A quick walk outside | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use A quick walk outside to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Het voelt te warm en stil in de ruimte.

hut fuhlt tuh VAHRM en STEEHL in duh ROYM-tuh. The room feels too warm and quiet.

Wil je even naar buiten voor een korte wandeling?

vil yuh AY-vun nahr BOW-tun fohr un KOR-tuh VAHN-duh-ling? Do you want to take a quick walk outside?

Frisse lucht zou helpen.

FRIS-suh lukht zow HEL-pun. Fresh air would help.

We kunnen in de buurt van het gebouw blijven en snel terugkomen.

vuh KUN-nun in duh BÜRT vahn ut kuh-BOW BLY-vun en snel tuh-RUKH-koh-mun. We can stay near the building and come back soon.

Er is nog wat daglicht.

air is nokh vaht DAHKH-likht. There's still some daylight.

Dan gaan we voordat het donker wordt.

dahn GAHN-uh vuh vohr-DAHT ut DON-kur vohrt. Then let's go before it gets dark.

Laten we terugkomen zodra we ons weer fris voelen.

LAH-tun vuh tuh-RUKH-koh-mun ZOH-drah vuh ons vayr FRIS FOOL-un. Let's come back once we feel refreshed.

Dan zijn we weer klaar om ons te concentreren.

dahn zayn vuh vayr KLAHR om ons tuh kon-sen-TRAY-run. Then we'll be ready to focus again.

Word by Word

Het In “Het voelt te warm” and “het gebouw,” this form means “it” in the first phrase and “the” before “gebouw” in the second. Use “Het” or “het” according to its position in the sentence. It is useful when describing how a situation feels or referring to a neuter noun such as “het gebouw”.

voelt “Voelt” means “feels” in “Het voelt te warm en stil in de ruimte.” It describes the speaker’s impression of the room, and “Het voelt...” is a reusable way to describe how a place or situation seems. You might use it when commenting on temperature, atmosphere, or comfort.

te In “te warm,” “te” means “too,” while in “te concentreren” it marks the infinitive after “om.” These forms show two common uses: “te” before an adjective and “om ... te” for a purpose. Use “te concentreren” when saying that someone is going to focus.

warm “Warm” means “warm” in “te warm.” It describes the temperature of the room, and it can be used after “te” to say that something is too warm. You might use it when describing a room, drink, weather, or clothing.

en “En” connects “warm” and “stil” in “te warm en stil,” meaning “and.” It joins words or phrases that have the same role. Use it to add another description, such as “warm en stil” for two features of a place.

stil “Stil” means “quiet” in “te warm en stil in de ruimte.” It describes the room’s lack of noise, and “stil” can be placed after a form of “zijn” or “voelen” when describing a place. You might use it at work, at home, or in another quiet location.

in “In” means “in” in “in de ruimte,” showing that the warmth and quiet are experienced inside the room. It commonly introduces a place or container. Use “in” with a location such as “in de ruimte” when saying where something is or happens.

de “De” means “the” before “ruimte” in “de ruimte” and before “buurt” in “de buurt van het gebouw.” It identifies a specific noun in these expressions. Use it before a known place or area, such as a room or the nearby area.

ruimte “Ruimte” means “room” in “in de ruimte,” referring here to the room where the speakers are working. The reusable pattern is “in de ruimte” for something happening inside the room. You might use it when describing the atmosphere or conditions in a room.

Wil “Wil” expresses “want” in the question “Wil je even naar buiten...?” Together with “je,” it asks whether the other person wants to do something. A reusable pattern is “Wil je ...?” when making a friendly offer or invitation.

je “Je” means “you” in “Wil je even naar buiten...?” and refers to the person being invited. It follows “Wil” in this question. Use “je” when addressing one person informally in an everyday conversation.

even “Even” makes “naar buiten” sound brief or casual in “Wil je even naar buiten...?” Here it suggests going outside for a short time, not necessarily literally for one exact moment. Use it in friendly requests or suggestions for a quick action.

naar “Naar” means “to” or “toward” in “naar buiten,” indicating movement in the direction of outside. The common pattern is “naar” followed by a destination or direction. Use it when suggesting movement to a place, such as going outside.

buiten “Buiten” means “outside” in “naar buiten.” With “naar,” it describes movement from the room to the outdoors. You might use “naar buiten” when inviting someone to leave an indoor place for fresh air or another outdoor activity.

voor “Voor” means “for” in “voor een korte wandeling,” giving the purpose of going outside. It introduces the activity that the speakers plan to do. Use “voor” before an activity or purpose, such as going somewhere “voor een korte wandeling.”

een “Een” means “a” in “een korte wandeling,” introducing one unspecified walk. It comes before the description “korte” and the noun “wandeling.” Use it when mentioning a non-specific activity or object for the first time.

korte “Korte” means “short” in “een korte wandeling,” describing the planned walk as brief. It appears directly before “wandeling” in this noun phrase. Use the pattern “een korte” plus a noun when describing a brief activity or object.

wandeling “Wandeling” means “walk” in “een korte wandeling.” It names the activity the speakers want to do outside. You might use it when suggesting a walk for fresh air, exercise, or a short break.

Frisse “Frisse” means “fresh” in “Frisse lucht,” describing the air outside as pleasant and fresh. It comes before “lucht” in this expression. Use “Frisse lucht” when explaining why you want to open a window or go outside.

lucht “Lucht” means “air” in “Frisse lucht.” Together, “Frisse lucht” refers to air outside that may make the speakers feel better. You might use this expression when recommending ventilation or a short outdoor break.

zou “Zou” means “would” in “Frisse lucht zou helpen,” presenting the benefit as a possibility or expectation. It combines with “helpen” in this sentence. Use “zou helpen” when making a tentative suggestion about what might improve a situation.

helpen “Helpen” means “help” in “Frisse lucht zou helpen,” referring to making the situation better. It follows “zou” in this sentence. A reusable pattern is “[something] zou helpen” when explaining what might be useful.

We “We” means “we” in “We kunnen...” and refers to both speakers. It is the subject of the plan to stay nearby and return soon. Use “we” when describing a shared ability, plan, or activity.

kunnen “Kunnen” means “can” in “We kunnen ... blijven en ... terugkomen,” expressing what the two speakers are able or willing to do. It is followed by the actions “blijven” and “terugkomen.” Use “We kunnen ...” to suggest a possible shared plan.

buurt “Buurt” means “nearby area” in “in de buurt van het gebouw.” The full expression says that they will remain in the area around the building. Use “in de buurt van” plus a place when describing where something is nearby.

van “Van” means “of” or “from” in “in de buurt van het gebouw,” linking the nearby area to the building. Here it identifies what the area is near. Use “in de buurt van” before a specific place or object.

gebouw “Gebouw” means “building” in “het gebouw.” It is the reference point for the nearby area. You might use it when describing where people will meet, stay, or walk.

blijven “Blijven” means “stay” in “We kunnen in de buurt van het gebouw blijven.” It describes continuing to remain near the building and follows “kunnen.” Use “kunnen ... blijven” when discussing staying in a place rather than going farther away.

snel “Snel” means “soon” in “snel terugkomen,” referring to a quick return. In this sentence it describes when they will come back, while the complete expression gives the intended timing. Use “snel terugkomen” when reassuring someone that you will return shortly.

terugkomen “Terugkomen” means “come back” in “snel terugkomen.” It describes returning to the original place after going outside. You might use it when making a plan to leave temporarily and return later.

Er “Er” helps introduce the existence of something in “Er is nog wat daglicht,” meaning that some daylight remains. It is part of the common pattern “Er is...” for saying that something is present or available. Use it when bringing new information into the conversation.

is “Is” means “is” in “Er is nog wat daglicht,” stating that daylight remains. Together with “Er” it forms “Er is...” to say that something exists or is present. You might use this pattern to mention available time, light, or space.

nog “Nog” means “still” in “Er is nog wat daglicht,” showing that daylight has not completely disappeared. It highlights that the condition continues at this moment. Use it when something remains available or continues to be true.

wat “Wat” means “some” in “wat daglicht,” referring to an unspecified amount of daylight. It softens the quantity rather than giving an exact measurement. Use “wat” before an uncounted substance or amount when saying that there is some of it.

daglicht “Daglicht” means “daylight” in “wat daglicht.” It refers to the natural light that is still present before dark. You might use it when deciding whether there is enough light to go outside or continue an activity.

Dan “Dan” means “then” in “Dan gaan we...,” linking the remaining daylight to the decision to leave. It introduces the consequence or next step in the conversation. Use “Dan...” when responding to information with a plan or conclusion.

gaan “Gaan” means “go” in “Dan gaan we,” where the speakers agree to leave. Together with “we,” it expresses their next action. Use “Dan gaan we...” when announcing that a group is about to move to the next place or activity.

voordat “Voordat” means “before” in “voordat het donker wordt,” introducing the time condition for going. It connects the plan with the event of becoming dark. Use “voordat” before a clause when one action should happen earlier than another event.

donker “Donker” means “dark” in “het donker wordt,” describing the state that will arrive outside. It appears in the expression for becoming dark. You might use it when discussing daylight, evening plans, or when to leave.

wordt “Wordt” means “gets” or “becomes” in “het donker wordt,” describing the change into darkness. The complete expression “het donker wordt” means that it gets dark. Use it when describing a change of condition, such as a place becoming dark.

Laten “Laten” begins the suggestion “Laten we terugkomen,” meaning “let’s come back.” With “we,” it proposes a shared action rather than giving a direct command. Use “Laten we...” to suggest an activity to another person or group.

zodra “Zodra” means “once” or “as soon as” in “zodra we ons weer fris voelen.” It sets the condition that must be reached before returning. Use “zodra” when one action should happen immediately after a certain situation occurs.

ons “Ons” refers back to “we” in “we ons weer fris voelen,” meaning “ourselves” in this feeling construction. It shows that the speakers themselves feel refreshed. Use “ons” when “we” are the people experiencing the action or feeling.

weer “Weer” means “again” in “ons weer fris voelen,” referring to returning to a refreshed condition after the walk. It marks a repeated or restored state. Use it when something happens again or becomes true again.

fris “Fris” means “fresh” or “refreshed” in “ons weer fris voelen.” Here it describes how the speakers expect to feel after going outside. You might use it when talking about feeling refreshed after air, rest, or a short break.

voelen “Voelen” means “feel” in “we ons weer fris voelen,” describing the speakers’ own sensation or condition. It is used with “ons” because the speakers experience the feeling themselves. A reusable pattern is “ons ... voelen” when describing how we feel.

zijn “Zijn” means “are” or “be” in “Dan zijn we weer klaar,” describing the speakers’ condition after the walk. Here it links “we” with being ready. Use “zijn” with a state or condition, such as being ready for the next task.

klaar “Klaar” means “ready” in “klaar om ons te concentreren.” It describes the speakers’ condition after they feel refreshed. Use “klaar om” before an action when saying that someone is ready to do something.

om “Om” introduces the purpose in “om ons te concentreren,” meaning “in order to” or “to.” Together with “te concentreren,” it explains what the speakers are ready to do. Use the pattern “klaar om ... te” when describing readiness for an action.

concentreren “Concentreren” means “focus” or “concentrate” in “ons te concentreren.” The full expression says that the speakers are ready to focus again, and “ons” identifies the people doing the focusing. You might use “ons te concentreren” when returning to work or another task that requires attention.

Grammar Points

voordat/zodra + bijzin: persoonsvorm achteraan

Voordat het donker wordt, blijven we in het gebouw.

vohr-DAHT ut DON-kur vohrt, BLY-vun vuh in ut kuh-BOW.

Before it gets dark, we stay in the building.

After voordat or zodra, Dutch places the conjugated verb at the end of the subordinate clause.

zich voelen + bijvoeglijk naamwoord

We voelen ons weer klaar.

vuh FOO-lun ons vayr KLAHR.

We feel ready again.

Dutch uses the reflexive pronoun ons with voelen when describing how the subject feels.

Dutch Vocabulary

even adv

AY-vun for a moment; briefly

fris adj

FRIS fresh; refreshed Frisse

gebouw noun

kuh-BOW building

helpen verb

HEL-pun to help

in de buurt phrase

in duh BÜRT nearby; in the vicinity

kort adj

KORT short korte

lucht noun

LUKHT air

naar buiten phrase

nahr BOW-tun outside; outdoors

ruimte noun

ROYM-tuh room

in de ruimte

stil adj

STEEHL quiet

wandeling noun

VAHN-duh-ling walk

warm adj

VAHRM warm

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Fresh air would help.

Show Answer

Frisse lucht zou helpen.

There's still some daylight.

Show Answer

Er is nog wat daglicht.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

warm

Show Answer

warm

for a moment; briefly

Show Answer

even

short

Show Answer

korte

quiet

Show Answer

stil