Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in Dutch! Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an intermediate learner looking to broaden your knowledge, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways of saying “what” in Dutch, and provide you with various tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What” in Dutch
When speaking formally or in more professional settings, you typically use the word “wat” to express “what” in Dutch. Here are a few examples:
- Wat zegt u? – What are you saying?
- Wat heb je gezegd? – What did you say?
- Wat wilt u van me? – What do you want from me?
Informal Ways to Say “What” in Dutch
When speaking informally or with friends and family, you can use different variations of “what” in Dutch. These variations give a more casual and relaxed tone to the conversation. Let’s take a look:
“Wat” as “wadde” in Informal Dutch
In some regions of the Netherlands and Belgium, the word “wat” is often pronounced as “wadde” when used informally. Here are some examples:
- Wadde zei je nou? – What did you just say?
- Wadde bedoel je? – What do you mean?
- Wadde is er aan de hand? – What’s going on?
“Wat” as “watte” in Informal Dutch
In certain regions of Belgium, the word “wat” is commonly pronounced as “watte” in informal speech. Check out these examples:
- Watte zei je net? – What did you just say?
- Watte bedoel je? – What do you mean?
- Watte wil je van me? – What do you want from me?
Tips for Using “What” in Dutch
1. Tone and Intonation Matter
Depending on the context and tone, the meaning of “what” in Dutch can slightly change. Pay attention to your tone and intonation to convey the right message.
2. Combine “What” with Other Words
In Dutch, you can combine “what” with other words to create more specific expressions. For example: “Wat is dat?” (What is that?), or “Wat bedoel je?” (What do you mean?). This will help you expand your vocabulary and become more fluent.
3. Practice Pronunciation
Take some time to practice the pronunciation of “what” in Dutch. Listen to native speakers and imitate their pronunciation to sound more natural and improve your fluency.
Did you know? The pronunciation of “what” can vary across Dutch-speaking regions. Don’t be surprised if you hear slightly different pronunciations!
Examples of Using “What” in Dutch
To further illustrate the usage of “what” in Dutch, here are a few more examples:
- Wat kost dat? – What does that cost?
- Wat wil je eten? – What do you want to eat?
- Wat voor muziek houd je van? – What kind of music do you like?
- Wat is je lievelingskleur? – What is your favorite color?
- Wat heb je gedaan? – What have you done?
Congratulations! You’re now equipped with the knowledge of how to say “what” in Dutch. Remember to practice these phrases in various contexts to enhance your language skills. Happy learning!
