so you might strike a nerve when you confuse the two countries.

3- Talk badly about the (national) football team

The Dutch love football (soccer). It’s a true football nation. The country may not be very nationalistic, but during the European or World Cup, the whole country turns orange. We’re proud of our “Lions” (read here about what lions have to do with Dutch football), and saying something bad about the team is a very bad idea.

4- Don’t respect the bike culture

The Dutch and their bikes are like two peas in a pod; they are inseparable. In the Netherlands, we learn how to bike from a young age, creating a bike culture full of (unwritten) rules and expected behavior.

Getting into dangerous situations because you’re an inexperienced cycler, or are walking on the cycling paths, are perfect ways to annoy the Dutch. You’ll definitely experience and learn Dutch swear words when doing this. Don’t mess up their cycling experience.

→ Knowing more about a country can be a great way to avoid fights and receiving insults in Dutch. Discover more about the Netherlands in this handy DutchPod101 lesson on the Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Dutch Society.

2. Angry Orders

To kick off our list of angry Dutch phrases, here are some angry orders. You’re a bit annoyed and you want the other person to stop doing whatever it is they’re doing. So you give them a first warning by saying:

• Zo is het genoeg! (“That’s enough!” )

Does the other person not know how to stop? Are they taking it too far? Then indicate this with a clear but direct:

• Je gaat te ver! (“You are taking it too far!” )

The verb gaan means “to go” and te ver means “too far.”

Do you want someone to be quiet? Then you can ask them firmly in Dutch to shut up:

• Hou je mond! (“Shut up!” )
• Hou je bek! (“Shut up!” )

The verb houden means “to keep” and mond means “mouth.” So it literally means “Keep your mouth.” Want to say it in a harsher way? Then you can use bek, which is a more profane way to refer to the mouth. It literally means “beak.”

If someone is being aggressive, offensive, or just simply going too far, try to make them stop by firmly saying:

• Stop (ermee)! (“Stop it!” )
• Hou op! (“Stop it!” )

Yes, the first of these two angry orders is the same as in English. It’s the Dutch imperative for the verb stoppen (“to stop” ). That makes it an easy tool for those heated moments with little time to think.

Hou op comes from the separable Dutch verb ophouden, which means “to stop” or “to cease.”

You want them to leave you alone? Sometimes the best thing in a fight is to get that annoying person out of your sight. Let’s give you some tools to achieve this:

• Laat me met rust! (“Leave me alone!” )

This is a clear, but still quite correct, way to ask someone to leave you alone. Laten means “to leave” and met rust literally means “with peace/quiet.”

Maybe this isn’t the time to be polite and you really want this person out of your sight. You can use this harsher angry order:

• Rot op! (“Get lost!” )

Oprotten is a Dutch separable verb that’s hard to translate, but means something like “to bugger off.”

3. Angry Questions

Now for some questions that are perfect for getting across that you’re angry in Dutch.

First things first, these angry questions are ALL rhetorical questions and the Dutch know it (although some angry people may respond to the question with a heated answer).

When expressing their disbelief, Dutch people love to say (with some attitude bordering intimidation):

• Wat?! (“What?!” )

Or, the also very effective:

• Wat zeg je? (“What are you saying?” )

It’s simple and it may not sound very intimidating, but with the right tone and some emphasis on wat, whoever you’re talking to will know that you’re not fooling around. You mean serious business.

• Dus?! (“So what?!” )

Also very effective with the right attitude.

• Neem je me nu in de maling? (“Are you kidding me?” )

In de maling nemen is the Dutch verb for “to kid,” “to deceive,” or “to prank,” so it can also be used in a more playful way. However, the tone will indicate its seriousness.

• Wat is er met jou aan de hand? (“What’s going on with you?” )

It’s difficult to translate aan de hand zijn. It literally means “to be on the hand,” but a better translation would be “Something is going on.”

• Wat ben je in hemelsnaam aan het doen? (“What the hell are you doing?” )

The funny thing about this angry question is that in Dutch, instead of “hell,” they say “heaven’s sake,” or if you want to be more literal, “heaven’s name.” Therefore, it’s not really considered a Dutch profanity, and it can also be used as a joke with the right tone.

• Waar kijk je naar? (“What are you looking at?” )

This is also a quite literal use of the English angry question. Kijken naar means “looking at.”

In the Netherlands, women usually make this remark. It’s a pretty snobby comment that can be made in heated settings, or when you (as a woman) feel uncomfortable because creepy guys are staring at you.

• Dit meen je niet? (“Are you kidding me?” )

Menen means “to mean,” so it would translate to “Do you mean this?” But with a little attitude, it’s a perfect way to express your outrage about something someone says.

This is a soft way of saying “Are you kidding me?” but even softer versions are also available: Maak je een grapje? (“Are you making a joke?”).

With the right amount of attitude, these phrases can express incredulity.

4. Angry Blames

Genoeg is genoeg (“enough is enough”). The other person went too far. Your angry orders and questions couldn’t cool the heated moment and now it’s time to start with some mild Dutch swearing and angry blames. You’re officially angry, and you’ll let the whole world know.

• Wie denk je wel niet dat je bent? (“Who do you think you are?” )

Yes, this is also an angry question, but as it’s more aggressive, it fits better in the angry blames category. You’re accusing the other person of believing that he/she is something that he/she is not.

• Ben je gek geworden? (“Are you crazy?” )

Literally: “Did you become crazy?”

When you use this phrase, you’re blaming the other person for being or acting crazy.

• Wat is er mis met jou? (“What’s wrong with you?” )

This quite literally means “What’s wrong with you?” because mis means “wrong” in Dutch in specific circumstances (such as this angry question). With this angry blame, you assume that something is wrong with the other person.

• Je bent onmogelijk. (“You’re impossible.” )

Is it really impossible to work or live with this person? Then this phrase may come in handy.

• Je luistert niet naar me. (“You’re not listening to me.” )

Luisteren means “to listen.”

• Het is een schande. (“It’s a disgrace.” )
• Dat gaat jou niets aan. (“It’s none of your business.” )

If you want to say this in a harsher way, you can use Het gaat jou geen reet aan. The added reet is a less-polite way to say “butt” in Dutch, similar to “ass.” However, with the right tone and in the right context, you could also say this to friends as a joke.

Do you want to make clear that the other person really has done something wrong? Then you can choose from one of the following phrases:

• Het is jouw schuld. (“It’s your fault.” )

This is a perfect way to blame someone if whatever happened is their fault (at least from your perspective).

• Je hebt het verpest. (“You ruined it.” )

The verb verpesten means “ruin,” and this phrase makes perfectly clear that it’s the other person’s fault.

→ Make sure to visit our vocabulary list about Phrases to Use When You’re Angry, with useful audio recordings to practice your pronunciation of Dutch insults. It’s free on DutchPod101.

→ Would you like to learn Dutch swear words and Dutch insults that are more profane? The Dutch Review has a great article on this!

5. Describing How You Feel

You’ve spread your rage. Now let’s start talking about our feelings. Learn how to say “angry” in Dutch and how to express other feelings. Are you mad? Are you sad? Are you sick and tired of fighting? Let’s express it in Dutch.

When describing emotions in Dutch, the verb zijn (“to be” ) is crucial. So just say ik ben … (“I am …” ) and add the right adjective:

• Teleurgesteld (“disappointed” )
• Boos (“angry” )
• Verdrietig (“sad” )
• Moe (“tired” )
• Uitgeput (“exhausted” )
• Bang (“frightened” )
• Nerveus (“nervous” )
• Geschokt (“shocked” )
• Geïrriteerd (“annoyed” )
• Chagrijnig (“cranky” )

Another way to express your emotions is by saying ik voel me … (“I feel …”):

• Ik voel me gekwetst. (“I feel hurt.” )
• Ik voel me eenzaam. (“I feel lonely.” )
• Ik voel me gefrustreerd. (“I feel frustrated.” )
• Ik voel me verdrietig. (“I feel sad.” )
• Ik voel me ellendig. (“I feel miserable.” )
• Ik voel me somber. (“I feel gloomy.” )
• Ik voel me verward. (“I feel confused.” )

→ Make sure you can express your feelings the way you want to. Visit our Top 21 Words for Negative Emotions vocabulary list with useful audio recordings to practice your pronunciation.

You can also express that you’ve had enough of the fight:

• Ik ben het zat! (“I’m fed up with it!” )

Do you really hate fighting with the other person? Then just say:

• Ik haat het! (“I hate it!” )

Are you in a peacemaking mood? Or are you simply too tired to keep on fighting? Then just say this phrase:

• Ik wil niet meer ruziën. (“I don’t want to fight anymore.” )

“Enough is enough” (genoeg is genoeg). Sometimes it just takes one person to reflect, relax, and bring a (little) peace offering.

→ Did you make up? Are you happy about it? Express it with these Top 20 Words for Positive Emotions.

6. What to Do When You Annoy the Dutch

1- Relax and improve your mood.

Releasing your anger on someone may feel good sometimes, but it’s not the most productive way of expressing your frustration. Would you like to calm down and not let the anger get the best of you?

There are several ways to do this. First of all, relax and let the tension go away by taking a deep breath. Distance yourself from the heated situation, literally or figuratively. Take a walk or go for a run. Listen to some (relaxing) music. Or write your feelings down.

By doing the things above, you can take some time to reframe your thinking. It may even change your point of view. With a bit of space between you and the situation, you may even laugh about the Dutch directness (and rudeness) you experienced.

→ Would you like to improve your Dutch vocabulary and express yourself better? Make sure to visit our vocabulary lists on the Most Useful Pronouns, 50 Most Common Adjectives, and 50 Most Common Nouns.

2- Make the Dutch happy again.

Okay, you’ve angered some Dutchies. Would you like to make up again?

Here the Dutch directness comes in handy, as the Dutch will appreciate you for being straight. Make the Dutch happy again by apologizing in an honest and direct way (without being rude).

Need to break the tension? Make a joke (preferably about yourself). The Dutch will appreciate this, and they can (hopefully) laugh at the situation as well.

Did you go too far and are now in need of a more convincing apology? The Dutch love to receive free food, drinks, or stuff. So buy them a beer, some chocolate, or even flowers. They’ll appreciate the gesture.

→ Do you want to apologize in Dutch? Do it with our vocabulary list on Common Ways to Say Sorry.

7. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn More Dutch

In this guide, you’ve learned how to say that you’re angry in the Dutch language and picked up some mild Dutch curse words, Dutch swear words, and Dutch insults. You now know the perfect angry orders, questions, and blames. You also know how to express your feelings. In sum, you’ve learned how to get angry with the Dutch and how to make up again.

What’s your favorite phrase from this list? Let us know in the comments!

Would you like to learn other lessons to boost your Dutch? Visit DutchPod101, as it has plenty of useful and free resources to practice your grammar. You can also learn new words and hear their pronunciation with our vocabulary lists.

Do you want more? DutchPod101 also offers a premium service with personal one-on-one coaching: MyTeacher. Practice your Dutch with your private teacher and receive personalized assignments, feedback, and advice.

Happy Dutch learning!

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing’s for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, “We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us.” The older I get, the more I agree with him!

Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person’s journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you’re planning to stay in Netherlands for more than a quick visit, you’re sure to need at least a few ‘life events’ phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it’s generally expected that we will show up with good manners and warm wishes.

Table of Contents

1. Life Events
2. Marriage Proposal Lines
3. Talking About Age
4. Conclusion

1. Life Events

Do you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Dutch? Well, the New Year is a pretty big deal that the whole world is in on! We celebrate until midnight, make mindful resolutions, and fill the night sky with the same happy words in hundreds of languages. No doubt, then, that you’ll want to know how to say it like a local!

Big life events are not all about fun times, though. Real life happens even when you’re traveling, and certain terminology will be very helpful to know. From talking about your new job to wishing your neighbors “Merry Christmas” in Dutch, here at DutchPod101, we’ve put together just the right vocabulary and phrases for you.

1- Birthday – verjaardag

If you’re like me, any excuse to bring out a pen and scribble a note is a good one. When there’s a birthday, even better: hello, handwriting!

Your Dutch friend will love hearing you wish them a “Happy birthday” in Dutch, but how much more will they appreciate a thoughtful written message? Whether you write it on their Facebook wall or buy a cute card, your effort in Dutch is sure to get them smiling! Write it like this:

Fijne verjaardag

Now that you know the words, I challenge you to put them to music and sing your own “Happy birthday” song in Dutch! It’s not impossible to figure out even more lyrics, once you start discovering the language from scratch.

2- Buy – kopen

If there’s a special occasion, you might want to buy somebody a gift. As long as you’ve checked out Dutch etiquette on gift-giving (do a Google search for this!), it will be a lovely gesture. If you’re not sure what to buy, how about the awesome and universally-appealing gift of language? That’s a gift that won’t stop giving!

3- Retire – pensioneren

If you’re planning to expand your mind and retire in Netherlands, you can use this word to tell people why you seem to be on a perpetual vacation!

Retirement is also a great time to learn a new language, don’t you think? And you don’t have to do it alone! These days it’s possible to connect to a vibrant learning community at the click of a button. The added benefit of a Daily Dose of Language is that it keeps your brain cells alive and curious about the world. After all, it’s never too late to realize those long-ignored dreams of traveling the globe…

4- Graduation – afstuderen

When attending a graduation ceremony in Netherlands, be prepared for a lot of formal language! It will be a great opportunity to listen carefully and see if you can pick up differences from the everyday Dutch you hear.

5- Promotion – promotie

Next to vacation time, receiving a promotion is the one career highlight almost everyone looks forward to. And why wouldn’t you? Sure, it means more responsibility, but it also means more money and benefits and – the part I love most – a change of scenery! Even something as simple as looking out a new office window would boost my mood.

6- Anniversary – gedenkdag

Some anniversaries we anticipate with excitement, others with apprehension. They are days marking significant events in our lives that can be shared with just one person, or with a whole nation. Whether it’s a special day for you and a loved one, or for someone else you know, this word is crucial to know if you want to wish them a happy anniversary in Dutch.

7- Funeral – begrafenis

We tend to be uncomfortable talking about funerals in the west, but it’s an important conversation for families to have. Around the world, there are many different customs and rituals for saying goodbye to deceased loved ones – some vastly different to our own. When traveling in Netherlands, if you happen to find yourself the unwitting observer of a funeral, take a quiet moment to appreciate the cultural ethos; even this can be an enriching experience for you.

8- Travel – reizen

Travel – my favorite thing to do! Everything about the experience is thrilling and the best cure for boredom, depression, and uncertainty about your future. You will surely be forever changed, fellow traveler! But you already know this, don’t you? Well, now that you’re on the road to total Dutch immersion, I hope you’ve downloaded our IOS apps and have your Nook Book handy to keep yourself entertained on those long bus rides.

9- Graduate – afstuderen

If you have yet to graduate from university, will you be job-hunting in Netherlands afterward? Forward-looking companies sometimes recruit talented students who are still in their final year. Of course, you could also do your final year abroad as an international student – an amazing experience if you’d love to be intellectually challenged and make a rainbow of foreign friends!

10- Wedding – trouwerij

One of the most-loved traditions that humans have thought up, which you’ll encounter anywhere in the world, is a wedding. With all that romance in the air and months spent on preparations, a wedding is typically a feel-good affair. Two people pledge their eternal love to each other, ladies cry, single men look around for potential partners, and everybody has a happy day of merrymaking.

Ah, but how diverse we are in our expression of love! You will find more wedding traditions around the world than you can possibly imagine. From reciting love quotes to marrying a tree, the options leave no excuse to be boring!

11- Move – verhuizen

I love Netherlands, but I’m a nomad and tend to move around a lot, even within one country. What are the biggest emotions you typically feel when moving house? The experts say moving is a highly stressful event, but I think that depends on the circumstances. Transitional periods in our lives are physically and mentally demanding, but changing your environment is also an exciting adventure that promises new tomorrows!

12- Be born – geboren

I was not born in 1993, nor was I born in Asia. I was born in the same year as Aishwarya Rai, Akon, and Monica Lewinsky, and on the same continent as Freddy Mercury. When and where were you born? More importantly – can you say it in Dutch?

13- Get a job – een baan vinden

The thought of looking for a job in a new country can be daunting, but English speakers are in great demand in Netherlands – you just have to do some research, make a few friends and get out there! Also, arming yourself with a few Dutch introductions that you can both say and write will give you a confidence boost. For example, can you write your name in Dutch?

14- Die – sterven

Death is a universal experience and the final curtain on all other life events. How important is it, then, to fully live before we die? If all you have is a passport, a bucket list, and a willingness to learn some lingo, you can manifest those dreams!

15- Home – huis

If home is where the heart is, then my home is on a jungle island completely surrounded by the turquoise ocean. Right now, though, home is an isolation room with a view of half a dry palm tree and a tangle of telephone wires.

If you’re traveling to Netherlands for an extended stay, you’ll soon be moving into a new home quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

16- Job – baan

What job do you do? Does it allow you much time for travel, or for working on this fascinating language that has (so rightfully) grabbed your attention? Whatever your job, you are no doubt contributing to society in a unique way. If you’re doing what you love, you’re already on the road to your dream. If not, just remember that every single task is one more skill to add to your arsenal. With that attitude, your dream job is coming!

17- Birth – geboorte

Random question: do you know the birth rate of Netherlands?

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to see a friend’s baby just after they are born, you’ll have all my respect and all my envy. There is nothing cuter! Depending on which part of the country you’re in, you may find yourself bearing witness to some pretty unexpected birth customs. Enjoy this privilege!

18- Engaged – verloven

EE Cummings said, “Lovers alone wear sunlight,” and I think that’s most true at the moment she says “yes.” Getting engaged is something young girls dream of with stars in their eyes, and it truly is a magical experience – from the proposal, to wearing an engagement ring, to the big reveal!

In the world of Instagram, there’s no end to the antics as imaginative couples try more and more outrageous ways to share their engagement with the world. I love an airport flashmob, myself, but I’d rather be proposed to on a secluded beach – salt, sand, and all!

Engagement customs around the world vary greatly, and Netherlands is no exception when it comes to interesting traditions. Learning their unique romantic ways will inspire you for when your turn comes.

Speaking of romance, do you know how to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Dutch?

19- Marry – trouwen

The one you marry will be the gem on a shore full of pebbles. They will be the one who truly mirrors your affection, shares your visions for the future, and wants all of you – the good, the bad and the inexplicable.

From thinking up a one-of-a-kind wedding, to having children, to growing old together, finding a twin flame to share life with is quite an accomplishment! Speaking of which…

2. Marriage Proposal Lines

Ah, that heart-stopping moment when your true love gets down on one knee to ask for your hand in marriage, breathlessly hoping that you’ll say “Yes!” If you haven’t experienced that – well, it feels pretty darn good, is all I can say! If you’re the one doing the asking, though, you’ve probably had weeks of insomnia agonizing over the perfect time, location and words to use.

How much more care should be taken if your love is from a different culture to yours? Well, by now you know her so well, that most of it should be easy to figure out. As long as you’ve considered her personal commitment to tradition, all you really need is a few words from the heart. Are you brave enough to say them in Dutch?

3. Talking About Age

Part of the wonder of learning a new language is having the ability to strike up simple conversations with strangers. Asking about age in this context feels natural, as your intention is to practice friendly phrases – just be mindful of their point of view!

When I was 22, I loved being asked my age. Nowadays, if someone asks, I say, “Well, I’ve just started my fifth cat life.” Let them ponder that for a while.

In Netherlands, it’s generally not desirable to ask an older woman her age for no good reason, but chatting about age with your peers is perfectly normal. Besides, you have to mention your birthday if you want to be thrown a birthday party!

4. Conclusion

Well, there you have it! With so many great new Dutch phrases to wish people with, can you think of someone who has a big event coming up? If you want to get even more creative, DutchPod101 has much to inspire you with – come and check it out! Here’s just some of what we have on offer at DutchPod101:

• Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Dutch with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Dutch dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about DutchPod101…!
• Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
• Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters, as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. You can have your very own Dutch teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
• Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Dutch word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Dutch level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

Learning a new language can only enrich your life, and could even open doors towards great opportunities! So don’t wonder if you’ll regret enrolling in DutchPod101. It’s the most fun, easy way to learn Dutch.

In the Netherlands, Easter Monday is a public holiday, celebrated just as much as—if not more than—Easter Sunday. The Dutch celebrate this major religious holiday with a range of fun and adventurous traditions, some of which you may be familiar with!

In this article, you’ll learn about Easter in the Netherlands, how it’s celebrated, and gain some new vocabulary while you’re at it. Let’s get started.

1. What is Easter Monday?

On Easter, Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his crucifixion. According to Christian belief, he died to take on the sins of the world and then resurrected to prove his triumph over death.

Easter Monday is the day following the actual Easter holiday. In the Netherlands, Easter Monday is a continued celebration of Easter Sunday, with lots of fun and unique traditions, beginning on Carnival Day, before Lent.

→ Learn some of the most important words for Carnival with our vocabulary list!

2. When is Easter Monday in the Netherlands?

The date of Easter Monday varies from year to year. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years.

• 2020: April 13
• 2021: April 5
• 2022: April 18
• 2023: April 10
• 2024: April 1
• 2025: April 21
• 2026: April 6
• 2027: March 29
• 2028: April 17
• 2029: April 2

3. Easter Celebrations in the Netherlands

Aside from the holiday’s religious meaning, family (familie) is a major aspect of how people in the Netherlands celebrate Easter. Children enjoy going on an Easter egg (paasei) hunt, indulging in sweet treats, and painting their own Easter eggs, much like they do in the United States. On Easter Monday, children also participate in other egg-related games; one such game is an egg-cracking competition, also called an eiertikken contest.

Entire families or groups of friends may also have a good time going to the beach (strand) or out shopping (winkelen) for Easter deals. Easter markets in the Netherlands often sell chocolates, Easter eggs, and paint sets for children to use for egg decorating.

Dutch Easter traditions always involve a large lunch (lunchen) with friends and family. Easter food in the Netherlands is typically prepared on Easter Sunday, and leftovers are eaten on Easter Monday. Some of the most common foods include various types of bread and pastries, smoked fish, and certain breakfast items. The Dutch often grace the Easter brunch table with decorated willow branches.

Other popular Easter traditions in the Netherlands include burning bonfires, playing sports, going to amusement parks, riding bikes—basically anything that involves enjoying the great outdoors in early spring!

→ For more information on food in the Netherlands, check out our lesson about Popular Home-Cooked Meals.

→ Expand your vocabulary with our vocab list on Words for the First Day of Spring!

4. From Holland to Italy

Did you know that the Easter flowers in St. Peter’s Square in Rome are provided by Holland?

Each year at the end of his Easter speech, the Pope gives Holland a little extra attention for this reason. He says, “Thank you for the flowers,” in broken Dutch!

5. Essential Easter Monday Vocabulary

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a list of the most important vocabulary for Easter Monday!

• Maandag (n) — “Monday”
• Strand (n) — “Beach”
• Pasen (n) — “Easter”
• Druk (adj) — “Crowded”
• Festival (n) — “Festival”
• Familie (n) — “Family”
• Winkelen (n) — “Shopping”
• Amsterdam (pr. n) — “Amsterdam”
• Lunchen (n) — “Lunch”
• Paasei (n) — “Easter egg”
• Vrije (adj) — “Free”

To hear the pronunciation of each word, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to visit our Dutch Easter Monday vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about Easter Monday in Dutch culture with us, and that you were able to take away some valuable information.

Do you celebrate Easter in your country? If so, are traditions there similar or pretty different from those in the Netherlands? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

If you want to learn even more about Dutch culture and holidays, DutchPod101.com has you covered:

• Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Dutch Society
• An Introduction to Dutch Pop Culture
• Netherlands’ Pentecostal Celebration: Pentecost Sunday
• Prinsjesdag: Prince’s Day in the Netherlands
• The Best Dutch TV Shows and Series to Boost Your Dutch

Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn the Dutch language or immerse yourself in the culture, know that DutchPod101.com is the best way to expand your knowledge and improve your skills. With tons of fun and effective lessons for learners at every level, there’s something for everyone.

Create your free lifetime account today, and start learning with us. 🙂

Did you know that every minute of the day, one billion tons of rain falls on the earth? Hard to believe, considering the climate crisis! Of course, all that rain is not equally shared across the planet.

So, would you mention this fascinating fact to your new Dutch acquaintance? Well, small talk about local weather is actually a great conversation-starter. Everyone cares about the weather and you’re sure to hear a few interesting opinions! Seasons can be quite unpredictable these days and nobody knows the peculiarities of a region better than the locals.

DutchPod101 will equip you with all the weather vocabulary you need to plan your next adventure. The weather can even be an important discussion that influences your adventure plans. After all, you wouldn’t want to get caught on an inflatable boat with a two-horsepower motor in Hurricane Horrendous!

Table of Contents

1. Talking about the weather in Netherlands
2. Words for the first day of spring
3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?
4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary
5. Winter
6. DutchPod101 can prepare you for any season.

1. Talking about the weather in Netherlands

If you’re like me, your day’s activity plan is likely to begin with a strong local coffee and a chat about what the sky is doing. After all, being prepared could be the difference between an amazing day and a miserable one! Luckily, it’s not difficult to comment on Dutch weather – just start with these simple words and phrases.

1- The rain is falling on the street – De regen valt op de straat.

Watercolor artists, take out your paints! You might not be able to venture out on foot today, but just embrace the rain as part of your Dutch experience. When the rain stops, the air will be clean and colours vibrant.

2- The snow has covered everything – The snow has covered everything.

A fresh blanket of snow is irresistibly beautiful. Pull on your boots and beanie, and leave your tracks in this foreign landscape. Don’t resist the urge to build a snowman – you need this!

3- Fluffy cloud – schapenwolk

When you’re waiting for a warm beach day, fluffy white clouds in a blue sky are a good sign. Don’t forget your sunscreen, as clouds will intensify the UV rays hitting your skin.

4- The water froze on the glass – Het water bevroor op het glas.

Night temperatures can get chilly and might freeze the condensation on your windows. A good way to clear them up is with warm salt water.

5- The heavy rain could cause flash flooding – Deze hevige regen zou een stortvloed kunnen veroorzaken.

If you’re visiting Netherlands in the wet season, it’s important to stay informed when heavy rain sets in, so keep an eye on the weather radar. Avoid river activities and rather spend this time making a home-cooked meal and brushing up on your Dutch weather words.

6- Flood – overstroming

If you do get caught in a flood, your destination should no longer be ‘home’, but the nearest high ground.

7- The typhoon has hit – De tyfoon heeft toegeslagen.

Not all countries experience typhoons, but you need to know when to prepare for one! It will be very scary if you’ve never experienced one before. Your local neighbours are the best people to advise you on where to take shelter, as they’ve been doing it for generations. Be sure to get the low-down at the first sign of rough weather!

8- Check the weather report before going sailing – Check het weerbericht voor je gaat zeilen.

When planning an outdoor activity, especially on a body of water, always be prepared for a change in the weather. Ask your hotel receptionist or neighbour where you can get a reliable daily weather report, and don’t forget your sweater!

9- Today’s weather is sunny with occasional clouds – Het weer van vandaag is zonnig met soms wolken.

Sunny weather is the dream when traveling in Netherlands! Wake up early, pack the hats and sunblock and go and experience the terrain, sights and beautiful spots. You’ll be rewarded with happy vibes all around.

10- A rainy day – een regenachtige dag

Remember when you said you’d save the Dutch podcasts for a rainy day? Now’s that day!

11- Scenic rainbow – schilderachtige regenboog

The best part about the rain is that you can look forward to your first rainbow in Netherlands. There’s magic in that!

12- Flashes of lightning can be beautiful, but are very dangerous – Bliksemschichten kunnen mooi zijn maar zijn erg gevaarlijk.

Lightning is one of the most fascinating weather phenomena you can witness without really being in danger – at least if you’re sensible and stay indoors! Did you know that lightning strikes the earth 40-50 times per second? Fortunately, not all countries experience heavy electric storms!

13- 25 degrees Celsius – vijfentwintig (25) graden Celsius

Asking a local what the outside temperature will be is another useful question for planning your day. It’s easy if you know the Dutch term for ‘degrees Celsius’.

14- Water freezes at thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit – Water bevriest bij tweeëndertig (32) graden Fahrenheit.

Although the Fahrenheit system has been replaced by Celsius in almost all countries, it’s still used in the US and a few other places. Learn this phrase in Dutch in case one of your companions develops a raging fever.

15- Clear sky – helder

Clear skies mean you’ll probably want to get the camera out and capture some nature shots – not to mention the great sunsets you’ll have later on. Twilight can lend an especially magical quality to a landscape on a clear sky day, when the light is not filtered through clouds.

16- Light drizzle – lichte motregen

Days when it’s drizzling are perfect for taking in the cultural offerings of Netherlands. You could go to the mall and watch a Dutch film, visit museums and art galleries, explore indoor markets or even find the nearest climbing wall. Bring an umbrella!

17- Temperature on a thermometer – temperatuur op een thermometer

Because of the coronavirus, many airports are conducting temperature screening on passengers. Don’t worry though – it’s just a precaution. Your temperature might be taken with a no-touch thermometer, which measures infrared energy coming off the body.

18- Humid – vochtig

I love humid days, but then I’m also a water baby and I think the two go
together like summer and rain. Find a pool or a stream to cool off in – preferably in the shade!

19- With low humidity the air feels dry – Bij een lage humiditeit voelt de lucht droog aan.

These are the best days to go walking the hills and vales. Just take at least one Dutch friend with you so you don’t get lost!

20- The wind is really strong – De wind is erg sterk.

A strong wind blows away the air pollution and is very healthy in that respect. Just avoid the mountain trails today, unless you fancy being blown across the continent like a hot air balloon.

21- It’s windy outside – Het is winderig buiten.

Wind! My least favourite weather condition. Of course, if you’re a kitesurfer, a windy day is what you’ve been waiting for!

22- Wet roads can ice over when the temperature falls below freezing – Natte wegen kunnen bevriezen wanneer de temperatuur beneden het vriespunt komt.

The roads will be dangerous in these conditions, so please don’t take chances. The ice will thaw as soon as the sun comes out, so be patient!

23- Today is very muggy – Vandaag is het erg benauwd.

Muggy days make your skin feel sticky and sap your energy. They’re particular to high humidity. Cold shower, anyone? Ice vest? Whatever it takes to feel relief from the humidity!

24- Fog – mist

Not a great time to be driving, especially in unknown territory, but keep your fog lights on and drive slowly.

25- Hurricane – orkaan

Your new Dutch friends will know the signs, so grab some food and candles and prepare for a night of staying warm and chatting about wild weather in Netherlands.

26- Big tornado – grote tornado

If you hear these words, it will probably be obvious already that everyone is preparing for the worst! Definitely do whatever your accommodation hosts tell you to do when a tornado is expected.

27- It’s cloudy today – Het is bewolkt vandaag.

While there won’t be any stargazing tonight, the magnificent clouds over Netherlands will make impressive photographs. Caption them in Dutch to impress your friends back home!

28- Below freezing temperatures – beneden bevriezende temperaturen

When the temperature is below freezing, why not take an Uber and go shopping for some gorgeous Dutch winter gear?

29- Wind chill is how cold it really feels outside – De gevoelstemperatuur geeft aan hoe koud het buiten aanvoelt.

Wind doesn’t change the ambient temperature of the air, it just changes your body temperature, so the air will feel colder to you than it actually is. Not all your Dutch friends will know that, though, so learn this Dutch phrase to sound really smart!

30- Water will freeze when the temperature falls below zero degrees celsius – Water zal bevriezen wanneer de temperatuur daalt tot beneden de nul graden.

If you’re near a lake, frozen water is good news! Forgot your ice skates? Don’t despair – find out where you can hire some. Be cautious, though: the ice needs to be at least four inches thick for safe skating. Personally, I just slide around on frozen lakes in my boots!

31- Waiting to clear up – wachten tot het beter word

Waiting for the weather to clear up so you can go exploring is frustrating, let’s be honest. That’s why you should always travel with two things: a scintillating novel and your Dutch Nook Book.

32- Avoid the extreme heat – vermijd extreme hitte

Is the heat trying to kill you? Unless you’re a hardened heatwave hero, definitely avoid activity, stay hydrated and drink electrolytes. Loose cotton or linen garb is the way to go!

33- Morning frost – ochtendvorst

Frost is water vapour that has turned to ice crystals and it happens when the earth cools so much in the night, that it gets colder than the air above it. Winter is coming!

34- Rain shower – regenbui

Rain showers are typically brief downpours that drench the earth with a good drink of water.

35- In the evening it will become cloudy and cold – In de avond wordt het bewolkt en koud.

When I hear this on the Dutch weather channel, I buy a bottle of wine (red, of course) and wood for the fireplace. A cold and cloudy evening needs its comforts!

36- Severe thunderstorm – hevige onweersbui

Keep an eye on the Dutch weather maps if it looks like a big storm is coming, so you’ll be well-informed.

37- Ice has formed on the window – Er heeft zich op het raam ijs gevormd.

You could try this phrase out on the hotel’s helpful cleaning staff, or fix the problem yourself. Just add a scoop or two of salt to a spray bottle of water – that should work!

38- Large hailstones – grote hagelstenen

As a kid, I found hail crazy exciting. Not so much now – especially if I’m on the road and large hailstones start pummeling my windscreen!

39- Rolling thunder – rollend onweer

The rumble of rolling thunder is that low-volume, ominous background sound that goes on for some time. It’s strangely exciting if you’re safely in your hotel room; it could either suddenly clear up, or escalate to a storm.

40- Sleet – natte sneeuw

Sleet is tiny hard pieces of ice made from a mixture of rain and melted snow that froze. It can be messy, but doesn’t cause major damage the way hail does. Pretty cool to know this word in Dutch!

2. Words for the first day of spring

You know the feeling: your heart skips a beat when you wake up and spring has sprung! Spring will reward you with new blossoms everywhere, birdsong in the air, kittens being born in the neighborhood and lovely views when you hit the trails. Pack a picnic and ask a new Dutch friend to show you the more natural sights. Don’t forget a light sweater and a big smile. This is the perfect time to practice some Dutch spring words!

3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?

Summer! Who doesn’t love that word? It conjures up images of blue skies, tan skin, vacations at the beach and cruising down the coast in an Alfa Romeo, sunglasses on and the breeze in your hair. Of course, in Netherlands there are many ways to enjoy the summer – it all depends on what you love to do. One thing’s for sure: you will have opportunities to make friends, go on picnics, sample delicious local ice-cream and maybe even learn to sing some Dutch songs. It’s up to you! Sail into Dutch summer with this summer vocab list, and you’ll blend in with ease.

4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary

Victoria Ericksen said, “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour,” and I agree. Who can resist the beauty of fall foliage coloring the Dutch landscape? Birds prepare to migrate; travelers prepare to arrive for the best weather in Netherlands.

The autumnal equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night almost equal in length. The cool thing about this event is that the moon gets really bright – the ‘harvest moon’, as it’s traditionally known.

So, as much as the change of season brings more windy and rainy days, it also brings celebration. Whether you honor Thanksgiving, Halloween or the Moon Festival, take some time to color your vocabulary with these Dutch autumn words.

5. Winter

Winter is the time the natural world slows down to rest and regroup. I’m a summer girl, but there are fabulous things about winter that I really look forward to. For one, it’s the only season I get to accessorize with my gorgeous winter gloves and snug down coat!

Then, of course, there’s ice skating, holiday decorations and bonfires. As John Steinbeck said, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” Get ready for the cold season with our list of essential Winter words!

6. DutchPod101 can prepare you for any season.

Now that you know how to inquire and comment on the weather in Netherlands, you
can confidently plan your weather-ready travel itinerary. How about this for an idea: the next
time you’re sitting in a Dutch street café, try asking someone local this question:

“Do you think the weather will stay like this for a few days?” If you loved learning these cool Dutch weather phrases with us, why not take it a step further and add to your repertoire? DutchPod101 is here to help!

Did you know there are many different types of calendars?

As you probably know – a calendar is a system of organizing days in weeks and months for specific purposes, according to Wikipedia.

Worldwide, most countries use the Gregorian calendar. Some just work on the same framework, meaning that time is divided into units based on the earth’s movement around the sun – the “solar calendar”. Other calendars keep time by observing the moon’s movements, a combination of the moon and the sun’s movements, and seasons.

Through DutchPod101, you can learn all about this and so much more! Our themed, culturally relevant lessons are skillfully designed so you can do your planning perfectly for a holiday or a date.

Having a good plan for a visit or a trip is like studying well for an exam. You’re just so much better prepared! For that, you could well need specific phrases to plan around appointments and such, especially on business trips. Make sure to use the charts we provide here with the days of the week in Dutch, as well as the months in Dutch to navigate your way as you plan. Great resources!

Also – always remember to have fun!

Table of Contents

1. Why Will It Help To Know How To Talk About Dates in Dutch?
2. Talking About your Plans
3. Can DutchPod101 Help You In Other Ways Too?

1. Why Will It Help To Know How To Talk About Dates in Dutch?

Well, that’s not a difficult question to answer. No matter why you’re travelling, it would be best to at least know the names of days and months in Dutch. You don’t want to miss your flight or an appointment because you confused “vrijdag” (Friday) with “zaterdag” (Saturday)! Or maybe you planned a holiday for “juli” (July), but you booked a flight for “juni” (June) by accident!

Avoid this confusion by learning the Dutch calendar before you leave.

Now, as promised, the 15 phrases to help you make and discuss plans.

2. Talking About your Plans

Perhaps you’re working in Netherlands, or maybe you’re enjoying a prolonged holiday. Fabulous! Memorize these phrases so you can be sure to successfully negotiate meetings, appointments, dates, events, the list goes on!

1. Wat ga je dit weekend doen?

“What are you doing this weekend?”

This question is usually a preamble to inviting someone somewhere. Given that it’s over the weekend, it probably means a casual get-together or another social event. (But not necessarily! A manager or boss could also ask this for entirely different reasons.)

It’s a handy phrase to know when you’ve made Dutch or expat friends in the country. Or, be the one doing the inviting. Then train your ear to learn the following phrases so you can understand the response.

2. Ik ga dit weekend reis.

“I am traveling this weekend.”

This could be a reply if you’re not available because you’re doing other fun stuff.

No matter why you are visiting Netherlands, do take the time to explore the country! It’s beautiful and it has so many wonderful, interesting spots ready to be visited.

3. Ik ben van plan om thuis te blijven.

“I am planning to stay at home.”

Maybe you feel unwell, but don’t want to give too much information? Or maybe you have work to do? Perhaps you just need some quiet gardening time…it doesn’t matter. This response is polite and honest without oversharing.

It could also be a slightly open-ended response, depending on how you deliver it. Because hey, being home could still mean your plans are flexible, right?

That said – depending on your relationship with the inviter, nuances like these will probably not be so apparent in a foreign culture. So, best to use this excuse for declining an invitation only if you are truly set on staying in.

4. Dit weekend heb ik het druk.

“This week I am busy.”

Another polite phrase that gives a reason for declining an invitation but without oversharing details.

Don’t decline too many invitations, though! You don’t want people to think that you’re too busy to hang out with them. They will stop inviting you out, and you know how the saying goes – all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…! Being social is good for the soul.

5. Ik ben morgen vrij.

“I am free tomorrow.”

Yay! Perhaps you were approached by that person and they asked about your availability for a date. This would be a fine reply. Not too eager, but still indicating that you’re interested.

Or maybe you’re just replying to a colleague or manager’s request for a meeting. Polite, honest and clear.

Alternatively, you’re just busy right now, and plans are not going the way they were…well, planned. Compromise is a lovely thing! And this phrase sounds just like that.

Use it to indicate that you want to accommodate an invitation or the inviter’s plans, despite your current unavailability. Only if you are really free, of course.

6. Kunnen we dit opnieuw plannen?

“Can we reschedule this?”

So, life happened and you are unable to meet obligations or attend a planned meeting. This is a suitable question to ask if you wish to indicate your willingness to still engage with whatever is on the table.

Obviously you should (ideally) not ask to reschedule a party or big meeting! (Unless you’re the boss or it’s your own party, of course.) But if there’s reasonable wiggle room regarding arrangements, then this one’s your question.

7. Aan het eind van de maand heb ik genoeg tijd.

“I will have enough time at the end of the month.”

A go-to phrase when events or activities are likely to take up a lot of your time, such as going away for a weekend, spending the day at a local market, or writing your manager’s quarterly report (with 20 flow-charts in Powerpoint) – anything that won’t only take an hour or two.

8. Welke tijd komt het beste bij je uit?

“When is the best time that suits you?”

Remember phrase #5? That was a possible reply to this question. Asked by your crush, very possibly! Or, it could be asked by any other person for any other reason, doesn’t matter.

If this is addressed to you, it usually means that the person respects your time and schedule, which is a good thing. It probably also means that their own schedule is flexible, another good thing.

This is also a polite question to ask when a manager or senior colleague wants to meet with you. Let them decide on the time, and be as accommodating as possible. This attitude shows respect for seniority – good for career building. (Within reason, of course. You don’t need to postpone your wedding or your paid-up holiday to Australia because your manager wants to see you.)

9. Is dit een goede datum voor je?

“Is this date OK with you?”

But – if the other party insists that you choose a time for a meeting, appointment, or date etc., then do so! Respond with this nice, somewhat casual question that leaves space for negotiation, but only needs a simple reply.

Suitable for friends, and casual acquaintances and colleagues.

10. Ben je op die dag beschikbaar?

“Are you available on that day?”

This is the a-bit-more-formal version of the previous question. Again, it has room for negotiation, but only needs a simple response – nice and neat!

Maybe this is the go-to question when you’re addressing your seniors at work, or a person much older than you.

11. Kunnen we het zo snel mogelijk doen?

“Can we do it as soon as possible?”

This question has an urgency to it that should preferably be responded to with the same. A simple reply will be good – yes or no. Less negotiable, this is still polite because it’s a question that gives you a choice.

But stand ready with one of the phrases in this article to help tie down a time and date!

12. Ik ben elke avond beschikbaar.

“I’m available every evening”

If you’re going to reply with this phrase, context is everything.

– If it’s your manager asking you to put in a bit of overtime, and you are available to – great reply! When deadlines are tight and everybody is stressing, your willingness to go the extra mile can only improve your relationship with your boss.

(Still, no need to be a doormat! If you get asked to work overtime too often, or if everyone else is goofing around while you have to graft, then re-evaluate the situation. And if you feel you’re being exploited a bit, don’t stress! Equip yourself with the diplomatic, yet assertive responses right in this article.)

– If it’s an old friend or longtime significant other asking to hang out – good reply. You know one another and appearances don’t matter any longer.

– If it’s a new crush who just asked when you’d be available for a date – stop. Not such a great reply. Tone down a bit! “Interested but not overly eager” is what you’re going for here.

Refer back to response #5, or use a counter-question, such as #1. Whatever suits you.

But if they – or anyone else – invite you to scale the Himalayas with them, then the next phrase will probably be the only sane response!

13. Ik moet dit ruim van tevoren plannen.

“I need to plan this well in advance.”

So, as said under #9, perhaps you’re invited to join someone conquer the Himalayas.

Or your company manager wants you to plan the Party that Tops All Year-End Parties Forever.

Simply – if you get asked to do something that you know will need a lot of thorough planning, this is a good phrase to respond with.

It’s an assertive phrase that demonstrates two things regarding your attitude:

a) That you know your own abilities, and respect your own schedule.
b) That your respect other people’s time and schedule too.

Then just be sure to actually do that planning well in advance!

14. We moeten een andere datum vinden

“We need to find another date.”

So, you’re in negotiations regarding a date.

This is an assertive statement that should probably not be used with a “My way or the highway” attitude.

That stuff only works in the movies – think sharp-tongued Samuel L. Jackson. Or fierce Kristen Stewart. Yea, they can be scary, so tone down that tone.

Also, be mindful that fickle people who change plans all the time don’t keep friends! Taking others’ needs into consideration, while simultaneously having your way is a delicate art that takes proper cultivation. Use this phrase sparingly – we have better ones here to negotiate with.

Of course, if your planned trip to the dentist falls on the same day as the only Billie Eilish concert close by…well, priorities are priorities. Feel free to call the dentist with this phrase. Or even better, use the next one.

15. Op die dag kan ik niet.

“I cannot do it on that day.”

This is the low-key-but-still-firm cousin of the previous phrase. You’re stating a personal fact, and depending on your tone, this can be as non-negotiable as you prefer.

Again, only use this when you really mean it, if you’re visiting Netherlands or any other foreign country.

So, that’s it, folks! Which phrase did you find the most helpful? Let us know in the comments!

3. Can DutchPod101 Help You In Other Ways Too?

Well yes, of course!

We think you will find these phrases easy to use when talking about dates and months in Dutch. But knowing how to employ them properly could help you avoid sticky situations!

DutchPod101 is uniquely geared to help you with this and so much more.

This InnovativeLanguage.com initiative is one of many online language-learning courses. With us, you’ll find it easy and fun to learn a new language, and here are a few reasons why:

• Immediately upon enrollment, you’ll receive hundreds of well-designed lessons to get you going.
• Watch superb recordings of native Dutch speakers in cool slide-shows – the easy way to practice till you sound just like a native speaker yourself!
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If you’re serious about mastering Dutch easily yet correctly, DutchPod101 is definitely one of, if not the best, online language learning platforms available. Talking about your plans or dates in Dutch need not ever spoil your stay.

So, hurry up—enroll today!

Did you know that only some reptiles and birds don’t parent their offspring? Except for crocodiles, all reptiles (and one family of bird species called megapodes) hatch from eggs and grow up alone, without any family.

The rest of us need family if we are to survive and thrive – humans and animals alike!

At DutchPod101, we know how important family is. Therefore, we take care to teach you all the important vocabulary and phrases pertaining to family.

Table of Contents

1. Why Is It Important to Know Dutch Vocabulary about Family?
2. Learn a New Culture? Learn its Family Vocab first
3. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn Dutch Family Terms

1. Why Is It Important to Know Dutch Vocabulary about Family?

Well, if you’re serious about studying any new language, then learning about the most important social unit in Dutch culture would be a crucial part of your education.

What is family, though? Strictly speaking, it’s a group of people who live together and are supposed to take care of one another. Some of them are genetically linked.

Family isn’t just about who we’re related to by blood, of course. It’s also one of the main influences in shaping every child’s life.

Family is Important for Children’s Healthy Development

Family is the single most important influence in a child’s life. Children depend on parents and family to protect them and provide for their needs from the day they were born.

Primary caregivers, which usually comprise parents and family, form a child’s first relationships. They are a child’s first teachers and are role models that show kids how to act and experience the world around them.

By nurturing and teaching children during their early years, families play an important role in making sure children are ready to learn when they enter school.

Families Can Take All Shapes and Sizes

However, the way families are put together is by no means standard.

Single-parent and same-gender households have become a new norm the past few decades, and there’s no shame in this. When there is love, connection and proper care, a child can thrive anywhere.

Everyone also knows that sometimes friends can become like family and remain with us for life, because it’s all about human connection.

After all, we share many commonalities simply because we’re human, and we are programmed to connect with one another and belong to a group. This is very important for our well-being and survival.

It’s All About Feeling Connected

As John Northman, a psychologist from Buffalo, NY, told WebMD – feeling connected to others contributes to mental as well as physical health.

He pointed out that when people feel connected, they feel better physically, and they’re also less likely to feel depressed.

Or, if they do feel depressed, they’d be in a better position to get out of it when they feel they are connecting with others. This is because they would be psychologically supported too, Northman said.

There has even been some links drawn between addiction and feeling disconnected from others. According to an article in Psychology Today, research indicates that addiction is not solely a substance disorder, but also affected by people feeling insecurely attached to others.

It showed that securely attached individuals tend to feel comfortable in and enjoy life, while insecurely attached people typically struggle to fit in and connect.

2. Learn a New Culture? Learn its Family Vocab first

So, it’s clear that for most of us, family is our entry point into connection and belonging. This is true of every culture, so in every country, family takes prominence.

For this reason, DutchPod101 offers culturally-relevant lessons that will equip you well to understand families in Netherlands.

Here are some of the most important Dutch vocabulary and quotes about family and parenting!

A) Dutch Family Vocabulary

Let’s start with the basic vocabulary. Without this collection of words, you’ll have a hard time describing any member of your family at all.

Family Terms
Family familie	Great grandfather overgrootvader
Mother moeder	Grandmother grootmoeder
Father vader	Grandfather grootvader
Wife vrouw	Grandchild kleinkind
Husband echtgenoot	Granddaughter kleindochter
Parent ouder	Grandson kleinzoon
Child kind	Aunt tante
Daughter dochter	Uncle oom
Sister zus	Niece nicht
Brother broer	Nephew neef
Younger sister jongere zus	Younger brother jongere broer
Older brother oudere broer	Great grandmother overgrootmoeder
Cousin nicht	Mother-in-law schoonmoeder
Father-in-law schoonvader	Sister-in-law schoonzuster
Brother-in-law zwager	Partner partner

B) Quotes About Family

One of the ways to improve your Dutch language skills is by memorizing quotes from books, or poems.

Either source some from Dutch literature, or make use of ours!

Je kiest je gezin niet zelf. Ze zijn Gods geschenk aan jou, als wat jij voor hen bent.

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” – Desmond Tutu

Familie is niet een belangrijk ding. Het is alles.

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox

Familie betekent dat niemand wordt achtergelaten of vergeten.

“Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” – David Ogden Stiers

Mijn familie is mijn kracht en mijn zwakte.

“My family is my strength and my weakness.” – Aishwarya Rai

Het gezin is een van de meesterwerken van de natuur.

“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” – George Santayana

Wanneer er problemen komen , is het je familie die je steunt.

“When trouble comes, it’s your family that supports you.” – Guy Lafleur

Het gezin is de eerste essentiële bouwsteen van de menselijke samenleving.

“The family is the first essential cell of human society.” – Pope John XXIII

Er bestaat niet zoiets als plezier voor het hele gezin.

“There is no such thing as fun for the whole family.” – Jerry Seinfeld

Je moet je eer verdedigen. En je familie.

“You have to defend your honor. And your family.” – Suzanne Vega

Alle gelukkige gezinnen lijken op elkaar; elk ongelukkig gezin is ongelukkig op zijn eigen manier.

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Leo Tolstoy

C) Test Your Knowledge!

Do you feel you have learned a lot in this blog? Let’s quickly test that!

In the table below, match the Dutch vocabulary on the left with the definition of the relative in the right column.

MY RELATIVES
Relative Name	Definition
1. familie	a. My male child
2. moeder	b. My older male sibling
3. vader	c. My female sibling
4. vrouw	d. My child’s child
5. echtgenoot	e. My child’s female child
6. ouder	f. My female parent
7. kind	g. My grandparent’s mother
8. dochter	h. Mother to one of my parents
9. zoon	i. Relatives
10. zus	j. My female child
11. broer	k. My younger male sibling
12. jongere zus	l. Male spouse
13. jongere broer	m. The father of one of my parents
14. oudere broer	n. My child’s male child
15. overgrootmoeder	o. My children’s father or mother
16. overgrootvader	p. The sister of one of my parents
17. grootmoeder	q. The brother of one of my parents
18. grootvader	r. My male parent
19. kleinkind	s. My sibling’s female child
20. kleindochter	t. My sibling’s male child
21. kleinzoon	u. My male sibling
22. tante	v. My parents’ sibling’s child
23. oom	w. Female spouse
24. nicht	x. The grandfather of one of my parents
25. neef	y. The person I am a parent to
26. nicht	z. My younger female sibling

How did it go? Don’t worry if you had trouble with it – you’ll get there! With a bit of practice, and our help at DutchPod101, you’ll soon have these family terms under the belt.

3. How DutchPod101 Can Help You Learn Dutch Family Terms

We hope that we helped you expand your family in Dutch vocabulary!

DutchPod101, with its innovative online learning system, stands out among online learning platforms to help you master Dutch easily.

Our lessons are tailored not only to increase your language skills, but to also inform you of Dutch culture, including the Dutch family structure.

When you sign up, you will get instant access to tools like:

1 – An extensive vocabulary list, regularly updated
2 – A new Dutch word to learn every day
3 – Quick access to the Dutch Key Phrase List
4 – A free Dutch online dictionary
5 – The excellent 100 Core Dutch Word List
6 – An almost limitless Lesson Library for learners of all levels

Further speed up your learning with the help of a personal tutor, who will first assess your current Dutch language abilities to personalize your training and tailor it to your needs.

Hard work always pays off, and to help you in this, DutchPod101 will be there every step of the way toward your Dutch mastery!

Answers: 1.i. 2.f. 3.r. 4.w. 5.l. 6.o. 7.y. 8.j. 9.a. 10.c. 11.u. 12.z. 13.k. 14.b. 15.g 16.x. 17.h. 18.m. 19.d. 20.e. 21.n. 22.p. 23.q. 24.s. 25.t. 26.v.

Each year on his birthday, Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands with his helpers and gives out candies and gifts to children who have been good. Saint Nicholas Eve, the night before St. Nicholas Day, is also a time of gift-giving and pleasant surprises among adults, in honor of the real saint this holiday is based on.

In this article, you’ll learn about how the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas and about the traditional Sinterklaas stories.

Ready? Let’s get started!

1. What is St. Nicholas’ Eve?

St. Nicholas Eve is the night before Sinterklaas and the Saint’s birthday. On this night, Saint Nicholas arrives in the Netherlands with presents. Although most Dutch people have grown up with this celebration, for most non-Dutch people this holy man is an entirely unfamiliar phenomenon. So let’s get to know him!

The Saint and his helpers arrive in the Netherlands from Spain around mid-November. From then on, children get to place their shoes next to the hearth before they go to bed so that Saint Nicholas’ helpers (known as Black Peters) can put a small gift in them (for example, a chocolate letter).

Black Peter is Sinterklaas’ helper. Many children love the “Peters” because they like to be mischievous; they dance comically and throw candies around for the children to pick up. They climb on rooftops and come down the chimney at night to put a little gift in the children’s waiting shoes. Of course, this is only for children who have been good all year. Children who’ve been bad are put in the sack and taken back to Spain.

In Holland, the name of Sinterklaas’ horse is Amerigo. We also know him as a grey. But in Flanders, the name of Sinterklaas’ horse is Bad-Weather-Today!

2. When is St. Nicholas’ Eve?

Each year, the Dutch celebrate St. Nicholas’ Eve on December 5.

3. Saint Nicholas Eve Celebrations

All the children sing special Sinterklaas songs for Saint Nicholas and his “Peters” as they put their shoes out. They also watch the Sinterklaas News daily on national television to stay informed about their activities.

Adults also celebrate by exchanging gifts on behalf of the Saint during Sinterklaas parties. These are usually accompanied by a special little Sinterklaas-themed rhyming poem—a kind of limerick—and are wrapped similarly to how Christmas gifts in the United States are. Family members and friends often draw names to know who to prepare a surprise for. The surprise element here is far more important than the actual gift-giving!

The Dutch also do plenty of feasting and drink lots of hot chocolate in celebration of the life of the real St. Nicholas, who was known for giving gifts to children.

4. Where was Sinterklaas Born?

Do you know where the good Saint originally came from, according to history books?

About 1700 years ago, Sinterklaas was born in the town of Patara (present-day Turkey), and not in Spain as most Dutch people think. The location of the Saint’s headquarters is top-secret, of course.

If you’ve been bad this year and he takes you back with him in the sack, the question is whether you’ll end up in Spain or in Turkey!

5. Essential St. Nicholas’ Eve Vocabulary

Here’s some Dutch vocabulary for you to memorize before St. Nicholas’ Eve!

• Wortel — “Carrot”
• Maan — “Moon”
• Schoorsteen — “Chimney”
• Pepernoot — “Spice nut”
• Speculaas — “Ginger cookie”
• Chocoladeletter — “Chocolate letter”
• Zwarte Piet — “Black Pete”
• Sinterklaas — “Saint Nicholas”
• Pakje — “Present”
• Amerigo — “Amerigo”
• Mijter — “Mitre”
• Vijf december — “December 5”
• Roe — “Birch rod”
• Sinterklaasfeest — “Saint Nicholas Day”

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, check out our Dutch St. Nicholas’ Eve vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on the Dutch Sinterklaas celebrations? I think we can all agree that a holiday involving gifts, singing, and hot chocolate is a good one. 😉

This holiday doesn’t even scratch the surface of Dutch culture and traditions, though. If you want to learn even more about the Netherlands and the Dutch people, or perhaps some more vocabulary for the winter, DutchPod101.com has plenty of fun and informative sources for you to check out:

• An Introduction to Dutch Pop Culture
• Pop and Traditional Culture
• How to Say Merry Christmas in Dutch
• How to Say Happy New Year in Dutch & New Year Wishes
• Words for Winter Snow Days

At DutchPod101.com, learning Dutch doesn’t have to be a boring or overwhelming process. We do everything we can to make it as painless and fun as possible!

If you’re serious about mastering the Dutch language, create your free lifetime account today!