alstublieft en dank u
/ˌɑ(l)styˈblift ɛn dɑŋk y/word by word
The Dutch phrase for 'please' and 'thank you' is alstublieft en dank u.
These are polite expressions used to make a request and to show gratitude.
What does it mean word for word?
The word alstublieft is a contraction of als het u belieft, which literally means 'if it pleases you'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase alstublieft en dank u is the formal version. You can also use the informal version, alsjeblieft en dank je, when speaking to friends, family or children.
How does it change in a sentence?
alstublieft can be used as a standalone expression to mean 'please' or to politely hand something to someone, such as saying 'Here you go'. In the phrase dank u, the word u is the formal object pronoun for 'you'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɑ(l)styˈblift ɛn dɑŋk y/
Did you know?
- The word alstublieft is a calque of the French phrase s'il vous plaît. This means it was created by translating the French words one by one into Dutch.
- In the Netherlands, the distinction between the formal u and informal je is a social minefield. Using je too early with a stranger or superior can be perceived as overly familiar or even disrespectful.
- In Dutch, you can use alstublieft on its own as you hand something to a person, functioning like 'here you go'.
Examples in context
- Een koffie, alstublieft.A coffee, please.
- Hier is uw koffie. Alstublieft.Here is your coffee. You're welcome.
- Wil je me alsjeblieft helpen met deze klus?Can you help me with this task, please?
- Dat is €20,- alstublieft.That's €20, please.
- Ik zeg altijd alstublieft en dank u.I always say please and thank you.
- Gebruik alstublieft en dank u in de winkel.Use please and thank you in the shop.
Example conversation
Emma is teaching Levi about manners.
- EmmaLevi, zeg alstublieft en dank u.Levi, say please and thank you.
- LeviWaarom moet ik dat doen, Emma?Why do I have to do that, Emma?
- EmmaHet is beleefd om dat te zeggen.It is polite to say that.
- LeviOké, alstublieft en dank u!Okay, please and thank you!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (alstublieft, en, dank, u) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alstublieft, dank, en, u, CC BY-SA 4.0.
