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Navigating the Dutch supermarket – HearSay

Dutch A1

Master everyday grocery shopping in the Netherlands with practical audio lessons. Practice listening and speaking on the go as you navigate aisles, deals, and checkouts.

Lessons

Entering the supermarket
Emma arrives at the local Albert Heijn and picks up a basket.
Vocabulary
- de supermarkt (the supermarket)
- de ingang (the entrance)
- het winkelwagentje (the shopping cart)
- het mandje (the basket)
- boodschappen doen (to do groceries)
Objectives
- Recognize basic store entrances
- Choose a shopping cart or basket
- State your intent to shop
Finding fresh vegetables
Emma navigates the produce section to find ingredients for dinner.
Vocabulary
- de groente (the vegetable)
- de tomaat (the tomato)
- de komkommer (the cucumber)
- de ui (the onion)
- vers (fresh)
Objectives
- Identify common vegetables
- Discuss freshness of produce
Picking out fruit
Emma looks for healthy snacks and learns how to weigh her fruit.
Vocabulary
- het fruit (the fruit)
- de appel (the apple)
- de banaan (the banana)
- de sinaasappel (the orange)
- wegen (to weigh)
Objectives
- Name everyday fruits
- Understand weighing stations
Bread and classic spreads
Bram introduces Emma to the famous Dutch chocolate sprinkles.
Vocabulary
- het brood (the bread)
- het beleg (the spread/topping)
- de hagelslag (the chocolate sprinkles)
- de kaas (the cheese)
- de bakkerij (the bakery)
Objectives
- Locate the bakery section
- Talk about bread toppings
- Recognize popular Dutch foods
The blue milk cartons
Emma learns what the blue packaging in the dairy aisle means.
Vocabulary
- de zuivel (the dairy)
- de melk (the milk)
- de verpakking (the packaging)
- blauw (blue)
- vol (full/whole)
Objectives
- Identify dairy packaging
- Associate blue packaging with regular milk
- Distinguish whole milk
Buttermilk and custard
Bram explains the red, green, and yellow dairy cartons.
Vocabulary
- de karnemelk (the buttermilk)
- rood (red)
- de yoghurt (the yogurt)
- groen (green)
- de vla (the custard/pudding)
- geel (yellow)
Objectives
- Differentiate buttermilk from regular milk
- Identify yogurt and custard by color
Meat and vegetarian options
Emma plans her main course and looks at protein options.
Vocabulary
- het vlees (the meat)
- de kip (the chicken)
- het ei (the egg)
- vegetarisch (vegetarian)
- het avondeten (the dinner)
Objectives
- Locate meat and eggs
- Find vegetarian alternatives
- Discuss dinner plans
Checking expiration dates
Emma gets confused by the dates printed on perishable goods.
Vocabulary
- de datum (the date)
- houdbaar (keepable/perishable)
- tot (until)
- goed (good)
- weggooien (to throw away)
Objectives
- Read expiration dates
- Understand best before terminology
- Determine if food is still good
Drinks and Dutch treats
Emma grabs some typical Dutch cookies to share with her roommates.
Vocabulary
- het drinken (the drink/beverage)
- het water (the water)
- het koekje (the cookie)
- de stroopwafel (the syrup waffle)
- lekker (tasty)
Objectives
- Find the beverage aisle
- Name famous Dutch treats
- Express that something tastes good
Buying household basics
Comparing prices in the personal care and household aisle.
Vocabulary
- het toiletpapier (the toilet paper)
- de zeep (the soap)
- de tandpasta (the toothpaste)
- duur (expensive)
- goedkoop (cheap)
Objectives
- Identify essential toiletries
- Compare basic prices
- Describe items as cheap or expensive
Asking for directions
Emma cannot find an item and asks a store employee for help.
Vocabulary
- zoeken (to look for)
- vinden (to find)
- de medewerker (the employee)
- helpen (to help)
- waar (where)
Objectives
- Ask a worker for assistance
- State what you are looking for
- Ask where an item is located
Deals and loyalty stamps
Bram explains the Dutch love for discounts and savings programs.
Vocabulary
- de aanbieding (the offer/deal)
- de korting (the discount)
- de zegel (the stamp)
- sparen (to save/collect)
- gratis (free)
Objectives
- Recognize special offers
- Understand discount terminology
- Respond to questions about saving stamps
Choosing the right checkout
Emma learns about the unique 'kletskassa' concept at some stores.
Vocabulary
- de kassa (the checkout)
- de rij (the line/queue)
- de caissière (the cashier)
- de kletskassa (the chat checkout)
- praten (to talk)
Objectives
- Navigate checkout lines
- Understand the chat checkout concept
- Greet the cashier
Paying and packing bags
Emma pays for her groceries at the self-scan register.
Vocabulary
- betalen (to pay)
- de pinpas (the debit card)
- de zelfscankassa (the self-scan checkout)
- het bonnetje (the receipt)
- de tas (the bag)
Objectives
- Use a self-scan machine
- Pay with a debit card
- Ask for a receipt or bag