Asking for directions in Dutch

Lesson content

Being able to ask for directions when in The Netherlands, can be useful when you want to go to the city centre or when you want to find the way to other places using public transportation. This chapter will discuss asking for directions, the words for directions and places in Dutch. At the end of the chapter there are some questions and phrases related to public transportation.

Lesson outline

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1.Dutch words for directions
2.How to ask for directions in Dutch
3.How to give directions
4.Places in Dutch
5.Directions in Dutch using public transportation
6.Exercises
6.1.Exercise directions in Dutch
6.2.Translate places to Dutch
6.3.Exercise directions and public transportation in Dutch
6.4.Translate the Dutch words for directions

Dutch words for directions

Knowing these words are necessary when giving and asking for directions in Dutch.

Dutch	English
aan het begin	in the beginning
aan het eind	at the end
links	left
rechts	right
achter	behind
naast	next to
voor	in front of
noorden	north
oosten	east
zuiden	south
westen	west

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How to ask for directions in Dutch

There are many ways to ask for a direction in Dutch, below you will find some of the ways.

Dutch	English
Hoe kom ik bij ...?	How do I get to...?
Weet u waar ik ... kan vinden?	Do you know where I can find...?
Kunt u mij vertellen waar ik ... kan vinden?	Could you please tell me where I can find...?
Mag ik u iets vragen?	May I ask you something?
Pardon, alsjeblieft!	Excuse me, please!
Dank u wel!	Thank you!

How to give directions

The verbs 'gaan' (to go), 'afslaan' (to turn) and 'oversteken' (to cross) are used in the imperative form to give directions in Dutch.

Dutch	English
Ga rechtdoor.	Go straight.
Sla linksaf.	Turn left.
Sla rechtsaf.	Turn right.
Ga linksaf.	Go left.
Ga rechtsaf.	Go right.
Steek de straat over.	Cross the street.
Steek weer over.	Cross again.
Je bent gearriveerd.	You have arrived.
Je hebt je bestemming bereikt.	You have reached your destination.

Places in Dutch

When visiting or living in The Netherlands there might be some places you want to visit. When asking for the directions to these places it would be helpful to know the Dutch translation. In the table some of these places are provided.

Dutch	English
het oude stadscentrum	the old city center
het dorp	the village
het treinstation	the train station
de bushalte	the bus stop
het monument	the monument
het winkelcentrum	the shopping centre
het vliegveld	the airport
het ziekenhuis	the hospital
het museum	the museum
het park	the park
het politiebureau	the police station
het stadhuis	the town hall
het plein	the square
het restaurant	the restaurant
het stadscentrum	the city centre
het postkantoor	the post office
de markt	the market
de grens	the border
de haven	the harbour
het land	the country
de wijk	the neighbourhood
de straat	the street
het kruispunt	intersection

Directions in Dutch using public transportation

Since public transportation is commonly used in The Netherlands, it is helpful to understand how you can ask questions and know some phrases related to this topic.

Dutch	English
Waar is het vliegveld / het treinstation / de bushalte / het hotel?	Where is the airport / trainstation / bus stop / hotel?
Het vliegveld / het treinstation / de bushalte is in ...	The airport / trainstation / bus stop is in ...
Hoe laat vertrekt de bus / trein naar ...?	When does the bus / trein to ... leave?
De bus / trein naar ... vertrekt om ... uur.	The bus / train to ... leaves at ... o'clock.
Hoe laat komt de bus / trein aan in ...?	When does the bus / train arrive in ...?
De bus / trein komt om ... uur aan in ...	The bus / train arrives in .... at ... o'clock.
Hoe vaak rijdt de bus / trein naar ...?	How often does the bus / train drive to ...?
De bus / trein rijdt ... keer per uur naar ...	The bus / train goes ... per hour to ...
Waar kan ik een kaartje kopen?	Where can I buy a ticket?
U kunt een kaartje kopen bij de ticketautomaat.	You can buy a ticket at the ticketmachine.
Hoeveel kost een enkeltje naar ...?	How much is a single ticket to ...?
Een enkeltje naar ... kost ... euro.	A single ticket to ... costs ... euros.
Hoe ver is het naar ...?	How far is it to ...?
Het is ... kilometer naar ...	It is ... kilometres ...
Waar is ...?	Where is ...?