A1 Expression ニュートラル

Hoe heet dit?

What is this called?

Phrase in 30 Seconds

The essential Dutch phrase for identifying unknown objects and expanding your vocabulary on the go.

Means: 'What is this called?' (literally: 'How is this named?')
Used in: Markets, shops, or when pointing at something new.
Don't confuse: Use 'hoe' (how), not 'wat' (what) with the verb 'heten'.

👉 + 📦 + ❓ = 🗣️ 'Hoe heet dit?'

Explanation at your level:

This is a basic phrase to ask for the name of an object. Use 'hoe' (how) and 'heet' (is named). Point at the object so people know what you mean. It is very useful when you are shopping or eating.

At this level, you can expand the phrase. You can ask 'Weet u hoe dit heet?' to be more polite. You should also know the difference between 'dit' (close) and 'dat' (far). It helps you build your vocabulary by asking native speakers directly.

You can now use this phrase in more complex sentences, such as 'Ik zou graag willen weten hoe dit heet.' You understand that 'heten' is a linking verb and that 'hoe' is the required interrogative. You might also start using 'Hoe noem je dit?' as a synonym.

At B2, you recognize the nuance between 'heten' (to be named) and 'noemen' (to call). You can use the phrase in professional contexts, like asking about specific technical components or abstract concepts, while maintaining the correct register and word order in subordinate clauses.

You analyze the phrase's structure and its Germanic roots. You can discuss the semantic field of 'naming' and how 'Hoe heet dit?' functions as a speech act. You are comfortable using it in academic or highly specialized environments to clarify terminology.

You possess near-native mastery of naming conventions. You understand the historical evolution of 'heten' from its Proto-Germanic origins and can contrast its usage with archaic forms or regional dialects. You use the phrase with perfect prosody and contextual awareness.

意味

Asking for the name of an object.

🌍

文化的背景

Dutch people appreciate directness. Asking 'Hoe heet dit?' is seen as a positive sign of integration. Flemish speakers might use 'Hoe noemen ze dit?' more often, but 'Hoe heet dit?' is perfectly understood. In Surinamese Dutch, you might hear more influence from Sranan Tongo, but the standard phrase remains essential for formal education. Expats often use this as their first 'real' interaction phrase outside of 'Dankjewel'.

💡

The Pointing Rule

Always point clearly when using 'dit' so the listener knows exactly what you are referring to.

⚠️

No 'Wat'!

Never start this question with 'Wat'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.

意味

Asking for the name of an object.

💡

The Pointing Rule

Always point clearly when using 'dit' so the listener knows exactly what you are referring to.

⚠️

No 'Wat'!

Never start this question with 'Wat'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.

🎯

Add 'in het Nederlands'

If you are in a touristy area, adding 'in het Nederlands' ensures they don't give you the English name.

💬

Be Curious

Dutch people love it when you ask about their specific items, like 'hagelslag' or 'stokbrood'.

自分をテスト

Choose the correct Dutch translation for 'What is this called?'

___ heet dit?

✓ 正解！ ✗ おしい！正解: Hoe

In Dutch, we use 'hoe' (how) with the verb 'heten'.

Complete the sentence to ask about an object far away.

Hoe heet ___?

✓ 正解！ ✗ おしい！正解: dat

'Dat' is used for objects that are not close to the speaker.

Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.

A: ___? B: Dat is een 'kaasschaaf'.

✓ 正解！ ✗ おしい！正解: Hoe heet dit?

The answer provides a name, so the question should ask for a name.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You are at a market and see a fruit you don't know.

✓ 正解！ ✗ おしい！正解: Hoe heet dit?

'Hoe heet dit?' is used to ask for the name of an object.

🎉 スコア： /4

ビジュアル学習ツール

Hoe vs Wat

Correct (Dutch)

Hoe heet dit? How is this named?

Incorrect (Dunglish)

Wat heet dit? What is this named?

よくある質問

10 問

No, that is rude. Use 'Hoe heet je?' or 'Hoe heet u?' for people.

'Dit' is for things close to you, 'dat' is for things further away.

It's a linguistic quirk of Dutch (and German). We ask *how* something is named.

It is neutral. It's fine for both formal and informal situations.

Yes, if you know the object is a 'de-word'. If not, 'dit' is safer.

You can say 'Wat is dit?', which is also very common.

You can say 'Hoe heet deze plaats?' or 'Hoe heet deze stad?'.

Yes, it's a very common alternative, meaning 'How do you call this?'.

Yes! 'Hoe heet dit gevoel?' is perfectly correct.

For 'dit' (it), it is always 'heet'. For plural objects, use 'Hoe heten deze dingen?'.