Dutch greetings are straightforward, but using the right one at the right time makes all the difference. Whether you're chatting with a friend, a colleague, or a stranger, here are the 10 most useful greetings to know.
1. Hallo
Hallo
/ɦɑˈloː/“Hello”
The universal Dutch greeting, suitable for almost any situation. Casual but polite.
2. Hoi
Hoi
/ɦɔi̯/“Hi”
A very informal greeting, best used with friends, family, or people you know well.
3. Goedemorgen
Goedemorgen
/ˌɣudəˈmɔrɣə(n)/“Good morning”
Used until around noon. The formal version is 'goedenmorgen', though the shortened form is more common.
4. Goedemiddag
Goedemiddag
/ˌɣu.dəˈmɪ.dɑx/“Good afternoon”
Appropriate from noon until early evening (around 6 PM).
5. Goedenavond
Goedenavond
/ˌɣu.dəˈnaː.vɔnt/“Good evening”
Used from early evening until bedtime. More formal than 'hoi' or 'hallo'.
6. Dag
Dag
/dɑx/“Hello/Goodbye”
A versatile word that works as both a greeting and a farewell, mostly in informal settings.
7. Hoe gaat het?
Hoe gaat het?
/ɦu ɣaːt ɦət/“How are you?”
The standard way to ask how someone is doing. Often shortened to 'Alles goed?' (Everything good?) in casual speech.
8. Tot ziens
Tot ziens
[tɔtˈsins]“Goodbye (until we meet again)”
A polite way to say goodbye when you expect to see the person again.
9. Doei
Doei
/dui̯/“Bye”
Very informal, similar to 'bye' in English. Often used among friends.
10. Welkom
Welkom
/ˈʋɛlkɔm/“Welcome”
Used to greet someone arriving at your home, an event, or a place. Can also be part of longer phrases like 'Welkom in Nederland' (Welcome to the Netherlands).
Tip: Dutch people often combine greetings. For example, 'Hoi, hoe gaat het?' (Hi, how are you?) or 'Dag, tot ziens!' (Hello, goodbye!). It sounds more natural.
For more Dutch phrases, check out our guides on Dutch nicknames for loved ones or everyday Dutch words for beginners.
