Meaning
Requesting privacy.
Cultural Background
Dutch people value their 'privacy' and 'agenda' highly. Interrupting someone without an appointment is often seen as slightly rude. Flemish culture is slightly more indirect than Dutch culture, but 'Niet storen' remains the standard for signage. The 'Stiltecoupé' (Silence Compartment) is a cultural institution where 'niet storen' is the unspoken (and often spoken) rule. In many Amsterdam coffee shops, you'll see people with headphones on—this is the modern, visual equivalent of a 'niet storen' sign.
The 'Even' Trick
Add 'even' to make it sound less like a command: 'Niet even storen aub'.
Gestoord vs Storen
Be careful saying 'Ik ben gestoord'. It means 'I am crazy'. Say 'Ik wil niet gestoord worden'.
Meaning
Requesting privacy.
The 'Even' Trick
Add 'even' to make it sound less like a command: 'Niet even storen aub'.
Gestoord vs Storen
Be careful saying 'Ik ben gestoord'. It means 'I am crazy'. Say 'Ik wil niet gestoord worden'.
Directness
Don't be offended if a Dutch person says 'Niet storen'. They are just being clear about their needs.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the sign.
Niet ______, ik ben in een vergadering.
We use the infinitive 'storen' for this type of command.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask someone not to disturb you?
Choose the best option:
Using 'Zou u', 'even', and 'alstublieft' makes the request very polite.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Where would you see 'Niet storen'?
It is the standard sign for privacy in hotels.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Mag ik je wat vragen?' B: 'Sorry, ik heb mijn telefoon op ______ gezet.'
The digital setting is called 'niet storen' in Dutch.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where you see 'Niet storen'
Physical
- • Hotel doors
- • Office doors
- • Library walls
Digital
- • iPhone settings
- • Slack status
- • Teams status
Verbal
- • To colleagues
- • To family
- • To roommates
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNiet ______, ik ben in een vergadering.
We use the infinitive 'storen' for this type of command.
Choose the best option:
Using 'Zou u', 'even', and 'alstublieft' makes the request very polite.
Where would you see 'Niet storen'?
It is the standard sign for privacy in hotels.
A: 'Mag ik je wat vragen?' B: 'Sorry, ik heb mijn telefoon op ______ gezet.'
The digital setting is called 'niet storen' in Dutch.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn Dutch culture, it is generally seen as direct and clear rather than rude, especially in professional or hotel contexts.
You can use 'Niet storen' or 'Bezet' (Busy).
Yes, you can say 'Stoor me niet' to a person, but it's quite direct.
'Storen' is general disturbance; 'onderbreken' is specifically interrupting someone while they are speaking.
Dutch signs use the infinitive form for instructions to make them sound like general rules.
You might hear 'Niet focken' in very informal/slang settings, but it's much more aggressive.
It can be a rolling 'r' or a 'gargled' French-style 'r' depending on the Dutch region.
Yes, e.g., 'Ik ben morgen niet bereikbaar, gelieve mij niet te storen.'
It means 'crazy' or 'insane'.
Yes, it is the standard phrase in Flanders as well.
Related Phrases
Laat me met rust
similarLeave me alone
In gesprek
specialized formOn a call / busy
Sst!
similarShh!
Geen toegang
contrastNo entry
Stoorzender
builds onA source of disturbance
