Dutch phrase book

I'm going to the Netherlands for a conference next month and would like to get a Dutch phrase book. Just as a security blanket, as I have to get a train and then a taxi to get to my hotel. Anybody have a recommendation?

The little pocket books from Berlitz are good, at least for the languages I've needed.

In my experience with The Netherlands, most everyone speaks English, especially those in service oriented jobs. I have tried to learn some Dutch phrases to speak when I have been there, only to be responded to in English. All of the tram, train and bus drivers I have had to ask questions to have always spoke English to me.

In my experience with The Netherlands, most everyone speaks English, especially those in service oriented jobs. I have tried to learn some Dutch phrases to speak when I have been there, only to be responded to in English. All of the tram, train and bus drivers I have had to ask questions to have always spoke English to me.

But it's always respectful to at least make a little effort, even if they do reply in English.

But it's always respectful to at least make a little effort, even if they do reply in English.

Exactly. Although I'm more concerned about being able to read signs and pronounce my destinations more-or-less correctly.

Well then good luck to you! I wasn't suggesting that you be disrespectful  by speaking English. I've been there 4 times, and never got a chance to practice any Dutch I'd learned because any attempts you make will be responded to in English.

Well then good luck to you! I wasn't suggesting that you be disrespectful  by speaking English. I've been there 4 times, and never got a chance to practice any Dutch I'd learned because any attempts you make will be responded to in English.

I didn't take it that way.

I'm not attempting to learn Dutch. I just want a little phrase book as a backup, in case I need it, because I'm going to be on my own when I arrive.

Madeira, thanks for the recommendation. Anybody else have one?

You can borrow ours if you want to?  I agree with what lotuseener posted.  Whenever we go and we try to speak some Dutch, usually they chuckle at us & respond in English.

I have the 2008 Berlitz Dutch phrase book and dictionary. It makes good reading and includes info boxes about the culture and handy things to know. There is a dictionary and handy menu decoder too.

Google something about learning Dutch and you will find a few websites that have sound clips. These are handy.

My stock phrases are please and thank you and I can count. I am pretty good at reading/guessing Dutch and I am starting to pick it up when it is spoken. My accent needs a lot of work though.   

The Dutch will appreciate your efforts especially for town names (there are some tricky ones though!) but yes most under the age of 45 will speak to you in English with ease. I laughed when going out and hearing some of the people with us speaking English to each other not even for my benefit but because it is 'easier' they claimed!

Where are you going and will you get a chance to travel around?

You can borrow ours if you want to?  I agree with what lotuseener posted.  Whenever we go and we try to speak some Dutch, usually they chuckle at us & respond in English.

I may just take you up on that.

I have the 2008 Berlitz Dutch phrase book and dictionary. It makes good reading and includes info boxes about the culture and handy things to know. There is a dictionary and handy menu decoder too.

Google something about learning Dutch and you will find a few websites that have sound clips. These are handy.

My stock phrases are please and thank you and I can count. I am pretty good at reading/guessing Dutch and I am starting to pick it up when it is spoken. My accent needs a lot of work though.  

The Dutch will appreciate your efforts especially for town names (there are some tricky ones though!) but yes most under the age of 45 will speak to you in English with ease. I laughed when going out and hearing some of the people with us speaking English to each other not even for my benefit but because it is 'easier' they claimed!

Where are you going and will you get a chance to travel around?

That's helpful, thanks! I'll be in Leiden. Not much chance to travel around, I'm afraid, but there's a boat trip one evening.

I may just take you up on that.

Ok, let me know!  I'll check exactly what it is we have & post what the book is.

That's helpful, thanks! I'll be in Leiden. Not much chance to travel around, I'm afraid, but there's a boat trip one evening.

I just spent the weekend in Leiden.  It is a handy city with great train connections making it very accessible to other parts of Holland. There are quite a few museums and cafes. It is a university town too. They have a nice on Saturdays and midweek. It is Rembrandt's city!

Have fun.

Really, knowing Dutch is not necessary if only visiting. I lived there for 2 years.

A few simple words would likely be appreciated. They will most likely respond in English.

Dank u (wel): Thank you (very much)

Alstublieft: Please

Goedenmorgen / Goedenmiddag / Goedenavond: Good morning / afternoon / evening

Dooie / daag: Bye

Tot straks: See you later

Tot ziens:  Good bye / See you later

I would like a: Ik wil graag een

Do you have: Heeft u

Where is: Waar is

Toilets: toiletten

What platform: Welke spoor

Numbers: een, twee, drie, vier, vijf, zes, zeven, acht, negen, tien   

Spreekt u engels: do you speak English

would more than suffice.

I hope my spelling is still OK - it's been ages.

If you want to practice, PM / email me.

Leiden is so lovely. Have e great time. Try to get to Haarlem if you have time. It's about 20 minutes from Amsterdam.

 

And something you must eat while there, stroopwafel:

http://www.rikomatic.com/blog/2008/03/how-to-eat-a-st.html

and kaasoufle - nothing like deep fried breaded cheese, yum!

And something you must eat while there, stroopwafel

YUM! I like the hot ones on the street.

I've been seeing them in random places in London too... coffee shop train platform, hole in the wall mini market in Leicester Square. The Welsh call theirs Toffee Waffles.

I also like pannenkoeken and poffertjes and of course the cheese.