Finding the conference room | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Finding the conference room to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Kunt u mij vertellen waar de vergaderruimte is?

kunt oo may ver-TEL-lun vahr duh ver-KHAH-der-ROYM-tuh iss? Could you tell me where the conference room is?

Loop voorbij de lobby. De ruimte is bij de liften.

LOHP vor-BYE duh LOB-bee. Duh ROYM-tuh iss bye duh LIF-tuh. Go past the lobby. It's near the elevators.

Moet ik vanaf hier de lift nemen?

MOOT ik van-AHF heer duh lift NAY-muh? Should I take the elevator from here?

Neem de lift één verdieping omhoog.

NAYM duh lift AYN ver-DEE-ping om-HOHKH. Take it up one floor.

Sla daarna linksaf de gang in.

SLAH DAHR-nah LINKS-ahf duh khang in. Then turn left into the hallway.

Is er een kaart die ik kan gebruiken?

iss air ayn KAHR(t) dee ik kahn khuh-BROY-kuh? Is there a map I can use?

Er is er een bij de receptie.

air iss air ayn bye duh ray-SEP-see. There's one by the reception desk.

Dat helpt. Het is de eerste keer dat ik in dit gebouw ben.

daht helpt. ut iss duh AYR-stuh kair daht ik in dit khuh-BOW ben. That helps. It's my first time in this building.

De ruimte staat aangegeven bij het einde van de gang.

duh ROYM-tuh staht AHN-khuh-KHAY-vuh bye ut AYN-duh van duh khang. The room is marked near the end of the hall.

Word by Word

Kunt “Kunt” means “could” or “can” in this polite request, as in “Kunt u mij vertellen waar de vergaderruimte is?” It is the form of kunnen used here with u. Use “Kunt u mij vertellen waar de vergaderruimte is?” when politely asking someone for information at a reception desk.

u “u” means “you” and addresses the receptionist formally in “Kunt u mij vertellen waar de vergaderruimte is?” Here it is the person being asked to give information. It is used with polite requests such as “Kunt u mij vertellen ...?” when speaking to a service worker or someone you do not know well.

mij “mij” means “me” and identifies the person who should receive the information in “Kunt u mij vertellen waar de vergaderruimte is?” It is the person being told something. With vertellen, it can identify the person receiving the information, especially in the pattern “Kunt u mij vertellen ...?” used when asking for help.

vertellen “vertellen” means “to tell” in “Kunt u mij vertellen waar de vergaderruimte is?” It remains in this form after the request word “Kunt”. The pattern “Kunt u mij vertellen waar ... is?” is useful when politely asking someone to explain a location or fact.

waar “waar” means “where” in “waar de vergaderruimte is” and introduces the location being asked about. It connects the request to the place information the visitor needs. The pattern “waar ... is” is useful when asking where a person or place can be found.

de “de” means “the” before the definite noun in “de vergaderruimte” and “de ruimte”. It shows that the speaker means a particular conference room or room in the building. Use “de” before a known or specifically identified noun, as in “de vergaderruimte” when asking for directions.

vergaderruimte “vergaderruimte” means “conference room” in “de vergaderruimte”. It names the destination the visitor is trying to find. The phrase “de vergaderruimte” is useful when asking a receptionist for directions to a meeting room.

is “is” means “is” and locates the conference room in “waar de vergaderruimte is”. It is the form of zijn used to state the location of the room. The same form appears in “De ruimte is bij de liften” to give a location near a landmark.

Loop “Loop” means “go” or “walk” in the direction “Loop voorbij de lobby.” It gives a direct instruction to continue on foot, and it is the imperative form of lopen. Use “Loop voorbij de lobby” when telling someone to pass a specific place while giving directions.

voorbij “voorbij” means “past” or “beyond” in “Loop voorbij de lobby”. It tells the visitor to continue beyond the lobby as a reference point. The pattern “Loop voorbij ...” is useful when giving walking directions through a building.

lobby “lobby” means “lobby” in “voorbij de lobby”. It is the building area that the visitor should pass. With “voorbij de”, it can identify a landmark used in directions, such as the lobby at a reception area.

ruimte “ruimte” means “room” here in “De ruimte is bij de liften” and refers to the conference room already mentioned. It identifies the destination more briefly after the full name has been given. Use “De ruimte is ...” when describing where that room is located.

bij “bij” marks a nearby or associated location in “bij de liften” and “bij de receptie”. It places the room near the elevators and the map by the reception desk. The pattern “bij de ...” is useful for saying where something is in relation to a nearby place.

liften “liften” means “elevators” in “bij de liften”. It is the plural of lift and names the elevators used as a location reference. Use “bij de liften” when directing someone to a place near the elevators.

Moet “Moet” means “should” or “must” in the question “Moet ik vanaf hier de lift nemen?” It is the form of moeten used here to ask whether an action is necessary. The pattern “Moet ik ...?” is useful when checking the next step with a receptionist or guide.

ik “ik” means “I” and identifies the visitor as the person who may take the elevator in “Moet ik vanaf hier de lift nemen?” It is the subject of the question. Use “Moet ik ...?” when asking whether you personally should do something.

vanaf “vanaf” means “from” or “starting from” in “vanaf hier”. It marks the starting point of the elevator route. The pattern “vanaf hier” is useful when asking for or giving directions beginning at the speaker’s current location.

hier “hier” means “here” and refers to the visitor’s current position in “vanaf hier”. Together, the phrase identifies where the route starts. Use “hier” when referring to the place where the speaker and listener are currently standing.

lift “lift” means “elevator” in “de lift nemen”. It is the means of transport the visitor is asking whether to use. The pattern “de lift nemen” is useful when saying that you will take an elevator inside a building.

nemen “nemen” means “to take” in “de lift nemen”. It follows the modal verb “Moet” and describes the action of using the elevator. The pattern “de lift nemen” is used when asking about or describing elevator travel.

Neem “Neem” means “take” in the instruction “Neem de lift één verdieping omhoog.” It tells the visitor to use the elevator and is the imperative form of nemen. Use “Neem de lift ...” when giving someone direct directions inside a building.

verdieping “verdieping” means “floor” or “level” in “één verdieping omhoog”. It specifies how far upward the visitor should go. The pattern “één verdieping omhoog” is useful when giving elevator directions between floors.

omhoog “omhoog” means “up” or “upward” in “één verdieping omhoog”. It shows that the movement is toward a higher floor. Use it with a distance or floor instruction, as in “één verdieping omhoog”, when directing someone upward.

Sla “Sla” means “turn” in “Sla daarna linksaf de gang in.” It gives a direct route instruction and is the imperative form of slaan in this direction expression. Use “Sla daarna linksaf ...” when telling someone what turn to make after completing the previous step.

daarna “daarna” means “then” or “afterward” in “Sla daarna linksaf de gang in.” It places the turn after the elevator instruction in the sequence. It is useful for connecting one direction to the next during a route explanation.

linksaf “linksaf” means “to the left” in “Sla daarna linksaf de gang in.” It specifies the direction of the turn. Use it after a turning instruction, as in “Sla ... linksaf”, when giving directions.

gang “gang” means “hallway” or “hall” in “de gang in”. It names the passage the visitor should enter after turning left. The phrase “de gang in” is useful when directing someone into a hallway.

in “in” means “into” in “de gang in” because the instruction describes movement into the hallway. It connects the direction of movement with the destination space. The pattern “... de gang in” is useful when telling someone to enter a hallway.

er “er” helps present something as existing or available in “Is er een kaart die ik kan gebruiken?” and “Er is er een bij de receptie.” In the second sentence, the later “er” refers back to the map. The pattern “Is er ...?” is useful when asking whether a service, object, or place is available.

een “een” means “a” in “een kaart” and means “one” in “Er is er een bij de receptie.” The first use introduces an unspecified map, while the second refers back to one map already being discussed. Use “een” before an unspecified item and in “er ... een” when referring to one available item.

kaart “kaart” means “map” in “een kaart die ik kan gebruiken”. It is the object the visitor wants to use for finding the conference room. The phrase “een kaart die ik kan gebruiken” is useful when asking for a usable map in an unfamiliar building.

die “die” means “that” or “which” in “een kaart die ik kan gebruiken” and introduces information about the map. It refers back to “een kaart” and specifies that the map is one the visitor can use. The pattern “een kaart die ik kan gebruiken” is useful when describing the particular map you need.

kan “kan” means “can” in “die ik kan gebruiken” and expresses the visitor’s ability or possibility of using the map. It is the form of kunnen used here with ik. The pattern “ik kan ... gebruiken” is useful when saying that you are able to use an object for a purpose.

gebruiken “gebruiken” means “to use” in “die ik kan gebruiken”. It stays in this form after “kan” and describes what the visitor wants to do with the map. The phrase “ik kan gebruiken” is useful when identifying an object that is suitable for your intended use.

receptie “receptie” means “reception desk” in “bij de receptie”. It identifies the place where the available map can be found. The phrase “bij de receptie” is useful when locating information, assistance, or an object in a building.

Dat “Dat” means “that” in “Dat helpt” and refers to the directions or map just provided. It makes the provided help the subject of the response. “Dat helpt” is a useful expression for acknowledging that someone’s explanation or assistance is useful.

helpt “helpt” means “helps” in “Dat helpt”, meaning that the information makes the situation easier. It is the form of helpen used with “Dat”. Use “Dat helpt” when responding positively after someone gives you useful directions or information.

Het “Het” means “it” in “Het is de eerste keer dat ik in dit gebouw ben.” It presents the following situation as the topic: this is the visitor’s first time in the building. The pattern “Het is de eerste keer dat ...” is useful when describing a first experience.

eerste “eerste” means “first” in “de eerste keer”. It identifies this visit as the initial occasion for the speaker. The phrase “de eerste keer dat ik in dit gebouw ben” is useful when explaining that you are unfamiliar with a place.

keer “keer” means “time” or “occasion” in “de eerste keer”. It refers to one particular occurrence, here the visitor’s first visit to the building. The pattern “de eerste keer dat ...” is useful for talking about a first experience.

dit “dit” means “this” in “dit gebouw” and points to the building where the conversation is taking place. It identifies the building as the one currently relevant to the speaker. Use “dit gebouw” when referring to the building you are currently in or discussing.

gebouw “gebouw” means “building” in “dit gebouw”. It names the place where the visitor is trying to find the conference room. The phrase “in dit gebouw” is useful when explaining that you are inside a particular building.

ben “ben” means “am” in “dat ik in dit gebouw ben”. It states that the visitor is present in the building and is the form of zijn used with ik. The clause “ik in dit gebouw ben” is useful when explaining your current presence in a place.

staat “staat” contributes the idea of being positioned or shown in “staat aangegeven”. It is the form of staan used with “De ruimte”; together with aangegeven, the phrase says that the room is marked or indicated. The expression “staat aangegeven” is useful for describing information shown on a map or sign.

aangegeven “aangegeven” means “marked” or “indicated” in “staat aangegeven”. Together with staat, it says that the room is shown at a particular location rather than merely describing its physical position. Use “staat aangegeven” when referring to a place shown on a map, sign, or directory.

einde “einde” means “end” in “het einde van de gang”. It identifies the endpoint of the hallway where the room is marked. Use “het einde van de gang” when locating something near the far end of a hallway.

van “van” means “of” in “het einde van de gang”. It connects the end with the hallway it belongs to, specifying which end is meant. The phrase “het einde van de gang” is useful when describing a location in relation to a hallway.

Grammar Points

Loop + richting

Loop voorbij de lobby en neem de lift omhoog.

LOHP vor-BYE duh LOB-bee en NAYM duh lift om-HOHKH.

Walk past the lobby and take the elevator up.

Dutch uses the imperative form Loop for direct instructions. The subject is normally omitted.

staat aangegeven

De vergaderruimte staat aangegeven.

duh ver-KHAH-der-ROYM-tuh staht AHN-khuh-KHAY-vuh.

The conference room is indicated.

Staat aangegeven is a fixed expression meaning that something is marked or indicated.

Dutch Vocabulary

bij prep

BYE near; by

één num

AYN one

lift noun

LIFT elevator liften

lobby noun

LOB-bee lobby

lopen verb

LOH-puh to walk; go Loop

nemen verb

NAY-muh to take

ruimte noun

ROYM-tuh room; space

vanaf prep

van-AHF from

vergaderruimte noun

ver-KHAH-der-ROYM-tuh conference room

vertellen verb

ver-TEL-luh to tell

voorbij prep

vor-BYE past; beyond

waar adv

VAHR where

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Take it up one floor.

Show Answer

Neem de lift één verdieping omhoog.

Then turn left into the hallway.

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Sla daarna linksaf de gang in.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

elevator

Show Answer

liften

to tell

Show Answer

vertellen

where

Show Answer

waar

lobby

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lobby