Greetings

1. Hallo / Goedendag

   Hello / Good day

   Usage

   Basic Dutch greetings. Hallo is casual, Goedendag is more formal

   Grammar Note

   Goedendag combines "goede" (good) and "dag" (day). Goedemiddag is used specifically for afternoon

2. Dank u wel

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   Formal expression of thanks. "Dank je" is the informal equivalent

   Grammar Note

   "U" is the formal second-person pronoun. "Dank je wel" uses informal "je" for friends

3. Alstublieft

   Please (formal)

   Usage

   Used when making a polite request or handing something to someone

   Grammar Note

   Short for "Als het u belieft" (if it pleases you). "Alsjeblieft" is the informal version

4. Tot ziens

   Goodbye

   Usage

   Standard farewell implying you expect to see the person again

   Grammar Note

   Literally "until seeing". "Daag" or "Doeg" are more casual farewells

5. Excuseer mij

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Used to get someone's attention or to pass by someone

   Grammar Note

   "Pardon" is equally common and used the same way, especially in Belgium

6. Aangenaam kennis te maken

   Nice to meet you

   Usage

   Formal greeting when meeting someone for the first time, often with a handshake

   Grammar Note

   "Aangenaam" alone is sufficient as a greeting when meeting someone new

7. Hoe gaat het met u?

   How are you?

   Usage

   Formal inquiry about wellbeing. Common reply: "Goed, dank u" (Fine, thank you)

   Grammar Note

   "U" is formal; use "je" with friends. "Hoe gaat het?" alone is common and slightly less formal

8. Het spijt me

   I'm sorry

   Usage

   A sincere apology, used for genuine regret rather than minor inconveniences

   Grammar Note

   Literally "it grieves me". "Het spijt me erg" means "I am very sorry" — stronger apology

9. Goedenacht

   Good night

   Usage

   Said when parting for the night or before going to sleep

   Grammar Note

   Note: "Goedenacht" is the correct spelling. "Welterusten" (sleep well) is also common

10. Welkom in Nederland!

    Welcome to the Netherlands!

    Usage

    Welcoming visitors or travelers to the Netherlands

    Grammar Note

    The country is "Nederland" in Dutch. "Holland" refers only to two provinces, not the whole country

11. Waar is het toilet?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Basic phrase for asking where the toilet is in restaurants or public places

    Grammar Note

    Question word "waar" (where) comes first. "Het" is the neuter definite article, similar to English "the"

12. Ik kan geen Nederlands spreken

    I can't speak Dutch

    Usage

    Used to tell someone you can't speak Dutch; often followed by a request to speak English

    Grammar Note

    "Geen" is used for negating uncountable nouns or general negation. Note: "geen" not "niet" here

13. Ik kom terug.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Ik heb een geweldige tijd gehad.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

15. Bedankt, doei!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

    Grammar Note

    "Doei" is more casual than "tot ziens"

16. Welterusten.

    Good night

    Usage

    A bedtime alternative to "Goedenacht"; literally "rest well"

17. Ik ga ervandoor.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. Ik ben weer terug.

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging

19. Neem me niet kwalijk, ik moet nu weg.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. Graag gedaan.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    A reply when someone thanks you

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