Question Words

1. Wat?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Waar?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Wanneer?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Wie?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Waarom?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Hoe?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Hoeveel?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   "Hoeveel" covers both count and amount

8. Hoeveel kost het?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Welke?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

   Grammar Note

   Use "welke" with "de" words and "welk" with "het" words

10. Wat is dit?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Waar is het toilet?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Toilet" is a "het" word; signs often read "WC"

12. Hoe laat is het?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Heeft u dat?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    Insert the item: "Heeft u een kaart?"

14. Kan dat?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    A colloquial way to ask if something is allowed; "Is dat mogelijk?" is formal

15. Moet ik betalen?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Is het gratis?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Is dit goed?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Mag het niet?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. Gaat het goed met u?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "Is dit goed?" (asking permission)

    Grammar Note

    Uses the polite "u"; with friends say "Gaat het?"

20. Echt waar?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. Weet u het zeker?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "Echt waar?"

22. Waar komt u vandaan?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. Hoe heet u?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

    Grammar Note

    Uses the polite "u"; with friends say "Hoe heet je?"

24. Hoe oud bent u?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age at a first meeting can come across as intrusive; better saved until you know them a little

25. Mogen we samen een foto maken?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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