Signification
Asking for help with language sounds.
Contexte culturel
Dutch people are generally very helpful if you try to speak their language. Asking for pronunciation is seen as a sign of genuine interest in the culture. In Flanders, the 'G' is much softer than in the Netherlands. If you ask 'Hoe spreek je dit uit?' in Antwerp, you will hear a different sound than in Amsterdam. In a business meeting, it is better to ask 'Hoe spreekt u dit uit?' than to mispronounce a client's name repeatedly. Directness is valued. There is a common joke among expats about the word 'Gezellig'. Most expats use this phrase specifically to master that one word.
Point and Ask
Don't be shy! Pointing at a menu and saying this phrase is the fastest way to learn food vocabulary.
Don't forget the 'UIT'
If you just say 'Hoe spreek je dit?', people will understand you, but it sounds like you stopped talking mid-sentence.
Signification
Asking for help with language sounds.
Point and Ask
Don't be shy! Pointing at a menu and saying this phrase is the fastest way to learn food vocabulary.
Don't forget the 'UIT'
If you just say 'Hoe spreek je dit?', people will understand you, but it sounds like you stopped talking mid-sentence.
Record the Answer
After you ask, ask if you can record the person saying it on your phone so you can practice later.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the question.
Hoe spreek je dit ___?
The verb is 'uitspreken', so the prefix 'uit' must go at the end.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a stranger for pronunciation help?
Choose the best option:
'U' is the formal/polite pronoun for strangers.
Complete the dialogue.
Learner: 'Ik zie een moeilijk woord.' Native: 'Welk woord?' Learner: 'Scheveningen. ________?'
The learner is asking about a specific word they see, so 'Hoe spreek je dit uit' is the most natural fit.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a train station and see a city name you can't say.
This is the correct phrase to ask for help with the sound of a written name.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHoe spreek je dit ___?
The verb is 'uitspreken', so the prefix 'uit' must go at the end.
Choose the best option:
'U' is the formal/polite pronoun for strangers.
Learner: 'Ik zie een moeilijk woord.' Native: 'Welk woord?' Learner: 'Scheveningen. ________?'
The learner is asking about a specific word they see, so 'Hoe spreek je dit uit' is the most natural fit.
You are at a train station and see a city name you can't say.
This is the correct phrase to ask for help with the sound of a written name.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's less specific. 'Hoe zeg je dit?' means 'How do you say this?', while 'Hoe spreek je dit uit?' specifically asks for the pronunciation of a written word.
Not at all! It's very polite and shows you are trying to learn.
In that case, ask 'Wat zei je?' (What did you say?) or 'Hoe schrijf je dat?' (How do you spell that?).
Because 'uitspreken' is a separable verb. In Dutch questions, the prefix goes to the end.
Yes, but it's usually used for single words or short phrases.
Use 'dit' for something you are holding or pointing at closely. Use 'dat' for something further away.
You can still use 'je' (as a general 'you'), or say 'Hoe spreken jullie dit uit?'
Usually, the person will just say the word slowly for you, often breaking it into syllables.
Most Dutch people find it charming and are happy to help, as long as they aren't in a huge rush.
Yes, especially if you see a company-specific term or a name you don't know. It shows attention to detail.
Expressions liées
Wat betekent dit?
similarWhat does this mean?
Hoe schrijf je dit?
similarHow do you write/spell this?
Kun je dat herhalen?
builds onCan you repeat that?
Hoe zeg je ... in het Nederlands?
similarHow do you say ... in Dutch?
