Pronouns and Verbs

Ik = I

Hij = he

Zij = she

Wij = we

Let's Take the verb "hoor" which means "hear."

Ik hoor

Hij hoort

Wij hooren

By this you can deduct this rule:

Hoor is the foundation and used with Ik.

Hoor + t = Hoort and is used with Zij and Hij.

Hoor + en = Hooren and is used with Wij.

You can do the same with "zeg" which means "say."

Ik zeg.

Zij/Hij zegt. (+t)

Wij zeggen. (+en)

Try to translate these sentences.

Hij zegt: "Dank U Wel."

(Leave your translation in the comment box, please.)

Casual Basic Phrases

It is nice to be able to order food (somewhat) in Dutch, but when my family went across the street to meet our neighbors, it would have been nice to be able to know some casual phrases. These phrases will save you in times of need, (if you ever happen to need them) and besides, by using some dutch words, you can annoy your:

• classmates
• siblings
• spouse
• parents
• children

and much much more! The possibilities are endless!

Some phrases are:

geen dank (heen donk) = (you're welcome) Don't mention it.

Waar is de WC? (Vare is duh vay-say?) = Where is the Water Closet? (toilet)

Nee, donk je (nay, donk, yuh) = No, Thanks

Ja, Graag (yaw grog) = Yes, Please

Het Spijt meh (het spite muh) = Sorry

Some Basic Greetings

You step tentatively into the Netherlands' main airport: Schipol. You stand out a bit from the Europeans. You basically can find your way around (the toilets are called "toiletten" the cafes are called "cafes" etc.) but what do you do when you order a coffee and they expect you to say something in Dutch? 


You could say "Hello! I would like a ..." or in other words announcing to the world that you only speak English, OR you could say at least the proper greetings before you confess. You want to, when in another country, to demonstrate respect for the country and customs. If you take the time to learn the proper greetings, you are telling them that you may be an American that only speaks English, but you did take the time to learn their customs somewhat.

Here are a few basic and important greetings.

Hallo! (Hallow) =Hello

Dank U Wel (Donk oo vell)= Thank you! (to an authority or stranger)

Dank ja Wel (Donk yuh Vell)= Thanks (to someone you know well or is younger than you are)

Tot Ziens! (tott zeens)= Goodbye!

Alstublieft (all stew bleeft)= Please, or Your Welcome