Dutch Greetings: How to Say Hello & Goodbye Like Natives

Greetings are the foundation of social interactions in any culture. Knowing how to say hello and goodbye properly in Dutch can help you connect with locals and make a positive impression. Whether you’re traveling, working, or learning Dutch, mastering these greetings will enhance your experience. This guide covers the most common Dutch greetings, their pronunciation, and appropriate usage.

Dutch Greetings: Basic to Formal

Basic Dutch Greetings

Dutch has both formal and informal greetings, depending on the situation and the people involved. The table below outlines the most commonly used greetings.

Dutch Phrase	Pronunciation	English Translation	Usage
Hallo	hah-loh	Hello	General greeting, informal
Hoi	hoy	Hi	Casual greeting among friends
Goedemorgen	khoo-duh-mor-ghun	Good morning	Used before noon
Goedemiddag	khoo-duh-mid-dahkh	Good afternoon	Used from noon to around 6 PM
Goedenavond	khoo-duh-ah-vont	Good evening	Used after 6 PM
Goedenacht	khoo-duh-nakht	Good night	Used before bedtime
Dag	dakh	Bye/Hello	Neutral, used for both greetings and farewells
Doei	doo-ee	Bye	Informal goodbye

Formal vs. Informal Greetings

Dutch speakers adjust their greetings based on familiarity and context. Using the wrong tone can be perceived as rude or overly casual. Here’s a guide to help you navigate formality in Dutch greetings.

Context	Formal Greeting	Informal Greeting
Business setting	Goedendag	Hoi / Hallo
Meeting elders	Goedemorgen	Hoi / Hallo
Addressing a stranger	Goedemiddag	Hoi
Talking to close friends	Hallo	Hoi / Hey
Leaving a formal event	Tot ziens	Doei

Key Formal Greetings:

• Goedendag (Good day) – A polite greeting suitable for business meetings and addressing people you don’t know well.
• Tot ziens (See you) – A formal way to say goodbye.
• Key Informal Greetings:
• Hoi (Hi) – A common, friendly greeting.
• Doei (Bye) – Used casually among friends and family.

Dutch Farewell Expressions

Just as in English, Dutch has various ways to say goodbye depending on formality and emotional tone.

Dutch Phrase	Pronunciation	English Translation	Usage
Tot ziens	toht zeens	See you later	Formal, professional setting
Tot straks	toht strakhs	See you soon	Used when meeting later the same day
Tot morgen	toht mor-ghun	See you tomorrow	Used when meeting the next day
Tot volgende week	toht vol-ghun-duh vayk	See you next week	Used when meeting next week
Doei	doo-ee	Bye	Informal, friendly
Dag	dakh	Bye	Neutral, common
Tot later	toht lah-ter	See you later	Informal, used among friends

Handshakes, Hugs, and Kisses: Dutch Greeting Etiquette

In Dutch culture, the type of greeting depends on how well you know the person:

• Handshakes – Common in formal situations and when meeting someone for the first time.
• Hugs – Reserved for close friends and family.
• Three kisses on the cheek – A traditional greeting among Dutch people, usually between family and close friends. It’s done on alternating cheeks and is more common among women.

Regional and Slang Greetings

In different parts of the Netherlands, you might hear unique greetings. Here are some regional variations:

Region	Local Greeting	Meaning
Amsterdam	Mogguh	Short for “Goedemorgen” (Good morning)
Rotterdam	Hoi hoi	Friendly double “Hi”
Limburg	Hé	Similar to “Hey” in English
Groningen	Moi	A casual “Hi”

Dutch slang also plays a role in informal greetings. Some examples include:

• Yo! – A borrowed greeting from English, common among young people.
• Hee man! – Equivalent to “Hey man!” used among male friends.
• Alles goed? – Meaning “Everything good?” as a casual way to ask how someone is.

Common Dutch Greeting Phrases in Conversations

If you want to go beyond basic greetings, try these common conversation starters:

Dutch Phrase	Pronunciation	English Translation
Hoe gaat het met je?	hoo khaat hut met yuh?	How are you?
Alles goed?	ah-lus khoot?	Everything good?
Hoe is het?	hoo is hut?	How’s it going?
Wat leuk je te zien!	vat leuk yuh tuh zeen!	Nice to see you!
Leuk je te ontmoeten	leuk yuh tuh ont-moo-tuh	Nice to meet you!

Typical Responses:

• Goed, dank je! (Good, thank you!)
• Niet slecht! (Not bad!)
• Prima! (Fine!)

When and How to Use Greetings Properly

Here are some quick dos and don’ts when using Dutch greetings:

Do:

• Use formal greetings in professional settings.
• Shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.
• Say “Doei!” or “Tot ziens!” when leaving, rather than just walking away.

Don’t:

• Use casual greetings with elders unless they initiate it.
• Forget to return a greeting—it’s considered rude.
• Assume everyone is comfortable with cheek kisses; wait for cues.

Want to Learn More Dutch?

If you’re serious about learning Dutch, consider using platforms like italki, where you can take lessons with native speakers and improve your conversational skills quickly.

Why choose italki?

• One-on-One Lessons: Get personalized learning sessions with native Dutch tutors.

• Flexible Scheduling: Choose lesson times that fit your lifestyle.
• Diverse Tutors: Select from a wide range of tutors based on experience, price, and teaching style.
• Affordable Pricing: Pay per lesson—no subscription required.
• Structured Learning Paths: Follow a curriculum tailored to your needs.
• italki Plus: Access AI-powered learning tools to enhance your study routine

How to get started on italki

• Sign Up: Create a free account on italki.
• Choose a Tutor: Browse through Dutch tutors and select one that suits your learning goals.
• Book a Lesson: Schedule a lesson at a convenient time.
• Start Learning: Engage in interactive lessons and practice your Dutch greetings with a native speaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I greet someone formally in Dutch?

A. For formal situations, use Goedendag (Good day) or Goedemiddag (Good afternoon). When leaving, say Tot ziens (See you) or Dag (Goodbye).

Q. What is the best informal greeting?

A. “Hoi” (Hi) is the most commonly used informal greeting in the Netherlands. “Doei” is a friendly way to say goodbye.

Q. Do Dutch people shake hands when greeting?

A. Yes, in formal or professional settings, a handshake is the standard greeting. Among friends and family, people might give three kisses on the cheek or a simple hug.

Q. Is italki good for learning Dutch?

A. Yes! italki offers personalized lessons with native Dutch tutors, allowing you to learn at your own pace and practice real-life conversations effectively.

Final Thoughts

Learning Dutch greetings is a simple yet effective way to connect with locals and show respect for their culture. Whether you’re saying “Hallo” to a friend or “Tot ziens” at a business meeting, using the right greeting can make a great impression. Keep practicing, and soon, greeting people in Dutch will feel natural!

Now that you know how to greet people in Dutch, and with the help of italki, you’re ready to start your language learning journey with confidence—veel succes (good luck)!