Dutch phrases
you should know
In an emergency, you will not have time to pause and think carefully about the right English or Dutch words to use in the moment.
This page gives you a short list of Dutch phrases to call for help, explain what is wrong, and ask for support.
Overview
Most people in West Flanders will happily switch to English the moment you look confused, but a few Dutch phrases still go a long way. They break the ice, they get a smile, and they make daily errands feel a little more like home.
Everyday greetings
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Hallo / Hoi | Hello / Hi |
| Goedemorgen | Good morning |
| Hoe gaat het? | How are you? |
| Goed, en met u? | Good, and you? |
| Tot straks | See you later |
| Doei | Bye (informal) |
Ordering and shopping
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Mag ik een koffie, alstublieft? | Can I have a coffee, please? |
| Wat kost dit? | How much is this? |
| De rekening, alstublieft. | The bill, please. |
| Heeft u dit in een andere maat? | Do you have this in another size? |
| Ik neem dit. | I will take this. |
Politeness that goes a long way
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Alstublieft | Please |
| Dank u wel | Thank you |
| Sorry | Sorry / excuse me |
| Geen probleem | No problem |
| Tot uw dienst | You are welcome (formal) |
Fun Flemish expressions
Once the basics feel comfortable, these will make you sound like a local, or at least get you a laugh in the right direction.
- Amai! - an all-purpose exclamation of surprise. Something like "wow!"
- Allez! - borrowed from French, used constantly to mean "come on" or "well then."
- Goesting hebben - literally hard to translate, roughly "to feel like" doing something. "Ik heb goesting in friet" = "I'm in the mood for fries."
- Ik zie u graag - the Flemish way of saying "I love you."
Good to know: most people will switch to English the second you get stuck, but even a fumbled "Dank u wel" tends to earn a smile.
Dutch courses
in West Flanders
in West Flanders
