 | Amsterdam Language Reviews | 1 - 10 of 33 |  |
Locals speak Dutch and although i don't know a single word and had no problem getting around. Touristy places, such as Museums or train station, have English-speaking people and even if you feel the need of asking some information to some local, Dutch usually are fluent in English. Leave a Comment
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Dutch as a language is quite similar to Afrikaans, and us, being South African (although English-speaking, not Afrikaans), can understand Dutch, but not speak it. This really helps when reading local info in Amsterdam, although most communication is in English.
It is always nice to 'listen' to the locals though and even nicer when one can understand what they are saying! Haha Our Afrikaans speaking skills certainly helped us around Amsterdam, but, as they cater for tourists very well, it is not that necessary to learn phrases in Dutch as one does when visiting other countries. Leave a Comment
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No, gezellig is not a city anywhere. It is a state of mind and a way of describing an atmosphere that the Dutch create without thinking about it. If I were to translate gezellig into English, it would come out like or maybe, "Hey why are you in such a hurry to go somewhere all the time? Why don't you relax, take your coat off, and stay awhile. What's your rush?"
In a restaurant, gezellig would sound like this: "Come in, order dinner, but you won't ever get your check until you ask for it. We do not expect that you're in a hurry, and we'll think you're a little wierd if you are. Don't worry about constantly ordering something new -- we expect that you will sit there and talk amongst yourselves as long as you like, and we do not count drinks/hour. Just let us know if you need anything, and don't freak out if the waiter sits down at your table and joins the conversation. Just relax and enjoy yourself."
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With just about everyone speaking English, you have no worries being understood in Amsterdam. You may find that some people speak German or/and French, but the majority will prefer English to these languages.
A common misconception (and a very insulting misconception indeed) is that Dutch and German are literally mutually intelligible. Be aware that any referrals to the similarity of the two languages and you are bound to upset at least someone, since the Dutch do not want to be characterised as "German". In addition, the two languages are not mutually intelligible, but Dutch speakers actually have to learn German at school.
A few useful words and phrases:
Hi - Hoi/Dag
Good bye - Dag
Yes - Ja
No - Nee
Thanks - Bedankt (B'dunked)
Sorry - Sorry (with rolled r's)
Excuse me - Pardon
Nice (tasty) - Lekker
Good day - Goedemorgen
Good evening - Goedenavond
Good night - Goedenacht
Of course - Natuurlijk / Zeker
Enjoy the meal! - Smakelijk eten! / Eet smakelijk!
Take Care! - Doe voorzichtig!
Have a nice day! - Een goede/fijne dag verder!
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Although I tried to learn the basics before visiting....Dutch isn't the easiest to speak! I tried, but was interrupted with "Please! Stop butchering my language!!!" I have never been anywhere more friendly! People are willing to speak to Americans!! How novel!! Seriously, I was very impressed how polite everyone I came in contact was!! I wasn't expecting worse...just relieved I wasn't ever treated poorly because of my language skills!!! Leave a Comment
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I managed to pick up a good bit of vocabulary when I was in Amsterdam, but then again, I speak pretty good German so I was able to work my way through a menu and simple newspaper articles.
You're certainly not expected to be fluent in Dutch as a tourist, but just know a couple of phrases like "Dank U wel" for "thank you" is always appreciated. Leave a Comment
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most dutch people can speak english, but they are always impressed if you try to speak Nederlands.ik probeer nedrelands te leren op het moment dus ik kan en meisje praten!!!!
Go on give it a try.
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In Amsterdam, everybody speaks English. Even the homeless who begs some money uses the Shakespear's language.
All the US and British films are broadcasted in their original language with subtitles. Leave a Comment
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Most people do seem to speak english well, so there didn't seem to be much of a language barrier and most everyone was helpful. Leave a Comment
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If English is your first language you won't have a problem travelling in Holland. Everyone speaks the language well along with Dutch, French, and other languages, I guess. Leave a Comment
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Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 276, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Destinations near Amsterdam- Vondelpark, 3.39 km / 2.11 miles
- Diemen, 3.87 km / 2.40 miles
- Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, 5.67 km / 3.52 miles
- Amstelveen, 6.51 km / 4.05 miles
- Durgerdam, 6.76 km / 4.20 miles
- Vuurtoreneiland, 7.03 km / 4.37 miles
- Ransdorp, 7.93 km / 4.93 miles
- Badhoevedorp, 9.24 km / 5.74 miles
- Abcoude, 9.87 km / 6.13 miles
- Pampus, 10.35 km / 6.43 miles
» See all locations nearby» Popular Provincie Noord-Holland locations» Popular Netherlands locations
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