Meaning
Asking for the name of an object.
Cultural Background
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.
Meaning
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'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct Dutch translation for 'What is this called?'
___ heet dit?
In Dutch, we use 'hoe' (how) with the verb 'heten'.
Complete the sentence to ask about an object far away.
Hoe heet ___?
'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'.
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.
'Hoe heet dit?' is used to ask for the name of an object.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Hoe vs Wat
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ heet dit?
In Dutch, we use 'hoe' (how) with the verb 'heten'.
Hoe heet ___?
'Dat' is used for objects that are not close to the speaker.
A: ___? B: Dat is een 'kaasschaaf'.
The answer provides a name, so the question should ask for a name.
You are at a market and see a fruit you don't know.
'Hoe heet dit?' is used to ask for the name of an object.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 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?'.
Related Phrases
Hoe heet je?
similarWhat is your name?
Hoe noem je dit?
synonymHow do you call this?
Wat is dit?
similarWhat is this?
Hoe heet dat ook alweer?
specialized formWhat was that called again?
Wat is de naam hiervan?
formalWhat is the name of this?
