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Fun Dutch basics in Amsterdam – HearSay

Dutch A1

Learn basic Dutch through fun interactions in Amsterdam. Practice your listening and speaking skills on the go as you explore the city.

Lessons

Greetings and basic introductions
Emma visits a local language café organized by BOOST and meets Bram for the first time.
Vocabulary
- hallo (hello)
- doei (bye)
- de naam (the name)
- ik ben (I am)
- aangenaam (nice to meet you)
- hoe gaat het? (how are you?)
Objectives
- Say hello and goodbye
- Introduce yourself
- Ask how someone is doing
Ordering a warm drink
Emma drops by Bram's café to practice her Dutch while getting her morning caffeine fix.
Vocabulary
- de koffie (the coffee)
- de thee (the tea)
- het water (the water)
- alstublieft (please)
- dankjewel (thank you)
- lekker (tasty)
Objectives
- Order a beverage
- Say please and thank you
- Compliment the taste
Numbers and paying bills
After enjoying her drink, Emma needs to settle the bill at the counter.
Vocabulary
- betalen (to pay)
- de pinpas (the debit card)
- hoeveel (how much)
- een (one)
- twee (two)
- de euro (the euro)
Objectives
- Understand basic numbers
- Ask for the price
- Pay a bill with a card
Asking for simple directions
Emma wants to join a language walk in the neighborhood but gets a bit lost on the way.
Vocabulary
- waar is (where is)
- links (left)
- rechts (right)
- rechtdoor (straight ahead)
- de straat (the street)
- het plein (the square)
Objectives
- Ask where a location is
- Understand basic directions
Transportation and biking around
Bram helps Emma figure out how to navigate the city using public transport and bicycles.
Vocabulary
- de fiets (the bicycle)
- de tram (the tram)
- het station (the station)
- huren (to rent)
- de kaart (the ticket)
- de trein (the train)
Objectives
- Talk about renting a bicycle
- Understand public transport vocabulary
Days and meeting times
Emma and Bram schedule a time to meet for a casual language exchange in the park.
Vocabulary
- vandaag (today)
- morgen (tomorrow)
- de dag (the day)
- het uur (the hour)
- de afspraak (the appointment)
- de week (the week)
Objectives
- Say days of the week
- Arrange a meeting time
Trying typical Dutch snacks
During their meetup, Bram introduces Emma to some classic Dutch treats.
Vocabulary
- het broodje (the sandwich)
- de kaas (the cheese)
- de stroopwafel (the stroopwafel)
- eten (to eat)
- het menu (the menu)
- het bier (the beer)
Objectives
- Order typical Dutch snacks
- Express food preferences
Shopping for daily groceries
Emma visits a local Albert Heijn to pick up some essentials for her apartment.
Vocabulary
- de supermarkt (the supermarket)
- de tas (the bag)
- de appel (the apple)
- het brood (the bread)
- de melk (the milk)
- pinnen (to pay by card)
Objectives
- Identify basic groceries
- Navigate the supermarket checkout
Hobbies and free time
At the language café, Emma chats with locals about what they like to do on their days off.
Vocabulary
- het weekend (the weekend)
- wandelen (to walk)
- het boek (the book)
- de film (the movie)
- leuk (fun)
- sporten (to exercise)
Objectives
- Talk about personal hobbies
- Ask others about their interests
Weather and warm clothes
The unpredictable Dutch weather strikes, prompting a conversation about what to wear.
Vocabulary
- het weer (the weather)
- de regen (the rain)
- de zon (the sun)
- koud (cold)
- de jas (the coat)
- warm (warm)
Objectives
- Describe the current weather
- Name basic clothing items
Exploring the beautiful city
Emma goes on an NL Cares language walk and learns how to describe her surroundings.
Vocabulary
- de stad (the city)
- de gracht (the canal)
- het museum (the museum)
- mooi (beautiful)
- het park (the park)
- het gebouw (the building)
Objectives
- Name places in Amsterdam
- Describe the look of a location
Talking about family members
Emma shows Bram pictures of her sister, and they exchange stories about their backgrounds.
Vocabulary
- de familie (the family)
- de vriend (the friend)
- de broer (the brother)
- de zus (the sister)
- wonen (to live)
- de moeder (the mother)
Objectives
- Talk about family members
- State where people live
Sharing feelings and opinions
Bram asks Emma how she is adjusting to her new life in the Netherlands.
Vocabulary
- goed (good)
- moe (tired)
- blij (happy)
- het land (the country)
- denken (to think)
- jammer (a pity)
Objectives
- Express basic feelings
- Share simple opinions
Farewells and future plans
Emma and Bram make plans to attend a local festival together before saying goodbye for the evening.
Vocabulary
- tot ziens (see you later)
- het feest (the party)
- de taal (the language)
- spreken (to speak)
- binnenkort (soon)
- de avond (the evening)
Objectives
- Make plans for the future
- Say a warm, natural goodbye