This guide provides a structured list of essential Dutch words and phrases, along with their English translations, pronunciation guides, and etymological hints for easier memorization. The vocabulary is organized alphabetically based on the Dutch terms.
📌 1. Essential Dutch Vocabulary (A0-A1)
🛠️ Objects and Things
- de aap (monkey) – /a:p/ – Related to “ape” in English.
- het been (leg) – /be:n/ – Similar to “bone” in English.
- de beschuit (rusk) – /bəˈsxœyt/ – Related to “biscuit” in English, both meaning twice-baked bread.
- de boom (tree) – /bo:m/ – Related to “boom” in English (explosion), representing rapid growth.
- de boot (boat) – /bo:t/ – Similar to “boat” in English.
- het boek (book) – /buk/ – Similar to “book” in English.
- de broek (pants) – /bruk/ – Related to “breeches” in old English.
- de brug (bridge) – /brʏx/ – Related to “bridge” in English.
- de bus (bus) – /bʏs/ – Identical to “bus” in English.
- de deur (door) – /dø:r/ – Similar to “door” in English.
- het ei (egg) – /ɛi/ – Similar to “egg” in English.
- de fiets (bicycle) – /fits/ – Sounds like “feet,” which are used to pedal.
- de film (film) – /fɪləm/ – Identical to “film” in English.
- het geld (money) – /χɛlt/ – Related to “gold” in English.
- het huis (house) – /hœys/ – Similar to “house” in English.
- het ijs (ice) – /ɛis/ – Related to “ice” in English.
- de kam (comb) – /kɑm/ – Similar to “comb” in English.
- de koek (cookie) – /kuk/ – Related to “cookie” in English.
- de klok (clock) – /klɔk/ – Similar to “clock” in English.
- het meisje (girl) – /mɛisjə/ – Diminutive of “meid” (girl).
- de mand (basket) – /mɑnt/ – Similar to “manta” in Spanish, which also means a cover or holder.
- de man (man) – /mɑn/ – Similar to “man” in English.
- de neus (nose) – /nø:s/ – Similar to “nose” in English.
- de noot (nut) – /no:t/ – Similar to “nut” in English.
- de pen (pen) – /pɛn/ – Identical to “pen” in English.
- de pijn (pain) – /pɛin/ – Similar to “pain” in English.
- de post (mail/post) – /pɔst/ – Similar to “post” in English.
- de pot (pot) – /pɔt/ – Similar to “pot” in English.
- de riem (belt) – /rim/ – Related to “rein” in English, both referring to a strap.
- de rug (back) – /rʏχ/ – Related to “ridge” in English.
- de saus (sauce) – /sɑus/ – Similar to “sauce” in English.
- de sleutel (key) – /slo:təl/ – Related to “slot” (lock).
- de tas (bag) – /tas/ – Similar to “tassel” in English.
- de trein (train) – /trɛin/ – Similar to “train” in English.
- de vis (fish) – /vɪs/ – Similar to “fish” in English.
- de vrouw (woman) – /vʁɑu/ – Similar to “frau” in German.
- het vliegtuig (airplane) – /flíxtœyχ/ – “Vlieg” means “fly,” and “tuig” means “device.”
- de wijn (wine) – /ʋɛin/ – Related to “wine” in English.
👤 People and Body
- blij (happy) – /blɛi/ – Related to “blithe” in English.
- de buik (belly) – /bœyk/ – Related to “bulk” in English, referring to size.
- de hoofdpijn (headache) – /ho:ft pɛin/ – “Hoofd” means “head,” “pijn” means “pain.”
- de rugpijn (back pain) – /rʏχ pɛin/ – “Rug” means “back,” “pijn” means “pain.”
- koud (cold) – /kɑut/ – Similar to “cold” in English.
📌 2. Useful Dutch Phrases (A0-A1)
👋 Greetings and Introductions
- Hallo! – Hello!
- Hoe gaat het met jou? – How are you?
- Ik heet Leonardo. – My name is Leonardo.
- Aangenaam! – Nice to meet you!
🏠 Everyday Life
- De deur is gesloten. – The door is closed.
- Ik ben bij mijn oma. – I am with my grandmother.
- Ik werk bij Kolent. – I work at Kolent.
- Ik ga met de trein naar België. – I go to Belgium by train.
🛍️ Shopping and Food
- De kassa nummer 4 is nu open. – Checkout number 4 is now open.
- Ik heb veel geld. – I have a lot of money.
- Ik eet de soep. – I eat the soup.
💼 Work and Study
- Ik heb de cursus Nederlands 1 afgerond. – I have completed Dutch Course 1.
- Wanneer ontvang ik mijn certificaat? – When will I receive my certificate?
- Nederlands 2 begint op 19 februari. – Dutch 2 starts on February 19.
🩺 Health and Well-being
- Ik heb hoofdpijn. – I have a headache.
- Ik voel me niet goed. – I don’t feel well.
- Ik heb rugpijn. – I have back pain.
📌 3. Essential Dutch Grammar (A0-A1)
📝 Present Tense Conjugation
- werken (to work)
- Ik werk – I work
- Jij werkt – You work
- Hij/Zij werkt – He/She works
- Wij werken – We work
- Jullie werken – You (pl.) work
- Zij werken – They work
- kijken (to look)
- Ik kijk – I look
- Jij kijkt – You look
- Hij/Zij kijkt – He/She looks
- Wij kijken – We look
- Jullie kijken – You (pl.) look
- Zij kijken – They look
Rule: Add “-t” to the second person (you) and third person (he/she) singular forms.
Conclusion
This guide provides structured vocabulary, useful phrases, and essential grammar rules for basic Dutch communication. The etymological hints help make learning easier. Veel succes! (Good luck!)
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 