Basic Verbs

1. gaan

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: ik ga / u gaat

2. komen

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: ik kom / u komt

3. eten

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   The vowel lengthens: ik eet / u eet

4. drinken

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   ik drink / u drinkt

5. kopen

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   ik koop / u koopt

6. zien

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   "Zien" is perceiving; "kijken" is looking deliberately

7. wachten

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   "To wait for" is "wachten op" plus the noun

8. Ik wil graag gaan

   I want to go

   Usage

   The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

   Grammar Note

   Adding "graag" softens "ik wil" into a polite request

9. Ik wil graag eten

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Ik wil dit graag

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "dit" means "this", and "graag" (gladly) comes after it: "wil dit graag"

11. Ik heb het niet nodig

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

    Grammar Note

    "Nodig hebben" means "to need"; "niet" goes before "nodig"

12. Ik zoek

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Add the object: "Ik zoek het station"

13. Ik heb het

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

14. Ik heb het niet

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

15. Ik wil graag geld opnemen

    I'd like to withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    "Opnemen" is a separable verb; a cash machine is "de geldautomaat"

16. Ik wil graag reserveren

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. Kunt u mij helpen?

    Please help me

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    A polite "u" request; "Zou u mij kunnen helpen?" is softer still

18. Kunt u mij dat vertellen, alstublieft?

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

    Grammar Note

    "Kunt u mij … vertellen?" is the polite "u" request pattern; adding "alstublieft" makes it softer

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