How to Learn Key Phrases in Dutch

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Note that the A is either pronounced as the u in "hut"

   The E is pronounced either as a mute e (the 'uh' sound sometimes used in buttER), as the e in "set" or as the ay in "may".
   
   The letters are pronounced differently depending on where in a word they lie
   - something important to realise is that if a word ends in a single e, that e will be mute (like in buttER).
   
   Note that the J is always pronounced as the Y in "Yankees"
2. 2

   Step 2: or as the a in "vase".

   More casual is "Hoi"
   
   "Hai" or "Hey".
   
   In the Achterhoek they say "Môgge"
   
   Note that the "i" in "ik" is pronounced as the "i" in "bin". , (Ya(w)) ,, (Da(w)nk Yuh). "wel" can be added to the end of this expression to convey the English phrase "very much". ,, (NOTE:
   Politer is "Mag ik" but you'll probably starve before you can pronounce the dutch "G".) , (wAAr is hat muu-zay-uhm).
   
   Note that the AA is pronounced as a German A, for example in "mAchen". , Simply say "Waar kan je iets drinken?" (wAAr Cawn Yuh EEts drink-uhn) , If you feel all icky-and-chilly-and-scared, just learn this one sentence; "Spreekt u Engels?" (Spraked ew Ang-uhls).
   
   If you can't even remember this, just ask "Do you speak English?".
   
   Because 90% of the population does.
   
   Just don't let the accent scare you away.
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   Step 3: Start a conversation with "Hallo" (Ha(w)llo).

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   Step 4: If you want to introduce yourself

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   Step 5: say "Ik heet" (iK hate) followed by your name.

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   Step 6: Yes becomes "Ja".

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   Step 7: No becomes "Nee" (Nay)

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   Step 8: "Thank you" is "Dank je".

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   Step 9: "Please" is "Alstublieft" (A(w)l-stew-bleeft).

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    Step 10: If you want to order something in a restaurant

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    Step 11: start with "Kan ik" (Ca(w)n iK) "Bestellen" (Buhs-tel-luhn).

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    Step 12: If you can't find a museum

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    Step 13: just ask "Waar is het museum."

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    Step 14: Looking for a place to drink?

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    Step 15: Now isn't Dutch a beautiful language?

Detailed Guide

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