Children in the Netherlands start learning English in primary school. That’s why most Dutch people are sufficiently comfortable speaking English to have a friendly conversation. Certainly in a large and international city like Rotterdam. Still, Dutch people appreciate it when international visitors manage to speak a few words in Dutch. If you want to pronounce the words like Dutch people do, then don’t forget to pronounce the G like a deep guttural growl.
Greetings and thanking
| Thank you | Dank je wel |
| Good morning | Goedemorgen |
| Good afternoon | Goedemiddag |
| Hello | Hallo |
| Hi | Hoi |
| Sleep well | Welterusten |
| How are you doing? | Hoe gaat het? |
| Please | Alsjeblieft |
When having drinks
| One beer, please | Een biertje, alsjeblieft. |
| I want bitterballen | Een portie bitterballen, alsjeblieft |
| The bill please | Mag ik betalen? |
| Can I sit here? | Mag ik hier zitten? |
