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Amsterdam Tech Office Small Talk – HearSay

Dutch A2

Master the art of Dutch directness and workplace small talk. Practice listening and speaking on the go to build better connections with your tech colleagues.

Lessons

Monday Morning Catch Up
Start the week by greeting colleagues and discussing your weekend plans.
Vocabulary
- het weekend (the weekend)
- de ochtend (the morning)
- gezellig (cozy/pleasant)
- praten (to talk)
- druk (busy)
- de collega (the colleague)
Objectives
- Greet colleagues on Monday morning
- Ask about the weekend
The Dutch Commute
Talk about how you got to work, including weather and transit.
Vocabulary
- de fiets (the bicycle)
- de regen (the rain)
- het station (the station)
- de trein (the train)
- koud (cold)
- reizen (to travel)
Objectives
- Discuss the daily commute
- Talk about the weather
Coffee and Desks
Settle into your flexible workspace and offer to grab coffee for your team.
Vocabulary
- de koffie (the coffee)
- het kantoor (the office)
- het bureau (the desk)
- de computer (the computer)
- halen (to fetch/get)
- lekker (tasty/good)
Objectives
- Offer to get coffee for a colleague
- Set up your workspace
Checking the Schedule
Compare calendars and plan a time to discuss a new project.
Vocabulary
- de vergadering (the meeting)
- de tijd (the time)
- plannen (to plan)
- het uur (the hour)
- de agenda (the calendar)
- straks (later/soon)
Objectives
- Discuss daily schedules
- Talk about working hours
Discussing the Data Project
Give a brief, high-level introduction to what you are working on today.
Vocabulary
- het project (the project)
- de data (the data)
- het model (the model)
- bouwen (to build)
- interessant (interesting)
- de kunstmatige intelligentie (the artificial intelligence)
Objectives
- Describe a new data project
- Express interest in a topic
Roles in Fintech
Explain how your engineering role fits into the broader financial company.
Vocabulary
- de programmeur (the programmer)
- het team (the team)
- de bank (the bank)
- samenwerken (to collaborate)
- belangrijk (important)
- de technologie (the technology)
Objectives
- Explain your role in the company
- Talk about the fintech team
Embracing Direct Feedback
Ask for an honest opinion on a new feature and receive direct, polite feedback.
Vocabulary
- de mening (the opinion)
- eerlijk (honest)
- het idee (the idea)
- goed (good)
- de fout (the mistake)
- verbeteren (to improve)
Objectives
- Ask for a colleague's opinion
- Give polite but direct feedback
Taking a Lunch Break
Invite your colleague for a traditional Dutch lunch and a walk outside.
Vocabulary
- de lunch (the lunch)
- de boterham (the sandwich)
- wandelen (to walk)
- het park (the park)
- de pauze (the break)
- buiten (outside)
Objectives
- Ask colleagues to join for lunch
- Talk about taking a walk
Solving Tech Issues
Discuss a minor bug in the code and how to solve it efficiently.
Vocabulary
- het probleem (the problem)
- het scherm (the screen)
- werken (to work)
- de code (the code)
- proberen (to try)
- oplossen (to solve)
Objectives
- Report a minor technical issue
- Discuss problem-solving steps
Chatting About AI Trends
Share thoughts on where technology and algorithms are heading in finance.
Vocabulary
- het algoritme (the algorithm)
- de toekomst (the future)
- het geld (the money)
- veilig (safe)
- slim (smart)
- het bedrijf (the company)
Objectives
- Discuss basic AI concepts
- Talk about fintech innovations
Valuing Work-Life Balance
Log off after a 36-hour work week and discuss your evening hobbies.
Vocabulary
- de balans (the balance)
- de avond (the evening)
- sporten (to exercise)
- moe (tired)
- naar huis (to home)
- sluiten (to close)
Objectives
- Talk about leaving the office
- Discuss evening plans
Networking and Meetups
Invite a coworker to an AI meetup in the city center.
Vocabulary
- de presentatie (the presentation)
- het evenement (the event)
- de stad (the city)
- leren (to learn)
- luisteren (to listen)
- de gast (the guest)
Objectives
- Invite a colleague to a meetup
- Discuss a tech presentation
The Friday Borrel
Join the team for Friday afternoon drinks to celebrate a successful week.
Vocabulary
- de borrel (the drinks/gathering)
- het bier (the beer)
- de snack (the snack)
- vieren (to celebrate)
- proosten (to toast)
- het succes (the success)
Objectives
- Order a drink at the Friday borrel
- Toast to a good week
Wishing a Good Weekend
Say goodbye to your colleagues and wish them a restful weekend.
Vocabulary
- de week (the week)
- de rust (the rest)
- leuk (fun)
- uitrusten (to rest/relax)
- het plan (the plan)
- de vrijdag (the Friday)
Objectives
- Say goodbye for the weekend
- Wish someone a good rest