The Best Ways To Greet In Dutch #NT2

Summary

In this video, Martijn explains how to ask people about their well-being in Dutch, focusing on the phrase 'Hoe gaat het?' (How goes it?). Unlike the English 'How are you?', Dutch speakers often ask how things are going, with answers like 'prima' (fine), 'fantastisch' (fantastic), or 'niet zo goed' (not so good). Martijn also discusses the use of the phrase 'Hoe gaat het met...?' to inquire about others, such as friends or family. He highlights how these expressions may sound old-fashioned but are still commonly used in daily conversations. The lesson concludes with a reminder to practice and memorize these phrases for better fluency.

Takeaways

• 😀 Asking how someone is doing in Dutch typically involves the phrase 'Hoe gaat het?' (How goes it?), which is more common than asking 'How are you?'
• 😀 When responding to 'Hoe gaat het?', you might hear answers like 'Prima' (good), 'Fantastisch' (fantastic), or 'Het gaat' (it's going), which vary in enthusiasm.
• 😀 The phrase 'Hoe gaat het?' can be expanded to ask about other people or things, like 'Hoe gaat het met je broer?' (How goes it with your brother?).
• 😀 To ask how something or someone else is doing, you use 'Hoe gaat het met' followed by the subject, such as a person or an activity.
• 😀 Adding 'met' after 'Hoe gaat het?' allows you to ask about different subjects: 'Hoe gaat het met je vriend?' (How goes it with your friend?).
• 😀 When responding, you can express your mood or state using simple words like 'prima' (good), 'fantastisch' (fantastic), or 'het gaat' (it's going).
• 😀 The word 'het' is often dropped in informal speech, so 'Hoe gaat' is frequently used instead of 'Hoe gaat het.'
• 😀 It's common to say 'Het gaat niet zo goed' (It's not going well) when you want to express that things aren't going great, especially with friends and family.
• 😀 The Dutch expression 'Ik ben goed in' means 'I am good at,' but be careful not to say 'Ik ben' alone, as it can sound arrogant.
• 😀 The phrase 'Hoe gaat het met...' can be used to inquire about various topics beyond people, such as asking about someone's job, family, or situation.
• 😀 If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the expressions, a simpler alternative to use is 'Allez hoot' (Let’s go), which is a more casual way to ask how things are.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video primarily focuses on how to ask someone how they are doing in Dutch, with an emphasis on different ways to phrase the question and how to respond.

Why does the video mention that 'how goes it with you?' might sound old-fashioned?

The phrase 'how goes it with you?' is considered an older or somewhat traditional way of asking about someone's well-being in Dutch. While still correct, it may sound outdated to some speakers.

What are some common responses when someone asks 'how goes it with you?'

Common responses include 'prima' (fine), 'fantastisch' (fantastic), 'het gaat' (it's going), 'mitsuhud' (not so good), and 'niet zo goed' (not very good).

What does 'mitsuhud' mean and when is it typically used?

'Mitsuhud' means 'not so good' and is typically used when someone is experiencing difficulties or challenges, but it is often reserved for friends and family rather than strangers.

What advice does the video give regarding saying 'ik ben hut'?

The video advises against saying 'ik ben hut,' as it can make you sound arrogant. It suggests sticking with phrases like 'het gaat goed' instead, which are more neutral.

What does 'ik ben goed' mean, and how is it used in Dutch?

'Ik ben goed' means 'I am good,' and it is used to express that you're skilled at something, such as 'Ik ben goed in zwemmen' (I am good at swimming).

What does 'het gaat goed' mean in Dutch?

'Het gaat goed' means 'it's going well' or 'I’m doing well.' It's a common response to questions about how you're doing.

How can you ask about someone's family or job in Dutch?

You can ask about someone's family or job by adding 'met' and a noun after 'hoe gaat het' (How goes it). For example, 'Hoe gaat het met je vader?' (How goes it with your father?) or 'Hoe gaat het met je werk?' (How goes it with your job?).

Why is 'met' important in the phrase 'hoe gaat het met'?

The word 'met' is used because the subject of the sentence is not 'you,' but rather the person or thing you are asking about. It connects the question to the subject being discussed.

What is the phrase 'allez hoot' mentioned in the video?

'Allez hoot' is suggested as a humorous 'coward's way out' when you're unsure of how to respond or when you want to avoid giving a detailed answer. It’s an informal, lighthearted way to end a conversation.