Dutch is spoken by over 25 million people in the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders) and Suriname. Close to English and German, it is surprisingly accessible. Nearly all Dutch people speak English, but a sincere "dank je wel" will open far more doors than a plain "thank you".
Dutch (Nederlands) is spoken by roughly 24 million native speakers and stands as an official language in the Netherlands, the Flemish region of Belgium, Suriname, as well as Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten in the Caribbean. As a West Germanic language, it sits between German and English: any French speaker who has already met those two languages will quickly find familiar ground, both for vocabulary and sentence structure. The pronunciation, with its guttural sounds such as the "g" in Den Haag, takes some training, but stays approachable with an attentive ear.
Culturally, you will encounter the famous "doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg" philosophy: just act normal, you are already eccentric enough. This understated friendliness shows everywhere, from the brown cafes of Amsterdam to the markets of Ghent. Cycling is not a hobby, it is a way of life: Utrecht, Groningen and Bruges are best crossed on two wheels, and it is wise to learn quickly to respect bike lanes before stepping on one by mistake.
Most Dutch and Flemish speakers handle excellent English, which can tempt you to do everything in that language. Yet a simple "goedemorgen", "dank u wel" or "alstublieft" instantly shifts the mood: people smile, slow down and treat you as a thoughtful guest rather than a casual tourist. The same is true in Antwerp, Maastricht or a small Frisian village. This survival kit gives you the essential phrases to take that first step naturally and respectfully.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You have just landed at Amsterdam-Schiphol airport or stepped into Centraal Station. A staff member greets you, an employee checks your ticket, a fellow traveller starts a chat. A few simple words instantly put you on the right side of the language barrier.
You leave the station with your luggage, torn between the tram and a taxi. Before getting in, it is best to clarify the fare, give the address, and know how to ask the driver to stop in the right spot, especially around pedestrian city centres.
You step into a brown cafe in Amsterdam or a brasserie in Antwerp. The waiter hands you the menu, you hesitate between bitterballen and a broodje, then comes the moment to ask for advice and the bill without stumbling.
A sudden pain, a bag stolen on Dam Square, or an allergic reaction on a terrace. You need to explain what is happening, ask for a doctor or the nearest pharmacy. These phrases help you stay calm and make yourself understood.
Final morning at the hotel, suitcase by the door, train to catch towards Brussels or Berlin. You thank the front desk, ask about check-out time, and offer a sincere final "tot ziens" to your hosts.
What you need to know before travelling to a dutch-speaking country.
Dutch people are direct, sometimes bluntly so. It's not rudeness, it's cultural. If a local tells you "your Dutch is not so good", take it as an observation, not an insult.
Bicycles reign supreme. Respect bike lanes (fietspaden), NEVER walk on them, and look both ways before crossing. Over 23 million bicycles circulate in the Netherlands for 17 million inhabitants.
"Gezellig" is THE untranslatable Dutch word. It's a mix of cozy, convivial, warm. A cafe is gezellig, an evening with friends is gezellig, even rain can be gezellig with a good hot chocolate.
Punctuality is sacred. Arriving 5 minutes late is already noticed. The Dutch plan everything: visits, lunches, even spontaneous coffees are often scheduled in the agenda.
The "going Dutch" system (splitting the bill) was born here. Don't be surprised if everyone pays their share at the restaurant, even among long-time friends. It's not stinginess, it's equality.
Dutch cheek kisses: three, on the cheeks, alternating (right-left-right). But this is reserved for close ones. A firm handshake is the norm for first meetings.
NEVER call the Netherlands "Holland". Holland is only two provinces out of twelve. A resident of Groningen or Limburg will be annoyed if you call their country "Holland".
"Drop" (salty liquorice) is the national candy. The Dutch eat over 32 million kilos per year. Try it, but be warned: the "dubbel zout" (double salt) version is a shock for the uninitiated.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Ja
YA
Yes
Nee
NAY
No
Dank u
DANK u
Thank you
Alstublieft
als-tu-BLIFT
Please
Sorry
SO-ri
Sorry
Water
VA-ter
Water
Eten
AY-ten
Food
Hotel
ho-TEL
Hotel
Luchthaven
LUGHT-ha-ven
Airport
Ziekenhuis
ZI-ken-hows
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
No credit card. One-click unsubscribe. GDPR compliant.
Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
All Targumi resources for this language.
Assess your CEFR level in 5 minutes.
Films, music, traditions. How well do you know?
Guides, methods and tips to progress.
Essential words and phrases organised by themes.
Films, series, podcasts and music to immerse yourself.
Live classes with a bilingual native teacher. First lessons free.
The kit is just the start. To really speak the language, join a live class with a native teacher. Small groups, real feedback, fast progress.
30-day money-back guarantee, native teachers