Useful Dutch Phrases

Key Dutch phrases for disabled travelers with phonetic pronunciation. Most Amsterdam locals speak English fluently, so these are less critical than in other cities but still helpful.

English Is Widely Spoken

The Netherlands has one of the highest English proficiency rates in the world. Nearly all Amsterdam residents speak English fluently, especially in shops, restaurants, hotels, and tourist areas. You can get by entirely in English. That said, attempting a few Dutch words is appreciated and can help in less touristy settings.

Accessibility and Mobility

These phrases cover the most common needs for wheelchair users and travelers with mobility limitations.

Dutch Pronunciation English
Is het rolstoeltoegankelijk? is het ROL-stool-too-GAHN-kuh-luk? Is it wheelchair accessible?
Heeft u een lift? hayft oo un LIFT? Do you have an elevator?
Is er een hellingbaan? is air un HEL-ling-bahn? Is there a ramp?
Kunt u me helpen? kunt oo muh HEL-pun? Can you help me?
Ik zit in een rolstoel ik zit in un ROL-stool I use a wheelchair
Waar is het toegankelijke toilet? vahr is het too-GAHN-kuh-luh-kuh twah-LET? Where is the accessible toilet?
De deur is te smal duh DUR is tuh SMAL The door is too narrow
De lift is buiten werking duh LIFT is BOW-tun VAIR-king The elevator is out of order

Getting Help and Emergencies

Phrases for situations where you need immediate assistance.

Dutch Pronunciation English
Bel een ambulance bel un AHM-boo-lahn-suh Call an ambulance
Ik heb een medisch noodgeval ik hep un MAY-dis NOHT-guh-val I have a medical emergency
Ik ben allergisch voor... ik ben ah-LAIR-gees voor... I am allergic to...
Waar is de dichtstbijzijnde apotheek? vahr is duh DIKST-buy-zine-duh ah-po-TAKE? Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Ik ben mijn medicijnen kwijt ik ben mine may-dee-SINE-un KVITE I have lost my medication
Spreekt u Engels? spraykt oo ENG-uls? Do you speak English?

Transportation

Phrases for public transport, taxis, and asking for directions.

Dutch Pronunciation English
Ik heb een toegankelijke taxi nodig ik hep un too-GAHN-kuh-luh-kuh TAK-see NO-dikh I need an accessible taxi
Kunt u de klep uitklappen? kunt oo duh KLEP OWT-klah-pun? Can you fold out the ramp?
Heeft dit station een lift? hayft dit STAH-shon un LIFT? Does this station have an elevator?
Ik stap uit bij de volgende halte ik stap OWT buy duh VOL-gun-duh HAL-tuh I am getting off at the next stop
Kunt u mijn rolstoel in de kofferbak zetten? kunt oo mine ROL-stool in duh KOF-fur-bahk ZET-un? Can you put my wheelchair in the trunk?

Hotels and Dining

Phrases for checking in, asking about room features, and ordering at restaurants.

Dutch Pronunciation English
Ik heb een toegankelijke kamer gereserveerd ik hep un too-GAHN-kuh-luh-kuh KAH-mur guh-reh-zer-VAYRD I booked an accessible room
Heeft de douche een zitje? hayft duh DOOSH un ZIT-yuh? Does the shower have a seat?
Heeft u een tafel op de begane grond? hayft oo un TAH-ful op duh buh-GAH-nuh GRONT? Do you have a table on the ground floor?
Kunt u deze stoel weghalen? kunt oo DAY-zuh STOOL vekh-HAH-lun? Can you remove this chair?
De rekening, alstublieft duh RAY-kuh-ning, AHL-stoo-bleeft The bill, please

Basic Courtesy

Everyday phrases that are appreciated by locals.

Dutch Pronunciation English
Hallo / Dag HAH-loh / DAHKH Hello / Hi
Dank u wel DAHNK oo VEL Thank you
Alstublieft AHL-stoo-bleeft Please / Here you go
Pardon par-DON Excuse me
Ik begrijp het niet ik buh-GRYPE het NEET I do not understand
Tot ziens tot ZEENS Goodbye

Translation Apps

Google Translate and Apple Translate both work offline if you download the Dutch language pack before your trip. Both apps support camera translation, which is useful for reading signs and menus. However, given how widely English is spoken in Amsterdam, you will rarely need a translation app for spoken communication.

Find Your Accessible Hotel

Verified photos, room measurements, and accessibility checklists for wheelchair-accessible hotels.

Browse Hotels on wheelietravel

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