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 by micas_ptLeave a Comment
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 by Jenniflower
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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 by CoAir13Leave a Comment
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 A really long Dutch word ;-) by orlikins
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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- Hotel Plantage
Plantage Kerklaan 25-A, Amsterdam - Hotel Kap
Den Texstraat 5, Amsterdam - Nh Tropen
Linnaeusstraat 2C (Formerly Tulip Inn Tropen), Amsterdam - Dikker And Thijs Fenice Hotel
Prinsengracht 444, Amsterdam - Albus Grand Hotel
Vijzelstraat 49, Amsterdam - Park Plaza Vondel Amsterdam
Koninginneweg 34-36 (formerly "Ramada Hotel"), Amsterdam - Hotel Continental Amsterdam
Damrak 40-41, Amsterdam - Sofitel The Grand Amsterdam
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, Amsterdam - Hotel Old Quarter
Warmoestraat 22, Amsterdam - Hotel Luxer
Warmoesstraat 11, Amsterdam - Crowne Plaza Hotel Den Haag-Promenade
Van Stolkweg 1, Amsterdam - Plantage
Plantage Kerklaan 25-A, Amsterdam - Des Arts Hotel Amsterdam
Rokin 154-156, Amsterdam - AMS Hotel Concert Inn
De Lairessestraat 11, Amsterdam - Hotel De Koopermoolen Amsterdam
Warmoesstraat 5, Amsterdam
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