Dutch Video Call Phrases for Family: Impress Your In-Laws
Navigate video calls with your partner's Dutch family confidently. Essential phrases for greetings and polite conversation.
Video calls with your partner's family can be nerve-wracking, especially in another language. These essential Dutch phrases will help you navigate calls with in-laws and extended family with confidence.
Phrase to Learn
Leuk jullie weer te zien!
Nice to see you all again!
[ luhk YUH-lee veyr tuh zeen ]
Use this warm, natural phrase at the start of a video call with your partner's parents or siblings when you want to sound friendly and relaxed.
Essential Phrases
These phrases help you greet, check in, and keep the conversation flowing with Dutch-speaking family on a video call:
| Dutch | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Leuk jullie weer te zien! | Nice to see you all again! | luhk YUH-lee veyr tuh zeen |
| Hoe gaat het met jullie? | How are you all? | hoo KHaat het met YUH-lee |
| Kunnen jullie mij goed verstaan? | Can you hear me clearly? | KUN-uh n YUH-lee mey khoot fuhr-STAHN |
| Ik ben wat laat | I’m a little late | ik ben vat laat |
| Sorry, de verbinding is niet zo goed | Sorry, the connection isn’t very good | SOR-ree, duh fuhr-BIN-ding is neet zoh khoot |
| Hoe is het met de kinderen? | How are the children? | hoo is het met duh KIN-der-un |
Hoe gaat het met jullie? is a safe, friendly opener when the call starts. Use Kunnen jullie mij goed verstaan? if the sound is unclear, and Sorry, de verbinding is niet zo goed when you need to explain a bad connection without sounding abrupt.
Cultural Tip
When video calling Dutch family, keep greetings direct but warm. A simple Hoi allemaal or Goedenavond works well, and asking about everyone’s day shows genuine interest without sounding overly formal.
More Useful Expressions
| Dutch | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hoe gaat het met u? | How are you? (formal) | hoo KHAHT het met ü |
| Wat fijn om u te spreken | How nice to speak with you | vat feyn om ü tuh SPRAY-kuhn |
| Hoe is het weer bij jullie? | What's the weather like there? | hoo is het veyr bey YUH-lee |
| Hebben jullie het druk gehad? | Have you been busy? | HEB-uhn YUH-lee het druhk khuh-HAT |
| Dat klinkt geweldig! | That sounds wonderful! | dat klinkt khuh-VEL-dikh |
| We missen jullie | We miss you all | vuh MIS-uhn YUH-lee |
| Tot de volgende keer! | Until next time! | tot duh FOL-khun-duh kayr |
| We bellen snel weer | We'll call again soon | vuh BEL-uhn snel vayr |
Additional Phrases
| Dutch | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Ik wil het goedmaken | I want to make it up to you | ik vil het KHOOT-mah-kuhn |
| Ik hoop dat alles goed gaat | I hope everything is going well | ik hoop dat AH-lus khoot khaat |
| Ik heb een fout gemaakt | I made a mistake | ik hep uhn FOWT khuh-MAHKT |
| We bellen later verder | We’ll continue talking later | vuh BEL-luhn LAH-ter FEHR-der |
| Doe iedereen de groeten | Say hello to everyone for me | doo EE-der-een duh KHROO-tuhn |
Tips for Using These Phrases
- Test technology beforehand - Avoid awkward starts
- Keep your tone warm - Dutch family calls are often friendly and relaxed
- Smile often - Body language helps when you’re still learning
- Ask questions - Show interest in their lives and hobbies
- Be patient - If the call glitches, just explain it simply and move on
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning to communicate with family in your partner’s language shows dedication and care. Even if your pronunciation is not perfect, a simple greeting or apology in Dutch can make a strong impression and help the call feel more personal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I politely interrupt a conversation in Dutch if I don't understand something?
Use a phrase like 'Pardon?' (Excuse me?) or 'Sorry, ik begrijp het niet helemaal' (Sorry, I don't quite understand). This signals that you need clarification without being rude. You can then ask them to repeat themselves or explain in simpler terms. Couples can agree on a signal to use during video calls if one partner needs help understanding.
What are some appropriate topics to avoid when making small talk with my Dutch in-laws?
Generally, it's best to avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion, or personal finances, especially when first meeting them. Stick to neutral subjects like the weather, current events (avoiding controversial issues), hobbies, or travel. You can also ask them about their interests or their family history. Showing genuine interest in them is always a good approach. Couples should discuss potential topics beforehand.
How do I respond if my Dutch in-laws speak too quickly for me to understand?
You can politely ask them to speak more slowly by saying, 'Kunt u iets langzamer praten, alstublieft?' (Could you speak a little slower, please?). Most people will be happy to accommodate your request. You can also ask them to repeat specific words or phrases that you didn't catch. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification; it's better than pretending to understand. As a couple, practice speaking at different speeds.
What are some Dutch phrases I can use to show appreciation for my in-laws' hospitality during a video call?
Express your gratitude by saying 'Bedankt voor de gezellige video call' (Thank you for the pleasant video call) or 'We hebben erg genoten van het gesprek' (We really enjoyed the conversation). You can also mention something specific that you appreciated, such as 'Bedankt voor de lekkere koffie die u liet zien' (Thank you for showing us the delicious coffee). Showing gratitude is always appreciated. Couples can coordinate to express thanks together.
How can I gracefully end a video call with my Dutch in-laws?
Signal the end of the call by saying something like 'Het was erg leuk om jullie te spreken, maar we moeten nu gaan' (It was very nice to talk to you, but we have to go now). Wish them well by saying 'Tot de volgende keer!' (Until next time!) or 'Groetjes aan iedereen!' (Greetings to everyone!). End on a positive note and express your eagerness to talk again soon. Couples can decide together who will initiate the goodbye.
