Meaning
Purchasing travel fare.
Cultural Background
The 'OV-chipkaart' has largely replaced paper tickets, but people still say 'een kaartje kopen' when they top up their credit or buy a single-use chip-ticket. Flemish speakers might use 'ticketje' or 'biljet' more often than 'kaartje', though 'kaartje' is still understood. Buying a ticket on the train from a conductor is almost impossible and results in a high fine. You MUST buy it before boarding. The Dutch are very tech-savvy. Most 'kaartjes' are now bought via the NS app or 'Glimble', using QR codes.
Use the App
Buying a ticket via the NS app is often 1 euro cheaper than at the machine because you don't pay for the physical paper.
No Cash
Most Dutch buses and many ticket machines no longer accept cash. Always have a debit card (pinpas) or credit card ready.
Meaning
Purchasing travel fare.
Use the App
Buying a ticket via the NS app is often 1 euro cheaper than at the machine because you don't pay for the physical paper.
No Cash
Most Dutch buses and many ticket machines no longer accept cash. Always have a debit card (pinpas) or credit card ready.
E-tickets
If you buy an e-ticket, make sure your phone is charged. A dead battery is not a valid excuse for not having a ticket!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'kopen'.
Ik ___ gisteren een kaartje voor de trein.
The word 'gisteren' (yesterday) indicates the past tense (imperfectum).
Which sentence is correct?
You want to buy a ticket at the station.
'Kaartje' is the correct term for a ticket; 'kaart' means map.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Waar kan ik een kaartje kopen? B: ___
Tickets are typically bought at an 'automaat' (machine).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the cinema counter.
Context is key; at a cinema, you buy a ticket for a 'film'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk ___ gisteren een kaartje voor de trein.
The word 'gisteren' (yesterday) indicates the past tense (imperfectum).
You want to buy a ticket at the station.
'Kaartje' is the correct term for a ticket; 'kaart' means map.
A: Waar kan ik een kaartje kopen? B: ___
Tickets are typically bought at an 'automaat' (machine).
You are at the cinema counter.
Context is key; at a cinema, you buy a ticket for a 'film'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, you must buy a ticket before you board. If you don't, you will have to pay for the ticket plus a 50 euro fine.
Yes, especially for planes, concerts, and festivals. For trains and buses, 'kaartje' is more traditional but 'ticket' is understood.
'Kaart' means map or card (like a credit card). 'Kaartje' specifically means a ticket or a small greeting card.
Usually no. You can show the QR code on your phone using the official app.
That is 'een retourtje'. To buy one, you say: 'Ik wil graag een retourtje kopen.'
Yes, most machines and apps accept Visa and Mastercard, though Dutch 'pinpas' (Maestro/V-Pay) is most common.
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine to use with a ticket agent or a friend.
Look for another machine or buy a ticket via the app immediately. You are still responsible for having a ticket.
Say: 'Hoeveel kost een kaartje naar [destination]?'
No, for parking you usually say 'een parkeerkaartje' or just 'parkeergeld'.
It means 'ticket sales'. You'll see this on signs at theaters or festivals.
It is 'het kaartje' because all diminutives in Dutch are neuter.
Related Phrases
Inchecken
builds onTo check in with your ticket.
Een abonnement
contrastA subscription.
Zwartrijden
contrastRiding without a ticket.
Korting krijgen
similarTo get a discount.
