Want to make a good impression with the Dutch? Especially when you don’t know the language, it can be hard to make a good impression. That’s why, in today’s blog, we list 5 essential Dutch sentences that you have to learn by heart if you want to score some points. Moreover, they give you a little bit of background into Dutch culture, which is always handy to know.

#1 ‘Hoi! Hoe gaat het?’ / ‘Hi! How are you?’

This sentence is vital to know in order to make a good impression. It’s always nice to ask this question. While ‘hoe gaat het / how are you’ is often used just as a greeting in English, I feel like Dutch people more often than not want to know your honest answer. They also answer this question truthfully most of the time. Or, that might just be me. Either way, if you want to make a good impression, start your conversation with this one!

#2 ‘Leuk je te ontmoeten!’ / ‘Nice to meet you!’

Another lovely conversation starter is ‘Leuk je te ontmoeten!’. It shows your appreciation for someone making the conversation start on a positive note. Just like ‘hoe gaat het’ some people only use the sentence as a greeting because it’s polite. It depends on the person, I think, because I mostly use it sincerely. If I didn’t enjoy meeting someone I would not say it. You can also use it at the end of conversations to show that you really liked meeting the person. Especially when the other person agrees, it opens up the conversation and you could ask them if they would like to meet again. That’s how you get a friendship rolling!

#3 ‘Proost!’ / ‘Cheers!’

‘Proost!’ couldn’t be left out. It’s essential for all kinds of settings such as going out, dining out …or when you’re at a party. Some Dutchies (a.k.a. most students) use it lightly and always say ‘Proost!’ while clinking glasses before drinking. Others only use ‘Proost!’ during special occasions such as on a birthday, but then it’s often said at the end of a speech. Knowing the word will help you be prepared for all occasions. ;)

#4 ‘Lekker weertje hè?’ / ‘Nice weather we’re having, right?’

Just like people from the UK, Dutch people like to complain about the weather. That’s why ‘Lekker weertje hè?’ is good to know as well. You can use this one unironically (if the weather is nice) or sarcastically (if the weather is bad). All in all, commenting on the weather will definitely help you score points with the Dutch.

#5 ‘Dat lijkt me erg gezellig!’ / ‘That seems very gezellig!’ or ‘Dit is gezellig!’ / ‘This is gezellig!’

The words ‘gezellig’ or ‘gezelligheid’ are deeply ingrained in Dutch society so every sentence that contains these words is essential to know. ‘Gezellig’ translates to ‘cosy’ but that doesn’t cover its meaning at all. ‘Gezellig(heid)’ is often used to describe a nice, pleasant feeling or circumstance. It has to do with being together with others or loved ones, but also with feelings such as friendliness, trust, homeyness, cosiness etc. It’s very hard to explain. I most often use it after having had a nice time with my family or friends, saying that ‘Het was gezellig!’ (‘It was gezellig’). So, if you use it in this context, you’re definitely good.

Hopefully, these sentences are not too difficult for you and will help you make a good impression! You could definitely also surprise your Dutch friends by suddenly speaking Dutch. Let us know in the comments below if there are other essential Dutch sentences everyone should know.