Basic Words

1. Ja

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Nee

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Alstublieft

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   The polite form based on "u"; use "alsjeblieft" with friends

4. Dank u wel

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   "Bedankt" is the casual version; "u" keeps it polite

5. Pardon

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   Used to get attention or to pass by someone

6. Het spijt me

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   The standard apology; "Sorry" is also widely used

7. Het is in orde

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Ik begrijp het niet

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Ik begrijp het

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Ik ben klaar

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    "Klaar" means both "finished" and "ready"

11. Wacht alstublieft

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    The imperative is simply the verb stem

12. Een moment

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Eén volwassene, alstublieft

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Ik heb geen reservering

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    Negating a noun uses "geen", not "niet"

15. Ik heb een reservering

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Help mij alstublieft

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Help!"

17. Nog een keer, alstublieft

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Spreekt u langzamer, alstublieft

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Ik spreek een beetje Nederlands

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    Say it early and people will slow down

20. Spreekt u Engels?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    The polite "u" form; English is widely spoken in the Low Countries

21. dit

    This (one)

    Usage

    Point at something near you and show this; use it while pointing at a menu item or product

    Grammar Note

    The near demonstrative for "het" words; with "de" words it becomes "deze" (deze kamer / dit boek)

22. dat

    That (one)

    Usage

    For something further away; Dutch has only two degrees — near "dit" and far "dat" — not the three of Japanese

    Grammar Note

    The far demonstrative for "het" words; with "de" words it becomes "die" (die stoel / dat huis)

23. dat daar

    That one over there

    Usage

    Pins down an item at a distance; "daar" is added because "dat" alone does not separate near from far

    Grammar Note

    Formed by adding "daar" (over there); with a "de" word it becomes "die daar"

24. hier

    Here

    Usage

    Marks where you are; also works in a taxi to mean "drop me here"

    Grammar Note

    An adverb of place; "to here" is "hierheen"

25. daar

    There

    Usage

    Marks a place away from you; Dutch has only "hier" and "daar", so this single word covers both Japanese "soko" and "asoko"

    Grammar Note

    An adverb of place; "daarginds" stresses greater distance, but everyday Dutch just uses "daar"

26. ik

    I / Me

    Usage

    Shows that you mean yourself; point at yourself while showing it

    Grammar Note

    The object form is "mij" or "me"; there is no polite/casual split for this pronoun

27. u

    You (polite)

    Usage

    The polite way to refer to the other person; safe with strangers and staff

    Grammar Note

    The informal form is "jij" or "je"; colloquial Flemish also uses "gij/ge", but "u" is never rude in either country

28. samen

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone, or that seats or a bill should be combined

    Grammar Note

    An adverb; "to go together" is "samen gaan"

29. nu meteen

    Right now

    Usage

    Signals urgency — when you are being kept waiting, or in an emergency

    Grammar Note

    "Nu" (now) intensified by "meteen" (immediately); "meteen" alone carries the same sense

30. één persoon

    One person

    Usage

    Show this when asked how many; used for a table or a room

    Grammar Note

    The numeral one is written "één" with two accents to distinguish it from the article "een"

31. twee personen

    Two people

    Usage

    Show this when asked how many

    Grammar Note

    "Persoon" becomes "personen" in the plural; a table for two is "een tafel voor twee"

32. drie personen

    Three people

    Usage

    Show this when asked how many

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