Welcome home! Those two simple words can bring a warm smile and a feeling of belonging to anyone entering their own abode. In Dutch, expressing this sentiment is equally important, whether welcoming a friend, family member, or loved one. In this guide, we will explore how to say “welcome home” in Dutch, delve into the formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, and even touch upon regional variations. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
The Informal Way: “Welkom Thuis!”
If you want to welcome someone home in a friendly and informal way, the phrase you’re looking for is “Welkom thuis!” This expression is commonly used among friends, family, or loved ones, in both casual and intimate settings.
Let’s break down the phrase:
“Welkom” means “welcome” in English.
“Thuis” means “home” in English.
Put together, “Welkom thuis!” is the perfect phrase to convey a warm and casual welcome to someone who has returned home.
The Formal Way: “Welkom in Huis!”
When you want to maintain a more formal tone while welcoming someone, the phrase “Welkom in huis!” comes into play. This expression is typically used when greeting guests, acquaintances, or professional colleagues entering your home.
Let’s break down the phrase:
“Welkom” still means “welcome.”
“In huis” means “in house” or “at home.”
By using “Welkom in huis!”, you’re extending a formal welcome to an individual as they enter your abode.
Regional Variations: Demonstrating Dutch Diversity
Dutch is not only the official language of the Netherlands but is also widely spoken in the Flemish region of Belgium. While the phrases we have discussed so far are universally understood in both countries, there are some regional variations worth exploring.
1. Variations in the Netherlands:
In different parts of the Netherlands, you may come across unique expressions to welcome someone home. Here are a few examples:
- “Welkom weer thuis!” – This means “welcome home again!” and is commonly used to welcome someone who has returned after an extended absence.
- “Fijn dat je er bent!” – This translates to “nice that you are here!” and is an alternative warm welcome.
- “Lekker weer thuis!” – Literally meaning “nice to be home again!” – this phrase is used to express the joy of being back home after being away.
2. Variations in Flemish Belgium:
While the Flemish region largely shares the same Dutch language as the Netherlands, there are slight differences in certain expressions. Here are a few examples:
- “Welgekomen thuis!” – This expression is a variation of “welkom thuis” and carries the same meaning of a warm welcome.
- “Blij dat ge terug zijt!” – This translates to “glad that you’re back!” and is an endearing way to welcome someone home.
- “Ge zijt weer thuis, se!” – A more colloquial way of saying “you’re back home!” and is used in informal settings among friends and family members.
Note that while these regional variations exist, they are not commonly used in everyday conversation and can vary even further within specific local communities. Therefore, it is often sufficient to stick to the previously mentioned phrases, “Welkom thuis!” and “Welkom in huis!”, as they are widely understood throughout the Dutch-speaking regions.
Now that you know the formal, informal, and even some regional variations of saying “welcome home” in Dutch, you can offer a heartfelt greeting to anyone entering their abode in the Netherlands or Flemish Belgium. Whether you choose to use “Welkom thuis!” informally or “Welkom in huis!” more formally, your warm welcome will undoubtedly make them feel right at home.
