The Netherlands is a compact country where quick, friendly exchanges happen everywhere — on trams, at markets, and in cozy cafés. A handful of phrases can save time, avoid confusion, and make interactions smoother when you’re navigating cities, countryside or train stations.
There are 53 Basic Dutch Phrases for Travel, ranging from …de bushalte? to Wijn. For each entry you’ll find below Pronunciation,Translation,When to use so you can both say the words and know the right moment to use them; treat the list as a pocket reference while you’re on the move — you’ll find below all the details organized for easy lookup.
How should I prioritize which Dutch phrases to learn first?
Start with greetings, polite expressions, asking for directions, numbers, and basic ordering phrases — these cover most travel situations. Use the Pronunciation column to practice speaking aloud, pair flashcards with short real-life practice (ordering coffee, asking a passerby), and focus on the 10–15 phrases you’ll use most often.
Will people notice if my Dutch is imperfect?
Yes, but positively — most Dutch speakers appreciate the effort and will often reply in English if needed. Clear pronunciation, a smile, and polite words like “alstublieft” and “dank u” go a long way even when grammar isn’t perfect.
Basic Dutch Phrases for Travel
| Phrase (Dutch) | Pronunciation | Translation | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallo | HA-low | Hello | A general, all-purpose greeting. |
| Hoi | Hoy | Hi | An informal greeting for friends or in casual settings. |
| Goedemorgen | KHOO-duh-MOR-khun | Good morning | Greeting someone in the morning, until about noon. |
| Goedemiddag | KHOO-duh-MID-dakh | Good afternoon | Greeting someone from noon until around 6 PM. |
| Goedenavond | KHOO-dun-AH-foant | Good evening | Greeting someone in the evening, after 6 PM. |
| Dag | Dakh | Hello / Goodbye | A versatile greeting or farewell, used all day. |
| Tot ziens | Toat zeens | Goodbye (See you later) | A polite and common way to say goodbye. |
| Doei | Doo-ee | Bye | An informal and friendly way to say goodbye. |
| Hoe gaat het? | Hoo khaat het? | How are you? | Asking someone how they are doing. |
| Goed, dank u | Khoot, dahnk oo | Good, thank you | A polite response to “How are you?”. |
| Dank u wel | DAHNK oo vel | Thank you very much (formal) | A polite way to express thanks to strangers or elders. |
| Dank je wel | DAHNK yuh vel | Thank you very much (informal) | A casual way to express thanks to friends or peers. |
| Graag gedaan | KHRAAKH khuh-DAAN | You’re welcome | The standard response after someone thanks you. |
| Alstublieft | AHL-stoo-BLEEFT | Please / Here you are (formal) | When asking for something or giving something politely. |
| Alsjeblieft | AHL-shuh-BLEEFT | Please / Here you are (informal) | The casual version of “alstublieft”. |
| Pardon | par-DON | Excuse me / Pardon me | To get someone’s attention or apologize for a minor bump. |
| Sorry | SOR-ry | Sorry | A simple apology. |
| Ja | Yah | Yes | To affirm or agree with something. |
| Nee | Nay | No | To negate or decline something. |
| Spreekt u Engels? | SPRAYKT oo ENG-uls? | Do you speak English? | To ask if someone can communicate in English. |
| Ik spreek geen Nederlands | Ik sprayk khayn NAY-der-lahnds | I don’t speak Dutch | To explain your language limitation. |
| Ik begrijp het niet | Ik buh-KHRAIP het neet | I don’t understand | When you can’t understand what someone is saying. |
| Waar is het toilet? | VAAR is het twa-LET? | Where is the toilet? | When you need to find the restroom. |
| Hoeveel kost dit? | hoo-VAYL kost dit? | How much does this cost? | When shopping and the price is not displayed. |
| De rekening, alstublieft | duh RAY-kun-ing, AHL-stoo-BLEEFT | The bill, please | When you are ready to pay at a cafe/restaurant. |
| Mag ik betalen? | MAKH ik buh-TAH-lun? | May I pay? | An alternative way to ask for the bill. |
| Pinnen | PIN-nun | To pay by debit card | When you want to pay with a debit or bank card. |
| Contant | kon-TAHNT | Cash | When referring to or paying with physical money. |
| Ik wil graag… | Ik vil KHRAAKH… | I would like… | A polite way to order or request something. |
| Een kaartje naar…, alstublieft | un KAART-yuh naar…, AHL-stoo-BLEEFT | A ticket to…, please | When buying a train, tram, or bus ticket. |
| Waar is…? | VAAR is…? | Where is…? | The basic way to ask for the location of something. |
| …het treinstation? | het TREIN-sta-shon? | …the train station? | Asking for the location of the train station. |
| …de bushalte? | duh BUS-hahl-tuh? | …the bus stop? | Asking for the location of the nearest bus stop. |
| Links | Links | Left | The direction ‘left’. |
| Rechts | Rekhts | Right | The direction ‘right’. |
| Rechtdoor | REKHT-door | Straight ahead | The direction ‘straight ahead’. |
| Proost! | Prohst | Cheers! | When clinking glasses for a toast. |
| Lekker | LEK-kur | Delicious / Tasty / Nice | Describing good food, but also pleasant situations. |
| Eet smakelijk! | AYT SMAH-kuh-lik! | Enjoy your meal! | Said before starting to eat. |
| Water | VAH-ter | Water | Requesting water. |
| Koffie | KOF-fee | Coffee | Ordering a coffee. |
| Bier | Beer | Beer | Ordering a beer. |
| Wijn | Wayn | Wine | Ordering wine. |
| Help! | Help! | Help! | An urgent cry for assistance. |
| Bel de politie | Bel duh po-LEET-see | Call the police | Requesting someone to call law enforcement. |
| Bel een ambulance | Bel un ahm-boo-LAHNS | Call an ambulance | Requesting emergency medical help. |
| Ik heb een dokter nodig | Ik hep un DOK-ter NO-dikh | I need a doctor | When you require non-emergency medical attention. |
| Apotheek | ah-po-TAYK | Pharmacy | The place to buy medicine. |
| Een | Ayn | One | The number 1. |
| Twee | Tway | Two | The number 2. |
| Drie | Dree | Three | The number 3. |
| Tien | Teen | Ten | The number 10. |
| Hoe laat is het? | Hoo laat is het? | What time is it? | Asking for the current time. |
Descriptions
Hallo
The most common and versatile greeting in Dutch. It’s suitable for almost any situation, whether you’re entering a shop, meeting someone, or just saying hi. It’s friendly but not overly informal, making it a perfect go-to for travelers.
Hoi
This is the casual equivalent of “Hallo,” similar to “Hi” in English. It’s perfect for greeting people you know, younger people, or in relaxed environments like bars and cafes. While friendly, use “Hallo” for more formal situations.
Goedemorgen
A standard and polite way to greet people before midday. The initial ‘g’ is a soft, guttural sound from the back of the throat. Use it when entering bakeries, cafés, or starting a conversation with anyone in the morning.
Goedemiddag
This is your standard polite greeting for the afternoon hours. It’s appropriate for all situations, from speaking with hotel staff to greeting a shopkeeper. It shows politeness and an appreciation for the local language.
Goedenavond
Once evening sets in, switch from “Goedemiddag” to this phrase. It’s the standard polite greeting for use in restaurants, theaters, or when meeting people at night. It is used upon arrival, not when leaving.
Dag
Dag is a wonderfully efficient word that can mean both “hello” and “goodbye.” It’s slightly more formal than “Hoi” but less so than a full “Goedemiddag.” You’ll hear it frequently in shops when both entering and leaving.
Tot ziens
This is the standard, polite way to say goodbye, translating literally to “until we see again.” It’s the perfect farewell to a shopkeeper, restaurant staff, or someone you’ve just met. It’s always a safe and appropriate choice.
Doei
Similar to “Hoi,” this is the casual version of goodbye. Use it with friends, peers, or in very informal settings. It’s cheerful and commonly used, but “Tot ziens” is better for more formal or service-related interactions.
Hoe gaat het?
This is the standard way to ask “How are you?”. In response, a simple “Goed, dank u” (Good, thank you) is perfect. While you may not always get a detailed answer, it’s a polite and friendly way to start a conversation.
Goed, dank u
This is the formal and polite way to reply when someone asks how you are. It’s perfect for interactions with staff or people you don’t know well. For a more casual response with friends, you can use “Goed, dank je.”
Dank u wel
This is the formal and most polite way to say “thank you.” Use it when someone has provided a service, like a waiter, hotel clerk, or shop assistant. It shows respect and is always appreciated.
Dank je wel
This is the informal version of “thank you,” used with people your age, friends, or in casual settings. It’s just as heartfelt but carries a more relaxed and familiar tone. When in doubt, “dank u wel” is the safer option.
Graag gedaan
When someone says “dank u wel,” this is the perfect reply. It literally means “done with pleasure” and is the most common way to say “you’re welcome.” It’s polite, friendly, and suitable for every situation.
Alstublieft
This is a multi-purpose word. Use it for “please” when making a request (“Een koffie, alstublieft”). It also means “here you are” when handing something over. This formal version is perfect for service situations.
Alsjeblieft
This informal version is used among friends, family, and peers. Just like its formal counterpart, it means both “please” and “here you are.” It’s one of the most useful and common words you’ll hear in daily Dutch life.
Pardon
A versatile and internationally understood word. Use it to politely get past someone in a crowded space, to get a shopkeeper’s attention, or as a mild apology if you accidentally bump into someone. It’s soft, polite, and always appropriate.
Sorry
Just like in English, “sorry” is widely used and understood for apologies. It’s quick, easy, and effective for everything from bumping into someone to expressing regret. The pronunciation is nearly identical to English, making it an easy one to remember.
Ja
Simple and essential. The Dutch “Ja” sounds very much like the German “Ja” or the English “Yah.” It’s a clear, affirmative response that you will use constantly in everyday interactions, from ordering food to answering simple questions.
Nee
Just as important as “yes.” Pronounced like the English word “nay,” this is the standard way to decline an offer or answer a question in the negative. It’s direct but not considered rude when used in the appropriate context.
Spreekt u Engels?
An essential phrase, though most Dutch people in cities speak excellent English. Asking in Dutch first is a polite gesture that is always appreciated. It shows you’re making an effort before switching to a language that’s more comfortable for you.
Ik spreek geen Nederlands
This is a very useful follow-up to “Spreekt u Engels?”. It politely informs the other person that you are not a Dutch speaker, helping to manage the conversation and encouraging them to switch to English if they can.
Ik begrijp het niet
A very helpful phrase when a conversation in Dutch gets too fast or complex. Saying this politely will usually prompt the other person to slow down, rephrase, or switch to English. It’s much better than just nodding along.
Waar is het toilet?
A universally important travel phrase. You’ll also see signs for `WC` (pronounced `vay-SAY`). This question is direct, polite, and will be understood everywhere, from museums and train stations to restaurants and cafes. It’s a lifesaver.
Hoeveel kost dit?
Perfect for use in markets, small shops, or when you’re curious about an item’s price. You can simply point to the object you’re interested in and ask this question to get a clear answer from the vendor.
De rekening, alstublieft
In the Netherlands, you generally have to ask for the bill; it won’t be brought automatically. Catching your server’s eye and saying this phrase clearly is the standard way to signal that you’re ready to pay and leave.
Mag ik betalen?
This is another polite way to indicate you’re ready to pay, translating to “May I pay?”. It’s slightly softer than demanding the bill and is very common in restaurants and cafes. Both phrases are perfectly acceptable.
Pinnen
Pinnen refers to paying with a debit card via chip and PIN. You can ask “Kan ik pinnen?” (“Can I pay by card?”). It’s the most common form of payment in the Netherlands, even for small amounts, though credit cards are less common.
Contant
If you prefer to pay with euros, you can say “Ik betaal contant” (“I’ll pay with cash”). While card payments are dominant, having some cash on hand is always a good idea for smaller shops, market stalls, or if a card machine is down.
Ik wil graag…
This is the perfect sentence starter for ordering food, drinks, or asking for anything in a shop. It literally means “I would gladly…” and is much more polite than just stating what you want. For example, “Ik wil graag een koffie.”
Een kaartje naar…, alstublieft
Your go-to phrase at any public transport ticket counter. Simply state your destination after “naar” (e.g., “Een kaartje naar Amsterdam Centraal, alstublieft”). This simple structure is efficient and will get you the ticket you need.
Waar is…?
This is the essential starting point for any question about directions. Just add the place you’re looking for after it, for example, “Waar is het Rijksmuseum?”. It’s a simple, direct, and effective way to ask for help navigating.
…het treinstation?
Append this to “Waar is…?” to find the main railway hub in any town or city. Dutch train travel is incredibly efficient, so knowing how to find the station is key to exploring the country with ease.
…de bushalte?
Buses are a great way to get around cities and rural areas. If you need to find a stop, combine this with “Waar is…?” to ask a local for directions. They are usually very happy to point you the right way.
Links
A fundamental word for understanding directions. When someone is guiding you, listen for “links” to know when to make a left turn. It sounds very similar to the English word, making it easy to remember in the moment.
Rechts
The counterpart to “links.” The “ch” is a soft, guttural sound. Knowing “links” and “rechts” is crucial for following directions from locals or GPS systems. Practice the pronunciation to avoid any confusion when navigating.
Rechtdoor
When you’re told to continue on your current path without turning, you’ll hear “rechtdoor.” It’s a key piece of directional vocabulary that will help you navigate city streets and follow directions accurately.
Proost!
The essential word for any social drinking occasion. Whether you’re having a `biertje` (beer) in a traditional brown cafe or a glass of wine, say “Proost!” while making eye contact and clinking glasses. It’s a friendly part of Dutch social culture.
Lekker
This versatile word is high praise for food, meaning “delicious.” However, it can also describe anything pleasant, like nice weather (“lekker weer”) or a relaxing day. Using it to compliment a meal will surely earn you a smile from the chef.
Eet smakelijk!
This is the Dutch equivalent of “Bon appétit!” It’s a polite and friendly thing to say to your dining companions before you begin eating. You’ll also hear it from your server when they bring your food to the table.
Water
Simple and easy to remember. If you want tap water, ask for “een glas water” or “kraanwater.” If you want bottled water, you’ll need to specify “met prik” (sparkling) or “zonder prik” (still).
Koffie
The Dutch love their coffee. Ordering a “koffie” will typically get you a standard black coffee. If you want milk, you can ask for a “koffie verkeerd,” which is similar to a café au lait. Pronunciation is very close to English.
Bier
The Netherlands has a strong beer culture. If you simply ask for “een bier,” you’ll likely get a pilsner on tap. To be more specific, you can ask for the beer menu (“de bierkaart”) to explore local craft options.
Wijn
If you’d like a glass of wine, you can ask for “rode wijn” (red wine) or “witte wijn” (white wine). It’s a simple and effective way to order in any bar or restaurant.
Help!
Universally understood and pronounced the same as in English. This is for serious emergencies where you need immediate attention. Use it loud and clear if you are in danger or see someone who needs urgent help.
Bel de politie
In an emergency situation where you need police assistance, this is the direct phrase to use. The emergency number in the Netherlands, like the rest of the EU, is 112. This phrase will convey the urgency of the situation.
Bel een ambulance
If someone is injured or in medical distress, use this phrase to ask someone to call for an ambulance. The emergency number is 112. This is a critical phrase to know for any medical emergency during your travels.
Ik heb een dokter nodig
This phrase is for when you feel unwell and need to see a doctor, but it’s not a life-threatening emergency. You can say this to your hotel staff, and they can help you find a local clinic or doctor’s office.
Apotheek
If you need to find a pharmacy to get over-the-counter medication or fill a prescription, you can ask, “Waar is de apotheek?”. They are easily recognizable by a green cross sign. Staff can often provide basic medical advice.
Een
Knowing the basic numbers is incredibly helpful for shopping, telling time, and buying tickets. “Een” is the starting point. Note that it’s pronounced differently from the article “een” (un), which is unstressed.
Twee
Easy to pronounce and very common. You’ll use it when ordering two coffees, buying two tickets, or saying you’re a party of two at a restaurant (“een tafel voor twee”).
Drie
Another foundational number for everyday transactions. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, making it easy to use when specifying quantities.
Tien
A key number for counting and understanding prices. The numbers up to ten are the most critical for a traveler to learn for basic interactions.
Hoe laat is het?
A polite and simple way to ask someone for the time. The Dutch typically use the 24-hour clock, especially in official contexts like train schedules, but will understand and respond to this question in a simple format.
