Signification
Asking for assistance.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value directness. While 'Kunt u helpen?' is polite, don't be surprised if the answer is a very brief 'Ja' followed by waiting for you to explain exactly what you need. In Flanders, 'u' is used even more frequently than in the Netherlands and can sometimes be used in less formal situations, though 'Kunt u helpen?' remains the standard polite form. Many modern Dutch companies (like tech startups) have a 'je-cultuur' where everyone uses 'je'. However, when first meeting a client, 'u' is still the safest bet. In Surinamese Dutch, respect for elders is paramount, and 'u' is strictly used for anyone older than yourself, often combined with titles like 'Tante' or 'Oom'.
Add 'Pardon'
Always start with 'Pardon' or 'Meneer/Mevrouw' before saying 'Kunt u helpen?' to be extra polite.
The 'T' is key
Don't say 'Kun u'. It sounds like a child or someone who hasn't learned grammar yet.
Signification
Asking for assistance.
Add 'Pardon'
Always start with 'Pardon' or 'Meneer/Mevrouw' before saying 'Kunt u helpen?' to be extra polite.
The 'T' is key
Don't say 'Kun u'. It sounds like a child or someone who hasn't learned grammar yet.
Use 'even'
Adding 'even' (Kunt u even helpen?) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Eye contact
Make brief eye contact when asking. The Dutch value direct, honest interaction.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct formal way to ask for help.
Je bent in de supermarkt. Wat zeg je tegen de medewerker?
'Kunt u helpen?' is the correct formal form with the proper conjugation.
Fill in the missing word to make the sentence formal.
Kunt ___ mij even helpen?
'U' is the formal subject pronoun required here.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Pardon, meneer. ______? B: Ja hoor, wat is er?
'Kunt u helpen' fits the polite context of addressing a 'meneer'.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
Met wie gebruik je 'Kunt u helpen?'
You use 'u' with strangers to be polite.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal Help
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJe bent in de supermarkt. Wat zeg je tegen de medewerker?
'Kunt u helpen?' is the correct formal form with the proper conjugation.
Kunt ___ mij even helpen?
'U' is the formal subject pronoun required here.
A: Pardon, meneer. ______? B: Ja hoor, wat is er?
'Kunt u helpen' fits the polite context of addressing a 'meneer'.
Met wie gebruik je 'Kunt u helpen?'
You use 'u' with strangers to be polite.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is the perfect level of politeness for a shop assistant.
Only in an emergency. Otherwise, it sounds like a rude command.
'U' is formal/polite, 'je' is informal/friendly.
'Kunt' is the conjugation for 'u'. 'Kan' is for 'ik', 'hij', 'zij', and 'het'.
It's better to say 'Kunt u mij helpen?', but 'Kunt u helpen?' is understood.
Kunt u mij hiermee helpen?
No, only at the start of a sentence or when referring to God.
It means you can switch to the informal 'je' and 'kun'.
Yes, it is very appropriate for a student-teacher relationship.
In very casual settings, people might say 'Help je even?'.
Expressions liées
Hulp nodig?
similarNeed help?
Kunt u mij de weg wijzen?
specialized formCan you show me the way?
Zou u zo vriendelijk willen zijn?
builds onWould you be so kind?
Schiet op!
contrastHurry up!
