Note that the A is pronounced as the A in "Aw". The E is pronounced as the U in "uhm" or "bluh". Note that the J is always pronounced as the Y in "Yankees"

Start a conversation with "Hallo" (Ha(w)llo). More casual is "Hoi" or "Hai".

If you want to introduce yourself, say "Ik heet" (iK hate) followed by your name. Note that the I in Ik is pronounced as the I in "Mindy".

Yes becomes "Ja". (Ya(w))

No becomes "Nee" (Nay)

"Thank you" is "Dank je". (Da(w)nk Yuh)

"Please" is "Alstublieft" (A(w)l-stew-bleeft).

If you want to order something in a restaurant, start with "Kan ik" (Ca(w)n iK) [insert order] "Bestellen" (Buhs-tel-luhn). (NOTE: Politer is "Mag ik" but you'll probably starve before you can pronounce that.)

If you can't find a museum, just ask "Waar is het museum." (wAAr is hat muu-say-uhm). Note that the AA is pronounced as a German A, for example in "mAchen".

Looking for a place to drink? Simply say "Waar kan je iets drinken?" (wAAr Cawn Yuh EEwts drink-uhn)

Now isn't Dutch a beautiful language? If you feel all icky-and-chilly-and-scared, just learn this one sentence; "Spreek je Engels?" (Sprake Yuh Ann-Guls). If you can't even remember this, just ask "Do you speak English". Cuz, pal, ninety percent does. Just don't let the accent scare you away.



Tips

The pronunciation does suck a bit, doesn't it? The Dutch are very strange people, but they do like to learn you a thing or two, so never be afraid to ask.

The phonetic spellings above are only approximations of the French pronunciations. If you pronounce these words while pretending to be Pepe Le Pew, you'll probably be pretty close.

If you carry around a small phrase book or dictionary, you can look up words you don't know - and even point to them if you can't pronounce them.

Don't underestimate the power of body language. Pointing, drawing, gesturing and pantomiming will all help you get your point acrossLanguage travel books; very okay. Find them at the national airport Schiphol (or as you say; Skiphole) for example.

Again: You can always ask people in Holland whether they speak English. The responses wil amaze you!



http://wiki.ehow.com/Learn-Key-Phrases-in-Dutch

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