Signification
Politely interrupting someone.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value their 'agenda' (calendar). Interrupting without this phrase can be seen as a lack of respect for their planning. Flemish Dutch is often perceived as slightly more formal or 'soft' than Northern Dutch. You might hear 'Mag ik u even storen?' more frequently even among peers. Open-door policies are common, but 'Mag ik even storen?' is the verbal 'knock' on that open door. On Slack or WhatsApp, sending 'Mag ik even storen?' as a standalone message is a common way to 'ping' someone before a call.
The 'Heel Even' Trick
If someone looks *really* busy, say 'Mag ik *heel* even storen?'. Adding 'heel' (very) makes the interruption sound even smaller and more respectful.
Wait for the Eye Contact
In the Netherlands, it's polite to stand near the person for 2-3 seconds before saying the phrase. This gives them a chance to finish their thought.
Signification
Politely interrupting someone.
The 'Heel Even' Trick
If someone looks *really* busy, say 'Mag ik *heel* even storen?'. Adding 'heel' (very) makes the interruption sound even smaller and more respectful.
Wait for the Eye Contact
In the Netherlands, it's polite to stand near the person for 2-3 seconds before saying the phrase. This gives them a chance to finish their thought.
Don't forget the '?'
Always say it with a rising intonation at the end. If you say it as a flat statement, it sounds like a command, which is rude.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase polite.
Mag ik ___ storen?
'Even' is the essential particle used to soften interruptions in Dutch.
Which sentence is the most natural way to interrupt a colleague?
You see your colleague working hard. What do you say?
This is the standard, polite professional way to get someone's attention.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mag ik even storen? B: ______
'Ja hoor, zeg het maar' (Yes sure, go ahead/tell me) is the most common positive response.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
1. Excuseert u mij, mag ik u even storen? 2. Mag ik even storen? 3. Heb je ff?
'U' and 'Excuseert' are formal; 'ff' is a slang abbreviation of 'even'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMag ik ___ storen?
'Even' is the essential particle used to soften interruptions in Dutch.
You see your colleague working hard. What do you say?
This is the standard, polite professional way to get someone's attention.
A: Mag ik even storen? B: ______
'Ja hoor, zeg het maar' (Yes sure, go ahead/tell me) is the most common positive response.
1. Excuseert u mij, mag ik u even storen? 2. Mag ik even storen? 3. Heb je ff?
'U' and 'Excuseert' are formal; 'ff' is a slang abbreviation of 'even'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's perfectly neutral. However, with very close friends, you might just say 'Heb je even?' or 'Stoor ik?'.
It's a 'modal particle'. It doesn't have a direct translation, but it functions to make the request sound 'small', 'brief', and 'polite'.
Yes! It's a great way to break into a group. Just add a smile and a 'Hoi'.
'Storen' is general (disturbing someone's state), while 'onderbreken' is specific (interrupting someone while they are talking).
If you have time, say 'Ja hoor, zeg het maar.' If you are busy, say 'Nu even niet, kan het over tien minuutjes?'.
Both are correct. Use 'je' for colleagues and friends, and 'u' for bosses, older people, or strangers.
It's better to just say 'Pardon' or 'Mag ik iets vragen?'. 'Storen' implies they are doing something else, but a waiter's job is to be 'disturbed' by you!
Without 'even', the phrase sounds blunt and demanding. It's the difference between 'Can I disturb you?' and 'Can I just disturb you for a sec?'.
Yes, 'Heb je ff?' (pronounced 'eff-eff') is very common in texting and among young people.
Usually, we use 'Sorry voor de verstoring' or 'Ik hoop dat ik niet stoor' in emails, as 'Mag ik...' is a real-time question.
Expressions liées
Heb je even tijd?
similarDo you have a moment of time?
Sorry dat ik stoor
similarSorry that I'm disturbing [you].
Laat me niet storen
contrastDon't let me disturb [you].
Mag ik u lastigvallen?
specialized formMay I bother you?
