Start with these

The everyday basics

Gezellie the donkey waving with starter phrases: Hoi, Dankjewel, Alsjeblieft, Doei

Hoi

Hi

“hoy”

A simple and friendly hello.

Hallo

Hello

“HAH-loh”

A safe classic.

Hoe gaat het?

How are you? / How's it going?

“hoo khaht ut”

A friendly follow-up right after “hoi”.

Doei

Bye

“DOO-ee”

Casual and very common.

Dankjewel

Thank you

“DANK-yuh-vel”

Always useful. Always appreciated.

Alsjeblieft

Please / here you go

“ALS-yuh-bleeft”

One of those magical Dutch words that does two jobs.

Ja / Nee

Yes / No

“yah / nay”

Small words, big power.

Gezellie says: Try "Hoi" first — easy win.