Spreek je Engels?
informal
In Flemish you ask Spreek je Engels? among friends and Spreekt u Engels? to someone you should address politely. It is also called Spreekt ge Engels?
Meaning: question about language ability (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| Spreek je Engels? | informal |
| Spreekt u Engels? | formal |
| Spreekt ge Engels? | Flemish, informal |
Which one should you use?
Many Flemish speakers use ge for informal "you" in speech, so Spreekt ge Engels? sounds very natural in Flanders.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite u goes with the verb ending -t. The informal je takes a bare verb in questions.
Did you know?
- Many people in Flanders speak English well.
Examples in context
- Spreek je Engels?Do you speak English?
- Sorry, spreekt u Engels?Sorry, do you speak English?
Example conversation
The Tourist asks the receptionist Hilde at a hotel in Brussels.
- TouristGoeiemiddag. Spreekt u Engels?Good afternoon. Do you speak English?
- HildeJa, natuurlijk.Yes, of course.
- TouristDank u wel.Thank you.
