How to say hello & more in Dutch: 18 phrases + audio

Hello & how are you

1. Hallo.

   Say it like: HAH-loh

   Hello.

   Neutral · Works almost anywhere, any time of day.
2. Hallo allemaal!

   Say it like: HAH-loh AH-ler-mahl

   Hi everyone!

   Informal · When you join a group that is already chatting.
3. Goedemorgen.

   Say it like: KHOO-duh-MOR-khuh

   Good morning.

   Neutral · In the morning.

Introducing yourself

1. Ik heet …

   Say it like: ik HAYT

   My name is …

   Neutral · Add your first name.
2. Hoe heet u?

   Say it like: hoo HAYT ew

   What is your name? (polite)

   Formal · For hosts, older people or formal settings.
3. Hoe heet je?

   Say it like: hoo HAYT yuh

   What's your name?

   Informal · Among peers at a relaxed event.

Small talk

1. Ben je hier al eens eerder geweest?

   Say it like: ben yuh HEER ahl ens AY-rer khuh-VAYST

   Have you been here before?

   Informal · An easy way to start a chat.
2. Het is hier echt gezellig.

   Say it like: het is heer EKHT khuh-ZEL-ikh

   It's a really nice place.

   Neutral · A friendly comment about the venue.
3. Hoe lang woon je hier al?

   Say it like: hoo LAHNG vohn yuh heer AHL

   How long have you lived here?

   Informal · Locals and expats both like this question.

Understanding each other

1. Sorry, ik heb het niet begrepen.

   Say it like: SOR-ee, ik hep het NEET buh-KHRAY-puh

   Sorry, I didn't understand.

   Neutral · Honest and polite: people will help.
2. Kunt u dat alstublieft herhalen?

   Say it like: kunt ew daht ahls-tew-BLEEFT her-HAH-luh

   Could you repeat that, please?

   Formal · A polite way to hear it again.
3. Kun je wat langzamer praten, alsjeblieft?

   Say it like: kun yuh vat LAHNG-zah-mer PRAH-tuh, ahl-shuh-BLEEFT

   Could you speak more slowly, please?

   Informal · Nobody minds: it's a common request.

Coffee & plans

1. Zullen we een keer koffie drinken?

   Say it like: ZUL-luh vuh uhn KAYR KOF-fee DRIN-kuh

   Shall we get a coffee sometime?

   Informal · A friendly, low-pressure invite after a good chat.
2. Wil je met ons meedoen?

   Say it like: vil yuh met ons MAY-doon

   Would you like to join us?

   Informal · Include someone who is standing alone.
3. Heb je dit weekend tijd?

   Say it like: hep yuh dit VEE-kent TAYT

   Are you free this weekend?

   Informal · A relaxed way to suggest plans.

Contacts & goodbye

1. Zullen we contact houden?

   Say it like: ZUL-luh vuh kon-TAHKT HOW-duh

   Shall we stay in touch?

   Neutral · Polite, with no pressure.
2. Hier is mijn nummer.

   Say it like: heer is mayn NUM-mer

   Here's my number.

   Neutral · Only share it if you feel comfortable.
3. Stuur me gerust een berichtje.

   Say it like: stewr muh khuh-RUST uhn buh-RIKHT-yuh

   Message me anytime.

   Informal · A friendly follow-up after exchanging contacts.

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