Dutch conversation skill · original speaking practice

Dutch workplace communication

Clear workplace Dutch names the task, current status, obstacle and requested decision. Direct wording can be useful, but effective communication still depends on role, relationship and context—not a stereotype about every Dutch colleague.

Original lesson boundary: this page uses an independently written dialogue and phrase set. It is supplementary speaking practice, not an official exam task and not a copy of another course.

Build the interaction, not a memorized speech

Open with the shared task before giving background. Say what is finished, what is blocked and what you need from the listener. A deadline should include a date or time rather than zo snel mogelijk.

When priorities conflict, compare consequences and ask who decides. Summarize the agreement in one sentence so responsibility and timing are visible to everyone.

Six Dutch phrases with a clear function

01

Ik wil de prioriteiten voor vandaag afstemmen.

I want to align today's priorities.

02

Dit onderdeel is klaar, maar ik wacht nog op de gegevens.

This part is finished, but I am still waiting for the data.

03

Daardoor haal ik de deadline van woensdag niet.

Because of that I will not meet Wednesday's deadline.

04

Welke taak heeft nu de hoogste prioriteit?

Which task has the highest priority now?

05

Kan iemand dit vóór drie uur controleren?

Can someone check this before three?

06

Dus ik stuur de versie vandaag en jij geeft morgen feedback.

So I send the version today and you give feedback tomorrow.

Read each Dutch phrase once, cover the English meaning and adapt one detail. Then combine two phrases inside a complete turn so the listener hears both purpose and relevant information.

Original dialogue model

  1. Speaker A: Kun je het rapport vandaag afronden?
  2. Speaker B: De analyse is klaar, maar ik wacht nog op twee cijfers.
  3. Speaker A: Wanneer krijg je die?
  4. Speaker B: Waarschijnlijk om twee uur. Daarna heb ik nog een uur nodig.
  5. Speaker A: Stuur dan om drie uur een concept.
  6. Speaker B: Goed, ik stuur om drie uur het concept en vermeld wat nog ontbreekt.

Do not memorize the dialogue. Mark what each turn does—open, clarify, react, propose or confirm—then replace the setting and details while preserving those functions.

Adapt the same skill from A2 to B2

A2

report status and ask one concrete work question.

B1

connect obstacle, consequence and proposed solution.

B2

compare priorities, ownership and risk while keeping the decision explicit.

Four mistakes that weaken this interaction

  • Saying druk or bijna klaar without measurable status.
  • Presenting a problem without a proposed next step.
  • Assuming directness permits disrespect or ignores hierarchy.
  • Leaving a meeting with no owner or deadline.

Four recording drills

  1. Round 1: Give a twenty-second status update with done, blocked and next.
  2. Round 2: Replace vague deadlines with exact times in four sentences.
  3. Round 3: Offer two solutions and state which you recommend.
  4. Round 4: Close a fictional meeting by naming action, owner and deadline.

Adapt register to your actual organization. This lesson supplies language structure, not universal rules about Dutch workplace culture, employment rights or company policy.

  • The listener can identify my purpose within two sentences.
  • I include the detail needed for a useful response.
  • I react to the previous turn instead of delivering an unrelated script.
  • My final turn requests, confirms or closes something clearly.
  • I repeat once after naming one specific improvement.

Continue with another conversation skill

Dutch small-talk phrases

Small talk works best when the topic is visible or shared: weather, the journey, a break, an event or weekend plans. Add one follow-up, contribute one detail and know how to end without making the exchange feel unfinished.

Open lesson →

Make a polite request in Dutch

Politeness does not require hiding the request. Name the action, use kunt u or zou je where appropriate, add only the reason the listener needs and confirm timing or conditions.

Open lesson →

Start a Dutch conversation

A useful Dutch opening combines shared context with one question the other person can answer easily. You do not need a clever line. Notice the place or activity, say one complete sentence and leave room for the other speaker.

Open lesson →

Frequently asked questions

Should I memorize all six phrases?

No. Learn what each phrase does, then change the person, time, place, reason or requested action. Flexible retrieval matters more than reproducing this page.

Can I use this for an exam?

You can use the speaking method as supplementary practice. For current format, timing, scoring and official examples, use the responsible official exam organization.

Does the web page record my voice?

No. The public page displays material only. Use a local recorder, the iPhone app or a teacher workflow if you want to review audio.

Carry the skill into a complete recorded answer

Dutch Speaking Exam Coach provides original speaking tasks, recording and focused AI coaching. One lesson and three assessments are free.

Open in the App Store