Everyday Spoken Dutch

Hi!

Tip: Casual hello for anyone, any time of day.

How's it going?

Tip: Friendly opener after hello; expect a short answer.

Good, thanks — and you?

Tip: Standard reply that bounces the question back.

Thanks a lot!

Tip: Warm thanks for help, a favour or a gift.

You're welcome!

Tip: Reply when someone thanks you.

Sorry!

Tip: To apologise, or to get past someone in a crowd.

No worries! (reply to sorry)

Tip: Reassure someone who just apologised.

Sorry, what did you say?

Tip: When you didn't catch what someone said.

Could you speak a bit slower?

Tip: Ask natives to slow down — they'll happily do it.

I don't understand.

Tip: Say it honestly; people will rephrase.

Could you help me for a sec?

Tip: Polite way to ask a stranger for a quick hand.

Really?!

Tip: Surprised reaction to news or gossip.

Great! / Awesome!

Tip: Enthusiastic reaction to good news or a plan.

Alright, sounds good!

Tip: Agree to a plan or confirm you understood.

A coffee, please.

Tip: Simplest way to order at a café counter.

How much is it?

Tip: Ask the price in a shop or at a market.

Can I pay by card?

Tip: Dutch has one verb for 'pay by bank card'. Cards are the norm in the Netherlands.

No, thanks.

Tip: Politely decline an offer.

Bye!

Tip: Casual goodbye to friends, shop staff, anyone.

See you later!

Tip: Goodbye when you expect to meet again soon.