In my last Dutch phrase lesson, I shared with you how I normally translate the phrase, “Ï am smart” from English into Dutch. “Ik ben slim.” Have you read it, yet? If not, this is your opportunity to check it out by clicking the link below.
Ik ben slim.
Now, you are welcome to another simple Dutch Phrase lesson. In this post, you will learn one way that I like to introduce myself in Dutch. In English writing, how do I normally do it? I am San. Translation? Ik ben San. Pretty simple, right?
Ik ben San.
In Dutch, that is one way I like to introduce myself in writing. It is pretty easy, right? What makes it easy is the fact that it is only three Dutch words. Three words in English and three words in Dutch. Now, how do I break the phrase down?
I = Ik
When I am referring to myself (ik = I), that’s how I normally write it in Dutch and English. You can also use this same Dutch word (Ik) to refer to yourself especially in text or email. I really love this word in Dutch.
Am = Ben
I would like you to become aware of how in Dutch we have more letters in both words than in English. Which makes it really cool but also a little bit challenging and interesting. Remember how I translate “am = ben” into Dutch.
San = San
Once I have those two words (Ik ben = I am), the next thing for me to do, is to add my name. That is it! Now, I have three words in Dutch and three words in English. And I can use this simple Dutch phrase to introduce my name in Dutch.
I am San.
In just a few minutes, what have we learned? We have learned one way I like to introduce my name in Dutch. I normally use it, when I am writing, texting and especially in emails. Think about how you can do the same.
Vocabulary
| English | Dutch | |
| 1) | I | Ik |
| 2) | Am | Ben |
| 3) | San | San |
By following and studying the Dutch vocabulary table above, you can be able to use the Dutch phrase above to introduce yourself in Dutch. It will be easier for you to remember because the phrase has only three words.
Practice
Now that you have learned one way that I like to introduce myself in Dutch, you can begin to see how you can use it to introduce yourself to people by adding only your name to the end of the phrase. It’s time to practice.
Singular
| English | Dutch | ||
| 1 | I am San. | Ik ben San. | Me |
| 2 | You are Sam. | U bent Sam. | Stranger |
| 3 | You are Lisa. | Jij bent Lisa. | Friend |
| 4 | He is Alex. | Hij is Alex. | Man |
| 5 | She is Janet | Ze is Janet. | Woman |
| 6 | It is Brown. | Het is bruin. | Thing |
Studying
Now, I would highly encourage you to take the time to study the Dutch and English singular table above very carefully. Notice how they are all similar to the way I introduce myself except changing a few words here and there.
Plural
| English | Dutch | ||
| 1 | We are Rita and Henk | Wij zijn Rita en Henk. | |
| 2 | You are Ben and Tom. | U bent Ben en Tom. | Strangers |
| 3 | You are Tim and Linda | Jullie zijn Tim en Linda. | Friends |
| 4 | They are Eric and Emma. | Zij zijn Erik en Emma. |
Review
Another thing that I like to do from time to time is review my Dutch phrase notebooks. This is your opportunity to review what we have learned so far from above. Loot at what you can improve, practice and use it on a daily basis.
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