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A1 noun 9 min read

station

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips station in 30 Seconds

Explanation station in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'station' is one of the first nouns you learn. It is identical to English in spelling, which makes it easy to remember. You use it to talk about travel and directions. You should focus on the phrase 'naar het station' (to the station) and 'op het station' (at the station). You will learn that it is a 'het-woord' and that the plural is 'stations'. Examples include: 'Waar is het station?' (Where is the station?) and 'Ik ga met de trein naar het station.' (I'm going to the station by train). This word is essential for basic survival and navigation in a Dutch-speaking environment.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'station' to include more specific types like 'busstation' and 'tankstation'. You start using it in more complex sentences with time and frequency. You learn to describe what you do there: 'Ik wacht op het station' (I am waiting at the station) or 'Ik koop een kaartje op het station' (I buy a ticket at the station). You also begin to recognize compounds like 'stationsplein' (station square). You should be comfortable asking for directions to the station and understanding simple announcements made at the station regarding platform numbers and delays.

At the B1 level, you use 'station' in more abstract and professional contexts. You might talk about the facilities at a station, such as 'de stationsrestauratie' or 'de fietsenstalling bij het station'. You can discuss the pros and cons of living near a station. You also learn the metaphorical use 'een gepasseerd station' (a passed station/water under the bridge). Your grammar should be more precise, correctly applying adjective endings like 'het vernieuwde station' or 'een druk station'. You can explain travel routes and handle disruptions by communicating with station staff.

At the B2 level, 'station' appears in discussions about urban planning, infrastructure, and the environment. You might read articles about 'duurzame stations' (sustainable stations) or the impact of high-speed rail on 'internationale stations'. You use the word in formal reports or debates. You understand the nuance between 'het station' as a physical entity and 'de stationsomgeving' as a socio-economic area. You can follow fast-paced announcements and news reports about nationwide station renovations or security measures. You are also familiar with technical terms like 'overstapstation' (transfer station).

At the C1 level, you use 'station' with full native-like nuance. You might discuss the architectural significance of 'monumentale stations' like Haarlem or Antwerpen-Centraal. You understand literary or poetic uses of the word. You can articulate complex ideas about 'stationering' (stationing/deployment) of troops or equipment, which shares the same root. You are comfortable with the word in all registers, from slang ('het stationnetje in de middle of nowhere') to highly formal legal or technical documents regarding 'stationsbeheer' (station management).

At the C2 level, 'station' is just one part of a vast linguistic repertoire. You can engage in deep philosophical or historical discussions about the role of the station in the industrial revolution and its evolution into a modern 'mobility hub'. You can use the word in complex wordplay, puns, or sophisticated metaphors. You understand the subtle regional differences in how 'station' might be used in the Netherlands versus Flanders. Your command of all compound forms and associated idioms is perfect, and you can switch between technical, colloquial, and formal meanings of 'station' effortlessly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

station in 30 Seconds

The word 'station' is a neuter noun (het station) primarily meaning a train station.
It is used with the preposition 'op' (at/on) and 'naar' (to).
Common compounds include tankstation (gas station) and radiostation.
The plural is 'stations' and the diminutive is 'stationnetje'.

In the Dutch language, the word station is a fundamental noun that primarily refers to a designated stopping place for public transport vehicles, most notably trains. While it shares the same spelling as its English counterpart, its pronunciation and specific usage nuances in the Netherlands and Belgium are distinct. The word is neuter, meaning it takes the definite article het. Understanding 'het station' is essential for anyone navigating the Low Countries, as the rail network is the backbone of Dutch infrastructure. Beyond the physical building where one catches a train, 'station' also extends to various technical and functional contexts, such as broadcasting and science.

Het Treinstation (The Train Station): This is the most common usage. In the Netherlands, the 'station' is often the heart of a city. For example, 'Utrecht Centraal' is the largest station in the country. It is not just a place for transport but a hub for shopping, dining, and social interaction.
Het Tankstation (The Gas Station): Also called a 'pompstation', this refers to a facility where motorists buy fuel. While 'station' alone usually implies trains, in a driving context, it shifts to fuel services.
Het Ruimtestation (The Space Station): In scientific and aerospace contexts, 'station' refers to a permanent facility in space, such as the ISS (Internationaal Ruimtestation).

"Ik sta op het station te wachten op de trein naar Amsterdam."

I am standing at the station waiting for the train to Amsterdam.

Dutch speakers use the word frequently in daily life because the train is a primary mode of commuting. You will hear it in announcements like 'Dames en heren, we naderen station Leiden Centraal.' It is also used metaphorically in business and politics. For instance, when a project has reached a point of no return, a Dutch person might say it is a 'gepasseerd station' (a passed station), meaning the opportunity has passed or the decision is final.

"Kun je me afzetten bij het station?"

Can you drop me off at the station?

The versatility of the word 'station' is also seen in broadcasting. A 'radiostation' or 'televisiestation' refers to the broadcasting entity. In a more historical sense, it can refer to a 'poststation' where horses were changed for mail carriages. In modern urban planning, 'station' is the anchor for 'TOD' (Transit-Oriented Development), where entire neighborhoods are built around the accessibility of the station.

Het Meetstation (The Measuring Station): Used in meteorology or environmental science to describe a location where data (like air quality or temperature) is collected.

Using 'station' in a sentence requires an understanding of Dutch prepositions, which can be tricky for English speakers. In English, we say 'at the station', but in Dutch, you usually say op het station when you are physically on the premises (platforms, halls). If you are referring to the general location as a destination, you use naar het station.

"We spreken af op het station bij de hoofduitgang."

We'll meet at the station by the main exit.

When discussing the name of a station, the word 'station' often comes before the city name in formal announcements, but after the city name in common parlance. For example, 'Station Amsterdam Centraal' vs 'Amsterdam Centraal Station'. However, the official naming convention by the NS (Dutch Railways) usually places the city name first.

Directional Usage: 'Ik ga naar het station' (I am going to the station). Use 'naar' for movement towards the building.
Positional Usage: 'Ik ben op het station' (I am at the station). 'Op' implies being on the station grounds.
Proximity Usage: 'Ik woon vlak bij het station' (I live right near the station). Use 'bij' for general proximity.

"Het station van Antwerpen is een architecturaal meesterwerk."

Antwerp station is an architectural masterpiece.

In plural form, 'station' becomes stations. This is used when talking about multiple hubs. 'De nieuwe stations langs de hogesnelheidslijn zijn erg modern.' (The new stations along the high-speed line are very modern). In the diminutive, it becomes stationnetje, often used affectionately for small, quaint rural stops.

Compound words are very common with 'station'. You will see stationsplein (station square), stationshal (station hall), and stationschef (station master). These compounds help refine the specific part of the station infrastructure you are referring to.

If you spend more than a day in the Netherlands, you are guaranteed to hear the word station. The most iconic place is, of course, through the loudspeakers of the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). The automated voice (nicknamed 'Trijntje' by some) frequently announces arrival and departure information. 'Beste reizigers, de intercity naar Maastricht van veertien uur dertig vertrekt van spoor vier. Dit is het station van Utrecht Centraal.'

"Volgend station: Leiden Centraal."

Next station: Leiden Central.

In everyday conversation, 'het station' serves as a primary landmark. Because many Dutch cities are walkable or bikeable from the center to the station, people use it as a point of reference for directions. 'Loop rechtdoor tot je bij het station bent' (Walk straight until you reach the station). It is also the default meeting point for friends traveling from different cities.

News and Media: On the radio or TV news (NOS Journaal), you might hear about 'werkzaamheden aan het station' (construction work at the station) or a 'storing rond het station' (a malfunction/disruption around the station).
Public Safety: The police often mention 'het politiestation' in reports. While 'bureau' is more common for a local office, 'station' is used for larger regional hubs.

"Heeft dit radiostation ook een app?"

Does this radio station also have an app?

In the context of technology and music, DJs will refer to their 'station'. On Spotify or other streaming services, you might see 'station' used to describe an automated playlist based on a song or artist. In a work environment, you might hear about a 'werkstation' (workstation), referring to a powerful computer setup.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with station is using the wrong article. Because many transport-related words in English don't have gendered nuances, learners often default to de station. However, 'station' is strictly a het-woord. Saying 'de station' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.

Incorrect: "De station is erg druk vandaag."
Correct: "Het station is erg druk vandaag."

Another mistake involves prepositions. English speakers often translate 'at the station' literally to 'bij het station'. While 'bij' means 'near' or 'at the location of', the idiomatic way to say you are inside or on the platforms is 'op het station'. If you say 'Ik ben bij het station', a Dutch person might look for you outside the building rather than on the platform.

Pluralization Errors: Some learners try to pluralize it as 'stationen' (following the -en rule for many nouns). The correct plural is always stations with an -s.
Pronunciation Pitfalls: English speakers often pronounce the 'tion' part as 'shun'. In Dutch, it is closer to 'shon' with a clear, round 'o' sound. The 'a' in 'sta-' is also a long 'aa' sound.

Finally, watch out for the adjective ending. Because it is a 'het-woord', the adjective only gets an -e if 'het' is present. 'Een modern station' (Correct) vs 'Een moderne station' (Incorrect). This is a subtle but important rule of Dutch grammar that 'station' perfectly illustrates.

While station is the standard term, there are several words that are related or can be used as alternatives depending on the context. Understanding the differences between these terms will make your Dutch sound more natural and precise.

Halte (Stop): This is used for bus, tram, and metro stops. A 'halte' is usually just a pole with a sign and perhaps a small shelter, whereas a 'station' is a larger building or complex.
Perron (Platform): Often confused with the station itself. The 'perron' is the specific raised area where you stand to board the train. You are 'op het station' but specifically 'op perron 4'.
Knooppunt (Hub/Junction): Used to describe a major station where many lines meet. 'Utrecht is het belangrijkste spoorwegknooppunt van Nederland.'

"De bus stopt bij de volgende halte, niet bij het station."

The bus stops at the next stop, not at the station.

In a technical sense, you might hear zender used as a synonym for a radio or TV station. While 'station' refers to the organization, 'zender' refers to the frequency or the channel itself. 'Op welke zender is de voetbalwedstrijd?' (On which channel/station is the football match?).

For fuel, benzinepomp or pomp is often used colloquially instead of 'tankstation'. 'Ik moet even stoppen bij de pomp' is very common. In a historical or formal context, a large station might be called a kopstation (terminus station) where all tracks end, like Amsterdam Centraal or Den Haag Centraal.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Het station zal gedurende de nachtelijke uren gesloten zijn."

Neutral

"Ik ben over vijf minuten op het station."

Informal

"Zie je bij het stationnetje!"

Child friendly

"Kijk, daar komt de trein het station binnen!"

Slang

"Ik hang gewoon een beetje op het station."

Fun Fact

The word originally had nothing to do with trains, as it existed long before the railway was invented. It referred to military posts or religious 'stations' of the cross.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /stɑˈʃɔn/

US /stɑˈʃɔn/

The stress is on the second syllable: sta-TION.

Rhymes With

pension lampion station kampioen (near rhyme) miljoen (near rhyme) spion stadion karton

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like English 'stay-shun'.
Using a short 'a' like in 'cat'.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too softly.
Putting stress on the first syllable.
Merging the 's' and 't' too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Identical spelling to English makes it very easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

The neuter gender (het) requires practice for correct grammar.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation differs slightly from English, especially the vowels.

Listening 1/5

Very clear and distinct word in announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

trein gaan waar het op

Learn Next

perron spoor kaartje reizen vertraging

Advanced

infrastructuur knooppunt dienstregeling vervoersbewijs overstappen

Grammar to Know

Neuter Nouns (Het-woorden)

Het station, het huis, het boek.

Adjective endings with 'het'

Het grote station (with 'het'), een groot station (without 'het').

Prepositions of place

Op het station (at), in de trein (in).

Plural with -s

Eén station, twee stations.

Diminutives with -etje

Het stationnetje.

Examples by Level

Waar is het station?

Where is the station?

Uses 'het' because station is neuter.

Ik ga naar het station.

I am going to the station.

'Naar' indicates direction.

De trein is op het station.

The train is at the station.

'Op' is used for being at the station.

Het station is groot.

The station is big.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Ik zie het station.

I see the station.

Direct object with 'het'.

Is dit het station?

Is this the station?

Question form of 'dit is'.

Het station is hier.

The station is here.

Adverb of place 'hier'.

Dag station!

Goodbye station!

Informal greeting.

Ik wacht op het station op mijn vriend.

I am waiting at the station for my friend.

Double use of 'op': one for location, one for the verb 'wachten op'.

Het busstation is naast het treinstation.

The bus station is next to the train station.

Compound words 'busstation' and 'treinstation'.

Hoe laat komt de trein aan op het station?

What time does the train arrive at the station?

Separable verb 'aankomen'.

Er zijn veel mensen op het station.

There are many people at the station.

Use of 'er zijn' for existence.

Ik moet tanken bij het tankstation.

I need to fuel up at the gas station.

Specific type of station.

Het station heeft een kleine winkel.

The station has a small shop.

Possessive 'heeft'.

We spreken af voor het station.

We are meeting in front of the station.

Preposition 'voor' (in front of).

Welk station is dit?

Which station is this?

Interrogative 'welk' matches the neuter noun.

Het station wordt momenteel verbouwd.

The station is currently being renovated.

Passive voice 'wordt verbouwd'.

Er is een grote fietsenstalling bij het station.

There is a large bicycle parking lot at the station.

Typical Dutch cultural context.

Het station is goed bereikbaar met het openbaar vervoer.

The station is easily accessible by public transport.

Adverbial phrase 'goed bereikbaar'.

Vanwege de storing stoppen er geen treinen op dit station.

Due to the malfunction, no trains are stopping at this station.

Prepositional phrase 'vanwege de storing'.

Ik woon in een appartement boven het station.

I live in an apartment above the station.

Preposition 'boven'.

Het station is het startpunt van onze wandeling.

The station is the starting point of our walk.

Compound noun 'startpunt'.

Kun je me vertellen waar de liften zijn op het station?

Can you tell me where the elevators are at the station?

Indirect question.

Het station ziet er erg modern uit na de renovatie.

The station looks very modern after the renovation.

Separable verb 'eruitzien'.

Het station fungeert als een belangrijk knooppunt voor de regio.

The station functions as an important hub for the region.

Verb 'fungeren als'.

De architectuur van het nieuwe station is omstreden.

The architecture of the new station is controversial.

Genitive construction 'van het'.

Reizigers klagen over de gebrekkige faciliteiten op het station.

Travelers complain about the poor facilities at the station.

Verb 'klagen over'.

Het station moet de economische groei van de stad stimuleren.

The station is intended to stimulate the economic growth of the city.

Infinitive construction with 'moet'.

Tijdens de spits is het station een mierenhoop van mensen.

During rush hour, the station is a beehive of people.

Metaphorical use of 'mierenhoop'.

Er zijn plannen om het station volledig energieneutraal te maken.

There are plans to make the station completely energy-neutral.

Adjective 'energieneutraal'.

Het station biedt onderdak aan diverse daklozen tijdens de winter.

The station provides shelter to various homeless people during the winter.

Idiom 'onderdak bieden aan'.

Het monumentale station is een beschermd stadsgezicht.

The monumental station is a protected cityscape.

Adjective ending for 'het-woord' with definite article.

De herontwikkeling van het station heeft de omliggende wijk getransformeerd.

The redevelopment of the station has transformed the surrounding neighborhood.

Perfect tense with 'heeft getransformeerd'.

Het station is een afspiegeling van de moderne stedelijke dynamiek.

The station is a reflection of modern urban dynamics.

Noun 'afspiegeling' (reflection/mirror).

Men overweegt de stationering van extra beveiliging op het station.

They are considering the stationing of extra security at the station.

Noun 'stationering' derived from the same root.

Het station vormt de schakel tussen nationaal en internationaal verkeer.

The station forms the link between national and international traffic.

Metaphorical 'schakel' (link).

De overheid investeert miljarden in de modernisering van de stations.

The government is investing billions in the modernization of the stations.

Plural 'stations'.

Het station is vaak het decor van politieke protesten.

The station is often the setting for political protests.

Noun 'decor' (setting/backdrop).

Ondanks de drukte heerst er op het station een zekere orde.

Despite the crowd, a certain order prevails at the station.

Inversion after 'ondanks de drukte'.

Het station is een kruispunt van ontelbare individuele verhalen.

The station is a crossroads of countless individual stories.

Poetic use of 'kruispunt'.

De semantische reikwijdte van het woord 'station' is door de jaren heen geëvolueerd.

The semantic scope of the word 'station' has evolved over the years.

Academic terminology 'semantische reikwijdte'.

Het station als non-plaats in de hedendaagse sociologie is een boeiend thema.

The station as a 'non-place' in contemporary sociology is a fascinating theme.

Sociological concept 'non-plaats'.

Men kan de historische gelaagdheid van het station aflezen aan de verschillende bouwstijlen.

One can read the historical layering of the station from the different architectural styles.

Compound 'bouwstijlen'.

Het station fungeert als een katalysator voor gentrificatie in de binnenstad.

The station acts as a catalyst for gentrification in the city center.

Metaphorical 'katalysator'.

De logistieke complexiteit van een dergelijk station is nauwelijks te overzien.

The logistical complexity of such a station is hardly graspable.

Phrase 'nauwelijks te overzien'.

Het station is de belichaming van de industriële vooruitgang van de negentiende eeuw.

The station is the embodiment of the industrial progress of the nineteenth century.

Noun 'belichaming' (embodiment).

In de literatuur wordt het station vaak gebruikt als symbool voor transitie.

In literature, the station is often used as a symbol for transition.

Passive voice 'wordt gebruikt'.

De akoestiek van de stationshal versterkt het gevoel van anonimiteit.

The acoustics of the station hall reinforce the feeling of anonymity.

Abstract noun 'anonimiteit'.

Common Collocations

centraal station

station binnenrijden

naar het station

op het station

station verlaten

station verbouwen

dichtstbijzijnde station

station in aanbouw

station passeren

station sluiten

Common Phrases

Het station van...

— The station of [City Name]. Used to specify the location.

Het station van Delft is erg mooi.

Bij het station

— Near the station. Often used for meeting points outside.

Ik sta bij het station.

Richting het station

— In the direction of the station.

Loop richting het station.

Vanaf het station

— Starting from the station.

Vanaf het station is het vijf minuten lopen.

Rondom het station

— In the area surrounding the station.

Er zijn veel cafés rondom het station.

Via het station

— By way of the station.

Ik reis via het station van Utrecht.

Achter het station

— Behind the station building.

De parkeerplaats is achter het station.

Onder het station

— Beneath the station (often for tunnels or parking).

Er is een fietsenstalling onder het station.

Boven het station

— Above the station (offices or housing).

Hij werkt in het kantoor boven het station.

Tegenover het station

— Opposite the station.

Het hotel ligt tegenover het station.

Often Confused With

station vs Stadion

A 'stadion' is a sports stadium. They sound very similar but are different places.

station vs Halte

A 'halte' is for buses/trams, a 'station' is for trains.

station vs Perron

A 'perron' is the platform, not the whole building.

Idioms & Expressions

"Een gepasseerd station"

— Something that is no longer relevant or a decision that cannot be changed.

Die discussie is een gepasseerd station.

neutral

"Het volgende station"

— The next step in a process or plan.

Wat is het volgende station in dit project?

neutral

"Het eindstation"

— The final goal or the end of a journey/career.

Dit is het eindstation van zijn politieke loopbaan.

figurative

"Tussen twee stations"

— In a state of transition or limbo.

Ik zit momenteel tussen twee stations in mijn leven.

informal

"Het station is nog ver"

— There is still a long way to go to reach the goal.

We zijn goed begonnen, maar het station is nog ver.

informal

"Alle stations passeren"

— To go through every single step or level of a process.

Dit plan moet alle stations binnen de gemeente passeren.

formal

"Een stationnetje verder zijn"

— To be a bit more advanced or further along than before.

Na die cursus ben ik weer een stationnetje verder.

informal

"Het station missen"

— To miss an opportunity (similar to 'miss the boat').

Als we nu niet investeren, missen we het station.

informal

"Op het verkeerde station uitstappen"

— To make a wrong decision or end up in the wrong place.

Met die keuze ben je op het verkeerde station uitgestapt.

informal

"Het station in de gaten houden"

— To keep an eye on the situation or progress.

We moeten het station goed in de gaten houden.

neutral

Easily Confused

station vs Stadion

Similar spelling and sound.

A 'station' is for transport; a 'stadion' is for football or athletics.

De trein stopt bij het station, maar de wedstrijd is in het stadion.

station vs Halte

Both are places where transport stops.

A 'station' is larger and usually for trains. A 'halte' is smaller and for buses or trams.

Ik stap uit bij de halte, niet bij het station.

station vs Perron

Both relate to the train stop area.

The 'station' is the building/complex; the 'perron' is the physical platform.

Ik ben op het station, maar ik zoek het juiste perron.

station vs Spoor

Both relate to trains.

The 'station' is the destination; the 'spoor' is the track number.

Op welk spoor komt de trein aan op dit station?

station vs Centraal

Often used together.

'Centraal' is an adjective meaning central; 'station' is the noun.

Utrecht Centraal is een heel groot station.

Sentence Patterns

Ik ga naar het [station].

Ik ga naar het station.

Waar is het [station]?

Waar is het station?

Ik wacht op het [station] op [persoon].

Ik wacht op het station op mijn moeder.

Het [type]station is [locatie].

Het tankstation is daar.

Er is een [faciliteit] op het [station].

Er is een winkel op het station.

Het [station] is [adjectief].

Het station is vernieuwd.

Vanwege [reden] stoppen er geen treinen op [station].

Vanwege werkzaamheden stoppen er geen treinen op dit station.

Het [station] dient als [functie].

Het station dient als ontmoetingsplaats.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high; used daily by millions of commuters.

Common Mistakes

De station → Het station
Station is a neuter noun and always takes 'het'.
Ik ben bij het station (when inside) → Ik ben op het station
'Op' is the idiomatic preposition for being at a station to travel.
De stationen → De stations
The plural of station is formed with -s, not -en.
Een grote station → Een groot station
Adjectives for indefinite neuter nouns do not get an -e.
Pronouncing 'tion' as 'shun' → Pronouncing 'tion' as 'shon'
The Dutch 'o' is different from the English schwa in 'shun'.

Tips

Remember the Article

Always associate 'station' with 'het'. Say it out loud: 'Het station, het station, het station'.

Learn Compounds

Learning words like 'treinstation' and 'busstation' helps you expand your vocabulary quickly.

Vowel Quality

The 'a' in 'sta-' is long. Imagine you are saying 'ah' at the dentist.

Announcements

Listen for the word 'station' on the train. It's a great way to practice hearing it in context.

Meeting Point

If you meet someone 'op het station', clarify if you mean inside or outside (bij de ingang).

Plural S

Remember that the plural is just an 's'. No 'en' or other endings are needed.

Halte vs Station

Use 'halte' for trams and buses unless it's a major terminal.

Stay at the Station

Use the English word 'Stay' to remember 'Station' starts with 'Sta-'.

Adjective Ending

In 'een groot station', there is no -e because it's an indefinite 'het-woord'.

International

Many international trains stop at 'Centraal Station' in big cities.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

STAY at the STATION. The words are almost the same, just remember to STAY and wait for the train.

Visual Association

Imagine a big blue 'S' sign (the Dutch symbol for station) on a building made of 'het' (a giant hat).

Word Web

trein reizen kaartje perron spoor conducteur vertraging kiosk

Challenge

Try to use 'op het station' and 'naar het station' in two separate sentences today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'statio', which means 'a standing still' or 'a post'. It entered Dutch through the French 'station'.

Original meaning: A place where something stands or is positioned.

Indo-European (Latinate origin via French).

Cultural Context

Stations can be crowded and stressful; be mindful of commuters in a rush.

Unlike the US where stations are often for cars or buses, in the NL, 'station' almost exclusively means train.

Amsterdam Centraal (Iconic building) Antwerpen-Centraal (Voted most beautiful station) Utrecht Centraal (Largest hub)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traveling by train

Waar is het perron?
Hoe laat gaat de trein?
Moet ik hier overstappen?
Is er een lift?

Meeting someone

Ik sta bij de hoofduitgang.
Spreken we af op het station?
Ik ben er bijna.
Waar ben je?

Driving

Ik moet naar het tankstation.
Is er een pomp in de buurt?
Hoeveel kost de benzine?
Mag ik hier parkeren?

Listening to the radio

Welk station is dit?
Ik hou van dit radiostation.
Zet de radio harder.
Wie is de DJ?

Asking directions

Is het station ver lopen?
Kunt u mij de weg wijzen?
Welke bus gaat naar het station?
Dank u wel.

Conversation Starters

"Ben je wel eens op het station van Antwerpen geweest?"

"Wat vind je het mooiste station van Nederland?"

"Hoe vaak kom je op het station voor je werk?"

"Is er een goed koffietentje op het station bij jou in de buurt?"

"Heb je ooit de trein gemist op het station?"

Journal Prompts

Beschrijf een keer dat je lang moest wachten op het station. Wat zag je om je heen?

Waarom zijn stations belangrijke plekken in een stad? Geef je mening.

Als je een eigen radiostation had, wat voor muziek zou je dan draaien?

Schrijf over je favoriete reis die begon op het station.

Hoe zou het ideale station er volgens jou uitzien?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always 'het station'. Dutch nouns have gender, and 'station' is neuter. This affects adjectives and pronouns used with it.

The plural is 'stations'. You simply add an -s to the end. Example: 'Er zijn veel stations in Nederland.'

Yes, but usually we say 'tankstation' or 'pompstation' to be clear. If you just say 'het station', people will assume you mean the train station.

It is the diminutive form of station. It refers to a very small or cute train station, often in a village. Example: 'Wat een schattig stationnetje!'

The most common way is 'op het station'. You can also say 'bij het station' if you mean near the building.

Yes, but only for large hubs called 'busstations'. Small stops are called 'haltes'.

It's an idiom meaning 'water under the bridge' or a decision that is already made and cannot be changed.

It is pronounced like 'shon' (rhymes with the English word 'on'). Do not say 'shun'.

It is a broadcasting company that transmits radio programs. Example: 'Mijn favoriete radiostation draait goede muziek.'

Utrecht Centraal is the largest and busiest station in the Netherlands, serving as the main hub for the country.