Language
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The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. The majority of Amsterdam’s residents speak English well and are often fluent in one or two languages on top of that. One can usually get by effortlessly in Amsterdam without a knowing word of Dutch. For those keen to try, learning a few words or phrases will always go a long way with the locals.
Tip
The Dutch ‘g’ is normally pronounced mid-throat, sounding similar to the ‘ch’ in loch or Bach.
Helpful words and phrases
| Do you speak English? | Spreekt u Engels? |
| Hello | Hallo |
| Good morning | Goedemorgen |
| Good afternoon | Goedemiddag |
| Good evening | Goedenavond |
| Goodbye | Dag or doei (pronounced: dowee) |
| Excuse me | Pardon |
| Thank you | Dank u |
| Please | Alstublieft (pronounced: alst-u-bleeft) |
| Yes | Ja (pronounced: yah) |
| No | Nee (pronounced: nay) |
| Tasty | Lekker |
| Lovely | Mooi |
| Cosy | Gezellig |
| Entrance | Ingang |
| Exit | Exit |
| Open | Open |
| Closed | Closed |
| Ticket(s) | Kaart(en) |
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