Dutch Grammar (Prepositions and Directions)

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This first lesson teaches many important aspect of Dutch like prepositions, vocabulary list about directions and finally common phrases about how to introduce yourself. I will try to give examples using both vocabulary and grammar. That way it will be easy for you to see the words when they are separate and when they are in a sentence. Going through the whole page should take about 30 min. Make sure to read the pronunciation and hear the audio as well. If you have any question about this course, Contact us from the page Dutch Classes.

Prepositions

Prepositions are used in almost every sentence. They can be a great tool to link words with each other. For example by simply knowing how to use “to”, “with”, “from”, “after” you can expand your conversation scope. In short, a preposition describes a relationship between words in a sentence, for example: I agree with you.

Below is a list of 27 prepositions that you might come across or use very often. The table contains 3 columns (English, Dutch, and Audio). Make sure you repeat each word after hearing it by either clicking on the audio button or by reading the pronunciation. That should help with memorization as well as improving your pronunciation.

Prepositions List in Dutch

Prepositions Dutch Audio
In front of voor
Behind achter
Before voor
After na
Inside binnen
With met
Without zonder
Outside buiten
On top of bovenop
Under onder
About (in regards to) over
Against tegen
And En
As (similar to) als
Between tussen
But Maar
For voor
From uit / van
In in
Instead of in plaats van
Near nabij
Of van
Or Of
Since sinds
So Dus
To aan
Until tot / totdat

Now we will try to implement some of the prepositions above into full Dutch sentences. That way you will be able to use the word not only by itself but embedded in a structure.

Dutch Prepositions in a Sentence

English Dutch Audio
Can I practice Italian with you? Kan ik met jou Italiaans oefenen?
I speak French but with an accent Ik spreek Frans maar met een accent
I was born in Miami Ik ben Miami geboren
I’m from Japan Ik ben van Japan
The letter is inside the book De brief is in het boek
The pen is under the desk De pen is onder het bureau
Directions
Can I help you? Kan ik je helpen

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact me If you simply want to ask a question, please Dutch contact form on the header above.

Vocabulary List about Directions

Below is a list of 28 words and sentences related to directions that you might need when lost or asking for help. If you can memorize them by heart, you will be able to travel from point A to point B by following directions.

Giving Directions in Dutch

Directions Dutch Audio
Can you help me? Kun je me helpen
Can you show me? Kunt u me de weg wijzen?
Come with me! Kom maar mee!
Downtown (city center) Stadscentrum
Excuse me! (to ask someone) Wablieft?
Go straight Ga rechtdoor
How can I get to the museum? Hoe kom ik bij het museum
How long does it take to get there? Hoe ver is het?
I’m lost Ik ben de weg kwijt
I’m not from here Ik ben niet van hier
It’s far from here Het is ver weg
It’s near here Het is vlakbij
One moment please! Een momentje alstublieft
Turn left Sla linksaf
Turn right Sla rechtsaf
Far Ver weg
Here hier
Left Links
Right Rechts
Near Vlakbij
Straight Rechtdoor
There er / daar
To drive Rijden
To turn Afslaan, omkeren
To walk Lopen
Traffic light Verkeerslicht
Transportation Vervoer

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Daily Conversation in Dutch

Finally, a couple sentences to help you know how to introduce yourself in Dutch. For a complete list of commonly used sentences, please visit our Dutch Phrases page. Enjoy!

Common Expressions in Dutch

English Dutch Audio
Do you speak English? Spreek je Engels?
Just a little Een klein beetje
What’s your name? Hoe heet je?
My name is (John Doe) Ik heet (Jan Jansen)
Mr… / Mrs. … / Miss… Meneer, Mevrouw, Mejuffrouw (oblsolete)
Nice to meet you! Leuk je te ontmoeten
You’re very kind! Dat is aardig van je

Fun Facts

Language Quote: The language of a society changes slowly but steadily with the result that an educated person will not be able to read or understand words in his language written 500 years ago. Do you feel like you can’t talk to your parents? Maybe it’s because you belong to the Niger-Congo family. More than 1,400 languages are spoken by different members of this family from Africa..

Congratulations! You finished your 4th lesson in Dutch about prepositions, and directions. Are you ready for the next lesson? We recommend Dutch Lesson 5. You can also simply click on one of the links below or go back to our Learn Dutch homepage.

Lessons
Dutch Lessons

Linguistic
Dutch Vocabulary

Culture
Dutch Phrases

Structure
Dutch Grammar