Talking calmly with a noisy neighbor | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: At home, two adults plan how to speak calmly with a neighbor about loud music and quiet hours..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Talking calmly with a noisy neighbor to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

De muziek naast ons heeft me de laatste tijd meerdere nachten wakker gehouden.

duh myoo-ZEEK nahst ONZ hayft muh duh LAHST-tuh TAHYT MAYR-duh-ruh NAHKH-tuhn VAH-kur khuh-HOH-duhn. The music next door has kept me up several nights lately.
B

Dan moeten we met ze praten voordat het een groter conflict wordt.

DAHN MOH-tuhn vuh met zuh PRAH-tuhn vohr-DAHT ut uhn KHROH-tur KON-flekt vort. Then we should talk to them before it becomes a bigger conflict.
A

Ik wil niet dramatisch klinken, omdat ze misschien niet beseffen dat de muziek hard staat.

ik vil neet drah-MAH-tis KLINK-uhn, om-DAHT zuh muh-SKHAINE neet buh-SEH-fuhn daht duh myoo-ZEEK hart staht. I do not want to sound dramatic, because they may not realize it is loud.
B

Begin door te zeggen dat de muren dun zijn en dat je vroeg moet slapen.

buh-KHIN dohr tuh ZEGH-uhn daht duh MYUR-uhn duhn zine un daht yuh vrookh MOH-tuhn SLAH-puhn. Start by saying the walls are thin and you need to sleep early.
A

Moeten we de huisregels over de stille uren noemen?

MOH-tuhn vuh duh HOYS-ray-ghuls OH-vur duh STILL-uh YOOR-uhn NOH-muhn? Should we mention the building rules about quiet hours?
B

Alleen als ze niet willen meewerken. In het begin is een vriendelijke herinnering redelijker.

uh-LAYN als zuh neet WILL-uhn MAY-vair-kuhn. in ut buh-KHIN is uhn VREEN-duh-luh-kuh huh-RIN-uh-ring RAY-duh-luh-kur. Only if they refuse to cooperate. A friendly reminder is more reasonable at first.
A

Misschien kunnen we voorstellen dat ze later op de avond een koptelefoon gebruiken als we de volgende dag moeten werken.

muh-SKHAINE KUN-uhn vuh VOHR-stel-uhn daht zuh LAH-tur op duh AH-vunt uhn KOP-tuh-fohn khuh-BROY-kuhn als vuh duh VOL-khun-duh dahkh MOH-tuhn VAIR-kuhn. Maybe we can suggest that they use headphones later in the evening when we have work the next day.
B

Dat zou een praktisch compromis zijn, zonder hen rechtstreeks te beschuldigen.

daht zow uhn PRAHK-tis KON-proh-MIS zine, ZON-dur hen REKHT-strayks tuh buh-SKHUL-di-khuhn. That would be a practical compromise, and it does not accuse them directly.
A

Ik kan vanavond een rustig moment kiezen om met ze te praten.

ik kan vuh-NOHNT uhn RUS-tikh MOH-ment KEE-zuhn om met zuh tuh PRAH-tuhn. I can choose a calm moment this evening to talk to them.
B

Een rustig moment voorkomt meestal dat een klein probleem persoonlijk wordt.

uhn RUS-tikh MOH-ment vohr-KOHMT MAY-stahl daht uhn klain proh-BLAYM pair-SOHN-luk vort. Calm timing usually prevents a small problem from becoming personal.

Word by Word

De “De” means “the” in “De muziek” and is the exact form used at the start of the sentence. Reuse it before a noun when referring to a specific thing, such as “de huisregels” in this dialogue.
muziek “Muziek” means music, the sound from next door that is disturbing the speaker’s sleep. You can reuse it as a noun for music in phrases such as “naar muziek luisteren” in a new example.
naast “Naast” means next to in “naast ons”, identifying the location of the music. Reuse “naast” before a person or place to describe something beside it, as in “naast het huis” in a new example.
ons “Ons” means us in “naast ons”, referring to the people living in the speaker’s home. Reuse “naast ons” when describing something located next to where we are.
heeft “Heeft” means has in “heeft me ... wakker gehouden”. It is used with a past participle here, and the pattern “heeft iemand ... gehouden” can describe something that has affected someone.
me “Me” means me in “heeft me ... wakker gehouden”, the person affected by the music. Reuse it after a verb when you are the person receiving the effect, such as “Het helpt me” in a new example.
laatste “Laatste” means latest or most recent in the time expression “de laatste tijd”, which means lately. Reuse the complete expression “de laatste tijd” when talking about a recent period.
tijd “Tijd” means time in “de laatste tijd”, referring to a recent period rather than one specific moment. Reuse it in time expressions such as “veel tijd” in a new example.
meerdere “Meerdere” means several or multiple in “meerdere nachten”. It is placed before a plural noun to show that there is more than one, as in “meerdere problemen” in a new example.
nachten “Nachten” means nights, the repeated periods during which the speaker has stayed awake. Reuse it as a plural noun for nighttime periods, for example in “drie nachten” in a new example.
wakker “Wakker” means awake in “wakker gehouden”, describing the state in which the speaker was kept. Reuse it with “blijven” or “maken” when talking about being or becoming awake, such as “wakker blijven” in a new example.
gehouden “Gehouden” is the exact form in “wakker gehouden” and contributes the idea of being kept in that state; here, the music kept the speaker awake. It is the past participle related to “houden” and commonly follows “heeft” in this construction.
Dan “Dan” means then and connects the reported problem with the suggested next step. Reuse it at the start of a sentence when drawing a consequence, as in “Dan gaan we” in a new example.
moeten “Moeten” expresses that we should or must talk to the neighbors in “moeten we ... praten”. After this form, Dutch places an infinitive such as “praten”; it is useful for stating necessary action.
we “We” means we, referring to the two people planning what to do. Reuse it as the subject before a verb when speaking about yourself together with others.
met “Met” means with in “met ze praten”, showing who the conversation is held with. Reuse “met” before a person or group after verbs such as “praten” when naming the conversation partner.
ze “Ze” means them in “met ze praten” and refers to the neighbors. The same form also means they when it is the subject of “ze ... beseffen”; use the surrounding verb and position to identify its role.
praten “Praten” means talk in “met ze praten”, describing a conversation with the neighbors. Reuse “praten met” followed by the person you are speaking with.
voordat “Voordat” means before and introduces the point in time that should come first: talking before the situation becomes a larger conflict. Reuse “voordat” to connect an action with a later event, such as “voordat we vertrekken” in a new example.
het “Het” means it in “voordat het ... wordt”, referring to the situation or problem that may become a conflict. Reuse it as a subject when referring back to a situation already understood.
een “Een” means a in “een groter conflict”, introducing one possible conflict without identifying a specific one. Reuse it before a singular noun when introducing something non-specific, as in “een probleem” in this dialogue.
groter “Groter” means bigger or greater in “een groter conflict”, showing that the possible conflict would increase in size or seriousness. Reuse it before a noun when comparing something with its earlier state.
conflict “Conflict” means conflict, the serious disagreement the speakers want to prevent. Reuse it as a noun for a disagreement between people or groups, as in “een conflict oplossen” in a new example.
wordt “Wordt” means becomes in “het ... wordt”, describing a change into a bigger conflict. It is the exact verb form used after “het” here, and the pattern “iets wordt persoonlijk” describes a change in how a situation is experienced.
Ik “Ik” means I and identifies the speaker who does not want to sound dramatic. Reuse it at the start of a sentence when presenting your own view or intention.
wil “Wil” means want in “Ik wil niet ...”, expressing the speaker’s intention or lack of intention. Reuse “wil” before an infinitive to state what you want or do not want to do.
niet “Niet” means not and negates the speaker’s wish to sound dramatic. Reuse it before the relevant part of a sentence when rejecting an action or description.
dramatisch “Dramatisch” means dramatic in “dramatisch klinken”, referring to sounding as though the problem is being exaggerated. Reuse it to describe a tone or reaction that seems overly intense, as in “een dramatische reactie” in a new example.
klinken “Klinken” means sound in “dramatisch klinken”, describing how the speaker’s words may come across. Reuse “klinken” with an adjective to describe an impression, such as “vriendelijk klinken” in a new example.
omdat “Omdat” means because and introduces the reason the speaker does not want to sound dramatic. Reuse it to connect a statement with its reason, as in “omdat ik moe ben” in a new example.
misschien “Misschien” means maybe or perhaps and shows that the speaker is uncertain whether the neighbors realize the music is loud. Reuse it to soften an uncertain suggestion or possibility.
beseffen “Beseffen” means realize in “ze misschien niet beseffen”, referring to becoming aware of the effect of the loud music. Reuse it before a clause introduced by “dat” when stating what someone realizes.
dat “Dat” means that in “beseffen dat de muziek hard staat”, introducing the content of what the neighbors may or may not realize. Reuse “dat” to connect a verb such as “weten” or “zien” with a following statement.
hard “Hard” means loud in “de muziek hard staat”, describing the volume of the music. Reuse it with “staan” for music or a device playing at high volume, as in “De radio staat hard” in a new example.
staat “Staat” contributes the idea that the music is playing at a loud volume in “de muziek hard staat”. Reuse the pattern “iets staat hard” or “iets staat zacht” when describing the volume setting of music or a device in a new example.
Begin “Begin” means begin or start in the advice “Begin door te zeggen”. It is an instruction to take the first step, and you can reuse it before “door te” to introduce a way of starting an action.
door “Door” means by or through in “door te zeggen”, showing the method for beginning the conversation. Reuse “door te” followed by an infinitive when explaining how an action is carried out.
te “Te” helps form the infinitive construction “te zeggen” after “door”. Reuse it in patterns such as “door te vragen” or “om te helpen” in new examples.
zeggen “Zeggen” means say in “door te zeggen dat de muren dun zijn”, referring to the words used to open the conversation. Reuse it before a statement introduced by “dat” when reporting what someone says.
muren “Muren” means walls, specifically the walls that do not block much sound between the homes. Reuse it as a plural noun when talking about the walls of a building, such as “de muren van het huis” in a new example.
dun “Dun” means thin in “de muren dun zijn”, explaining why the music can be heard. Reuse it after “zijn” to describe an object with little thickness, as in “Het papier is dun” in a new example.
zijn “Zijn” means are in “de muren dun zijn”, linking the walls with the description “dun”. Reuse the pattern “de ... zijn + adjective” to describe more than one thing.
en “En” means and and joins the explanation about the thin walls with the need to sleep early. Reuse it to connect two related words, phrases, or statements.
je “Je” means you in “je vroeg moet slapen”, referring to the person who needs to sleep early. Reuse it as an informal subject or object pronoun when addressing one person or speaking generally.
vroeg “Vroeg” means early in “vroeg moet slapen”, describing the time at which sleep is needed. Reuse it with verbs such as “komen” or “vertrekken” when an action happens before the usual time.
moet “Moet” means must or need to in “je ... moet slapen”, expressing necessity for the person addressed. Reuse “moet” before an infinitive to state that someone needs to do something.
slapen “Slapen” means sleep in “moet slapen”, naming the necessary action. Reuse it after a modal form such as “moet” or “kan” when talking about sleeping.
huisregels “Huisregels” means house rules or building rules, referring to the rules about quiet hours. It is a compound noun that can be used for agreed rules in a home or building, as in “de huisregels volgen” in a new example.
over “Over” means about in “huisregels over de stille uren”, specifying the subject of the rules. Reuse “over” before a topic when saying what a rule, conversation, or text concerns.
stille “Stille” means quiet in “de stille uren”, referring to hours when noise should be limited. Reuse it before a noun to describe a quiet period or place, as in “een stille kamer” in a new example.
uren “Uren” means hours in “de stille uren”, referring to a period measured in hours. Reuse it as a plural time noun, such as “twee uren” in a new example.
noemen “Noemen” means mention in “de huisregels ... noemen”, referring to bringing the rules into the conversation. Reuse it with the thing being mentioned, as in “een naam noemen” in a new example.
Alleen “Alleen” means only in “Alleen als ze niet willen meewerken”, limiting when the building rules should be mentioned. Reuse the pattern “alleen als” to state that something applies under one condition.
als “Als” means if in “alleen als ze niet willen meewerken”, introducing the condition for mentioning the rules. Reuse it before a clause that describes the condition for an action.
willen “Willen” means want in “ze niet willen meewerken”, describing whether the neighbors are willing to cooperate. Reuse it before an infinitive to express what someone wants or is willing to do.
meewerken “Meewerken” means cooperate in “niet willen meewerken”, describing willingness to help with the requested solution. Reuse it when someone participates constructively in a plan or request.
In “In” means in or at in the time expression “In het begin”, which means at first. Reuse “in” before a period or phase when locating something in time, such as “in de ochtend” in a new example.
is “Is” means is in “een vriendelijke herinnering is redelijker”, linking the reminder with its evaluation. Reuse it to describe or identify a singular subject.
vriendelijke “Vriendelijke” means friendly in “een vriendelijke herinnering”, describing a reminder given in a kind, non-confrontational way. Reuse it before a noun when describing a polite or welcoming manner, as in “een vriendelijke toon” in a new example.
herinnering “Herinnering” means reminder, referring to a gentle prompt about the noise or the quiet hours. Reuse it for a message or comment that helps someone remember something.
redelijker “Redelijker” means more reasonable in “een vriendelijke herinnering is redelijker”, comparing this approach with mentioning rules immediately. Reuse it when judging one option as more sensible or acceptable than another.
kunnen “Kunnen” means can or be able to in “kunnen we voorstellen”, presenting a possible suggestion. Reuse it before an infinitive to express ability or possibility, as in “kunnen we helpen” in a new example.
voorstellen “Voorstellen” means suggest in “voorstellen dat ze ... gebruiken”, introducing a possible solution for the neighbors. Reuse “voorstellen dat” before the content of a suggestion.
later “Later” means later in “later op de avond”, referring to a time further into the evening. Reuse it to place an action after an earlier time without specifying an exact hour.
op “Op” helps form the time expression “op de avond” in “later op de avond”, locating the action during the evening. Reuse it in time expressions such as “op maandag” or “op de avond” in a new example.
avond “Avond” means evening in “later op de avond”, the later part of the day when the headphones are suggested. Reuse it as a time noun in expressions such as “vanavond” or “in de avond” in a new example.
koptelefoon “Koptelefoon” means headphones, the device the neighbors could use to listen without disturbing others. Reuse it as the object after verbs such as “gebruiken” or “opzetten” in a new example.
gebruiken “Gebruiken” means use in “een koptelefoon gebruiken”, describing the proposed way to listen more quietly. Reuse it before the object that someone uses for a purpose.
volgende “Volgende” means next in “de volgende dag”, referring to the day after the current one. Reuse it before a time noun to identify the next occurrence, such as “de volgende week” in a new example.
dag “Dag” means day in “de volgende dag”, the day after the evening being discussed. Reuse it with time words such as “volgende” to refer to a specific day in sequence.
werken “Werken” means work in “moeten werken”, explaining why quiet later in the evening matters. Reuse it after “moeten” or “kunnen” when describing work as a necessary or possible activity.
zou “Zou” means would in “Dat zou een praktisch compromis zijn”, presenting the suggestion as a possible outcome. Reuse it with an infinitive or “zijn” when discussing a hypothetical result or evaluation.
praktisch “Praktisch” means practical in “een praktisch compromis”, describing a solution that can work in everyday circumstances. Reuse it before a noun when evaluating a solution or arrangement.
compromis “Compromis” means compromise, referring to a solution that considers both the neighbors’ listening and the speakers’ need for sleep. Reuse it for an arrangement in which each side accepts part of the solution.
zonder “Zonder” means without in “zonder hen rechtstreeks te beschuldigen”, showing that the suggestion avoids a direct accusation. Reuse “zonder te” followed by an infinitive to describe an action that is not done.
hen “Hen” means them in “hen rechtstreeks te beschuldigen”, referring to the neighbors as the people who could be accused. It appears after the verb “beschuldigen” as the people affected by that action.
rechtstreeks “Rechtstreeks” means directly in “hen rechtstreeks te beschuldigen”, describing an accusation made openly to the neighbors. Reuse it to describe communication or action that goes straight to the person or issue involved.
beschuldigen “Beschuldigen” means accuse in “hen rechtstreeks te beschuldigen”, referring to blaming the neighbors openly for the noise. Reuse it with the person being blamed as its object.
kan “Kan” means can in “Ik kan ... kiezen”, expressing that the speaker is able or willing to choose a suitable time. Reuse it before an infinitive to state what someone can do.
vanavond “Vanavond” means this evening or tonight in “vanavond ... kiezen”, identifying when the speaker can choose a moment. Reuse it as a time word for the evening of the current day.
rustig “Rustig” means calm in “een rustig moment”, describing a time suitable for a non-confrontational conversation. Reuse it before a noun when describing a calm situation, place, or period.
moment “Moment” means moment in “een rustig moment”, referring to a suitable short period for speaking. Reuse it with an adjective to identify a suitable time, such as “een goed moment” in a new example.
kiezen “Kiezen” means choose in “een rustig moment kiezen”, describing the act of selecting a suitable time. Reuse it before the thing being selected, such as “een tijd kiezen” in a new example.
om “Om” helps introduce the purpose phrase “om met ze te praten”, explaining why the speaker chooses a calm moment. Reuse the pattern “om te” followed by an infinitive to express purpose.
voorkomt “Voorkomt” means prevents in “Een rustig moment voorkomt ...”, saying that calm timing stops a small problem from becoming personal. Reuse it with the thing being prevented, as in “Dit voorkomt problemen” in a new example.
meestal “Meestal” means usually in “voorkomt meestal”, indicating that this result happens in many cases but not always. Reuse it to describe a customary or frequent outcome.
klein “Klein” means small in “een klein probleem”, describing the problem as limited in seriousness or size at first. Reuse it before a noun when describing something with limited extent.
probleem “Probleem” means problem, referring to the noise issue before it becomes personal. Reuse it as a noun for a difficulty that needs attention, as in “een probleem oplossen” in a new example.
persoonlijk “Persoonlijk” means personal in “persoonlijk wordt”, describing a situation that starts to feel like an attack on the people involved rather than a practical issue. Reuse it to describe an issue or reaction that concerns someone personally.

Grammar Points

zonder + object + te + infinitief

zonder hen rechtstreeks te beschuldigen

ZON-dur hen REKHT-strayks tuh buh-SKHUL-di-khuhn

without accusing them directly

After zonder, use te plus the infinitive to express an action that is not performed.

Dutch Vocabulary

begin verb
buh-KHIN start / begin
beseffen verb
buh-SEH-fuhn to realize
conflict noun
kon-FLIKT conflict
de laatste tijd phrase
duh LAHST-tuh TAHYT lately / recently
dramatisch adj
drah-MAH-tis dramatic
hard staat phrase
hart staht is loud
meerdere det
MAYR-duh-ruh several / multiple
muren noun
MYUR-uhn walls
muziek noun
myoo-ZEEK music
naast ons phrase
nahst ONZ next door / next to us
nachten noun
NAHKH-tuhn nights
wakker gehouden phrase
VAH-kur khuh-HOH-duhn kept awake

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to realize

Show Answerbeseffen

music

Show Answermuziek

dramatic

Show Answerdramatisch

conflict

Show Answerconflict