When learning Dutch, mastering expressions related to timing and scheduling can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. These phrases and words are essential for making appointments, planning events, or simply discussing daily routines. Let’s dive into some commonly used Dutch expressions that will help you manage and discuss time more proficiently.
Nu translates to “now” in English and is used to indicate the immediate present.
Kun je nu komen?
This expression is handy when you need someone to do something immediately.
Zo meteen means “in a moment” or “shortly.” It is less immediate than “nu” but implies action will be taken soon.
Ik zal zo meteen vertrekken.
Use this when you’re about to do something very soon but not right this instant.
Straks translates to “later” or “in a little while.” This term is more ambiguous and could range anywhere from later in the day to sometime soon.
Ik zie je straks in de vergadering.
It is perfect for casual timing without committing to a specific moment.
Vandaag means “today.” It’s used to refer to anything happening on the current day.
We gaan vandaag naar de markt.
This is useful for scheduling or discussing events occurring on the day you are speaking.
Morgen translates as “tomorrow.” It is used for discussing events or actions planned for the next day.
Morgen heb ik een afspraak bij de tandarts.
Ideal for making plans or appointments for the following day.
Gisteren means “yesterday,” referring to the day before today.
Ik heb gisteren een film gekeken.
This can be useful when referencing events that have already occurred.
Vroeg translates to “early.” This word can describe time of day or the timing of an event relative to expectations.
We moeten vroeg vertrekken om op tijd te zijn.
Use it when you need to highlight the necessity of starting something sooner rather than later.
Laat means “late.” It can refer to time of day or lateness in terms of a schedule.
Het is al laat, we moeten gaan slapen.
It’s particularly useful when indicating that something is happening after the expected time.
Op tijd translates to “on time.” It indicates that something is happening at the planned or scheduled time.
Zorg ervoor dat je op tijd bent voor de vergadering.
This is crucial for ensuring punctuality in appointments or meetings.
Te laat means “too late.” It indicates a failure to be on time.
Sorry dat ik te laat ben, er was veel verkeer.
Useful for apologizing or explaining tardiness in any scheduling context.
Snel translates to “quick” or “fast.” It’s used to describe the speed at which something happens.
Kun je snel komen? Het is dringend.
This can be used to urge someone to hurry or when describing something that happens swiftly.
Langzaam means “slow.” It describes a slow pace or speed.
Hij rijdt altijd zo langzaam.
Use this when you want to describe someone or something moving at a less than ideal speed.
Tijdens translates to “during.” It is used to talk about something that happens simultaneously as something else.
Tijdens de vergadering moeten alle telefoons uit zijn.
This is perfect for discussing conditions or actions that occur in conjunction with another event.
Voordat means “before.” It is used to discuss an action that must occur prior to another.
Eet je ontbijt voordat je naar school gaat.
This can be particularly useful for sequencing events or tasks.
Nadat translates to “after.” It’s used to discuss something that occurs following something else.
We zullen de resultaten bespreken nadat iedereen is gearriveerd.
Ideal for scheduling or discussing events that depend on the completion of other events.
Elke dag means “every day.” It indicates something happening daily.
Ik loop elke dag naar mijn werk.
Use this when you want to express routine or regularity in daily activities.
Weekend translates the same as in English, referring to Saturday and Sunday.
We gaan dit weekend naar het strand.
This is useful for discussing plans that are set for the end of the week.
Zo snel mogelijk means “as soon as possible.” It expresses urgency and the need for quick action.
Stuur me het rapport zo snel mogelijk.
Use this phrase when you need something done with little to no delay.
Understanding these expressions will help you schedule and plan more effectively in Dutch. Whether you’re making appointments, setting up meetings, or just talking about your day, these phrases are crucial for clear and effective communication.
