Bedeutung
Asking for clarification.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The distinction between 'u' and 'je' is becoming more fluid, but 'u' remains the standard for anyone at least 15-20 years older than you. Flemish Dutch often uses 'u' more frequently than in the Netherlands, sometimes even in slightly more casual settings, though this is changing with younger generations. Many modern Dutch companies (like tech startups) have a 'je-cultuur' where everyone, including the CEO, is addressed with 'je'. However, always start with 'u' until invited to use 'je'. In Surinamese Dutch, respect for elders is paramount, and 'u' is used very strictly. Using 'je' with an elder can be seen as a significant sign of disrespect.
Smile and Nod
Pair this phrase with a polite smile. It shows you are trying hard to learn and aren't just being difficult.
The 'U' Trap
If you start with 'u', stay with 'u' for the whole conversation. Switching to 'je' halfway through sounds confused.
Bedeutung
Asking for clarification.
Smile and Nod
Pair this phrase with a polite smile. It shows you are trying hard to learn and aren't just being difficult.
The 'U' Trap
If you start with 'u', stay with 'u' for the whole conversation. Switching to 'je' halfway through sounds confused.
Add 'langzamer'
If they repeat it just as fast, say: 'Kunt u dat herhalen, maar dan iets langzamer?' (Can you repeat that, but a bit slower?)
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing modal verb for a formal request.
____ u dat herhalen?
In formal Dutch, 'u' is paired with 'kunt'.
Which sentence is the most polite when speaking to a stranger?
You didn't hear what the librarian said.
'Kunt u' is the standard polite form for strangers.
Match the Dutch phrase to its English equivalent.
Clarification phrases
All pairs are correctly matched to their nuance.
Complete the dialogue politely.
Klant: 'Ik wil graag drie bruine bollen.' Bakker: 'Sorry, het is hier erg luid. ________?'
This is the most professional response for a service worker.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgaben____ u dat herhalen?
In formal Dutch, 'u' is paired with 'kunt'.
You didn't hear what the librarian said.
'Kunt u' is the standard polite form for strangers.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
All pairs are correctly matched to their nuance.
Klant: 'Ik wil graag drie bruine bollen.' Bakker: 'Sorry, het is hier erg luid. ________?'
This is the most professional response for a service worker.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenNo, it's perfectly fine. It's polite and clear. You can also use 'Wat zegt u?', which is slightly more common in shops.
Yes, 'Sorry?' with a rising intonation is a very common and acceptable way to ask for repetition in almost any setting.
'Herhalen' specifically means to say something *again*. 'Zeggen' just means to say something.
Both are actually correct, but 'Kunt u' is considered more standard and slightly more formal.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Wat zegt u?
synonymWhat do you say?
Pardon?
similarExcuse me?
Nogmaals
builds onOnce more
Ik begrijp het niet
specialized formI don't understand
