A daily audio course you can listen to anywhere: on your commute, on a walk, over coffee. Every lesson is a real conversation, and you say the phrases out loud yourself, all inside WhatsApp.

Buying a bike in Amsterdam – HearSay

Dutch A2

Master everyday Dutch vocabulary by listening to Thijs and Lotte's conversation about buying a second-hand bicycle in Amsterdam. It may feel challenging at first, but by the end of this course you will be able to fully understand and participate.

Lessons

Explaining why you need a bicycle
Thijs greets Lotte and asks how he can help, and Lotte explains that she needs a second-hand bicycle for her daily work as a nurse.
Describing your daily work routine
Thijs asks how many addresses Lotte visits each day, and they discuss what type of sturdy bicycle would best suit her daily routine.
Asking about the price
Thijs shows Lotte a black bicycle in the shop, and Lotte asks how much it costs before hearing the price.
Comparing prices and suspicious offers
Lotte mentions being offered a bike for forty euros at the station, and Thijs warns her against buying stolen bicycles on the street.
Talking about bicycle theft risks
Thijs explains why extremely cheap street bikes are dishonest purchases, and Lotte admits that her previous bicycle was also stolen.
Sharing a past theft experience
Thijs asks where Lotte's previous bike was taken, and Lotte explains that it disappeared while parked outside a patient's house for just ten minutes.
Checking bicycle serial numbers
Lotte inspects the black bike while Thijs points out the frame number underneath to demonstrate that the bicycle is legitimate.
Inquiring about bicycle brake types
Lotte confirms the frame number is clear and asks Thijs about the brakes, learning that the bike has both a coaster brake and a front hand brake.
Inspecting bicycle features and lights
Thijs highlights the chain guard and lights on the bicycle, and Lotte confirms that both the front and rear lights work properly.
Taking a bicycle test ride
Thijs invites Lotte to take the bicycle for a short test ride around the block while reminding her to watch out for local tram traffic.
Giving feedback after a test ride
Lotte tells Thijs how the bike rode and mentions that the saddle is too low and the bell is broken, which Thijs promises to fix for free.
Negotiating the price
Lotte asks if Thijs can lower the price, and after negotiating, they agree on a final price of 170 euros with a new bell included.
Discussing bicycle locks and security
Thijs explains the correct way to lock a bicycle frame to a post and recommends a strong chain lock to prevent theft.
Paying by card for a purchase
Lotte agrees to buy the chain lock, asks to pay by debit card, and waits briefly while Thijs adjusts her bike saddle.

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