Preparing a Comfortable Guest Room | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: At home, two adults prepare a guest room with workspace, towels, internet instructions, and a short note..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Preparing a Comfortable Guest Room to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Mijn nicht komt kort bij ons logeren.

my nikht kumt kawrt by owN LAY-khuh-run My cousin is coming to stay with us for a short visit.
B

We moeten de logeerkamer comfortabeler maken voordat ze aankomt.

vuh MOO-tun duh loh-KHAYR-kah-mur kum-fawr-tah-BAY-lur MAH-kun vohr-DAHT zuh AHNK-kawmt We should make the spare room more comfortable before she arrives.
A

Laat mij het bureau opruimen, zodat ze ruimte heeft voor haar laptop.

laht my ut byoo-ROH awp-ROW-mun, zoh-DAHT zuh ROWM-tuh hayft vawR hahr LAP-top Let me clear the desk so she has space for her laptop.
B

Leg de instructies voor internet op een plek waar ze ze gemakkelijk kan vinden.

lekh duh in-STRUK-sees vawR in-ter-NET awp un plek vahr zuh zuh khuh-MAHK-uh-luk kahn VIN-dun Leave the internet instructions where she can find them easily.
A

Zullen we extra handdoeken in de kamer leggen, of haar de kast laten zien?

ZUL-lun vay EKH-trah HAHNT-doo-kun in duh KAH-mur LEKH-un, ohf hahr duh KAHST LAH-tun ZEEN Should we put extra towels in the room, or show her the cupboard?
B

Leg ze in de kamer. Dat geeft gasten meer privacy.

lekh zuh in duh KAH-mur. daht KHAYFT KHAS-tun mayr pry-vuh-SEE Put them in the room. It gives guests more privacy.
A

Ik wil ontspannen en gastvrij zijn, niet iemand die elk detail uitlegt.

ik vil awnt-SPAH-nun un KHAST-vry zine, neet EE-munt dee elk day-TIE OWT-laykht I want to be a relaxed host, not someone who explains every detail.
B

Een kort briefje is genoeg, vooral voor de sleutels, de lampen en het ontbijt.

un kawrt BREEF-yuh iss khuh-NOOKH, vaw-RAHL vawR duh SLUR-tuls, duh LAHM-pun un ut awnt-BEYT A short note is enough, especially for keys, lights, and breakfast.
A

Als we het van tevoren klaarmaken, hoeven we ons later niet te haasten.

ahls vuh ut vahn tuh-VAWR-un KLAHR-MAH-kun, HOO-vun vuh awns LAH-tur neet tuh HAH-stun Preparing it ahead of time would keep us from rushing later.
B

Daardoor voelt ze zich welkom, zonder dat het bezoek te formeel wordt.

DAHR-dawr fult zuh zikh VEL-kum, ZON-dur daht ut buh-ZOOKH tuh fawr-MAYL vawrt That will make her feel welcome without making the visit too formal.

Word by Word

Mijn 'Mijn' means “my” and identifies the cousin as belonging to the speaker. Use it before a noun when indicating possession, especially when introducing a family member or personal belonging.
nicht 'nicht' means “female cousin” here. It is used as the noun after 'Mijn' to identify the family member who will stay, so it is useful when talking about relatives or guests.
komt 'komt' means “comes” or “is coming” in 'Mijn nicht komt kort bij ons logeren'. Together with 'logeren', it describes someone arriving in order to stay, a useful pattern for making plans about a visit.
kort 'kort' means “briefly” or “for a short time” in this dialogue. It limits the length of the stay and can be used with time expressions when describing a brief visit.
bij 'bij' means “at” or “with” in 'bij ons logeren', referring to staying at the speaker’s home. A common reuse pattern is 'bij' plus a person or group when describing where someone stays or spends time.
ons 'ons' means “us” in 'bij ons' and refers to the people whose home the cousin will stay at. It is useful after expressions such as 'bij' when talking about staying with a group or household.
logeren 'logeren' means “to stay as a guest”, especially for a visit. In 'komt ... logeren', it explains the purpose of coming and is useful when arranging overnight accommodation.
We 'We' means “we” and refers to the two adults preparing the room. It is used as the subject when describing a shared plan or responsibility.
moeten 'moeten' expresses that the speakers should or must do something in 'We moeten ... maken'. With an infinitive such as 'maken', it is useful for stating an obligation or practical recommendation.
de 'de' is the definite article before 'logeerkamer', referring to the specific guest room. Use it before a noun when the listener can identify the particular thing being discussed.
logeerkamer 'logeerkamer' means “guest room”, the room being prepared for the cousin. It is useful in conversations about accommodation, visitors, and household preparation.
comfortabeler 'comfortabeler' means “more comfortable” and describes the intended improvement to the guest room. It is used after 'maken' to express a change toward greater comfort, useful when comparing a current condition with a better one.
maken 'maken' means “make” in 'de logeerkamer comfortabeler maken', where the whole expression means to make the room more comfortable. It is useful in the pattern of making or causing something to have a particular condition.
voordat 'voordat' means “before” and introduces the event 'ze aankomt'. Use 'voordat' plus a clause when one action should happen earlier than another, such as preparing something before a guest arrives.
ze 'ze' refers to the female cousin when it is the subject of 'ze aankomt' or 'ze ... kan vinden', but the second 'ze' in 'ze ze gemakkelijk kan vinden' refers to the instructions. Its exact meaning depends on whether it is functioning as the person doing the action or the things being found.
aankomt 'aankomt' means “arrives” in 'voordat ze aankomt'. It is useful for specifying the arrival time of a person in relation to another planned action.
Laat 'Laat' means “let” in the request 'Laat mij het bureau opruimen'. The pattern 'Laat mij' allows the speaker to volunteer to do an action, useful when offering help.
mij 'mij' means “me” as the person who will do the action in 'Laat mij ... opruimen'. It follows 'Laat' to identify who should be allowed or asked to act.
het 'het' is the definite article in 'het bureau', referring to the specific desk, and it is a pronoun meaning “it” in 'Als we het ... klaarmaken'. Use the form either before the relevant noun or to refer back to a known thing.
bureau 'bureau' means “desk” in the guest room. It is useful when talking about a workspace, especially when clearing or arranging a surface for someone.
opruimen 'opruimen' means “to clear up” or “tidy” in 'het bureau opruimen'. It is useful with a room, surface, or group of objects when removing clutter or putting things in order.
zodat 'zodat' means “so that” and introduces the result or purpose 'ze ruimte heeft voor haar laptop'. Use 'zodat' to connect an action with the benefit or result it is intended to produce.
ruimte 'ruimte' means “space” in 'ruimte voor haar laptop'. The pattern 'ruimte voor' identifies what the available space is intended for, useful when arranging a workspace or storage area.
heeft 'heeft' means “has” in 'ze ruimte heeft voor haar laptop'. It describes the cousin having enough available space, and the pattern 'iemand heeft ruimte voor ...' is useful when discussing room for an object or activity.
voor 'voor' marks purpose or intended use in 'ruimte voor haar laptop', and it also introduces topics in 'instructies voor internet' and 'voor de sleutels'. Use it before the person, object, or topic that something is intended for or concerns.
haar 'haar' means “her” before 'laptop' in 'haar laptop', but it means “her” as the person receiving the showing in 'haar de kast laten zien'. Its role is determined by whether it comes before a possession or identifies the person involved in the action.
laptop 'laptop' means “laptop” and is the object for which space is needed. It is useful in conversations about a guest’s workspace, devices, or places to work.
Leg 'Leg' means “put” or “place” as a direct instruction in 'Leg de instructies ... op een plek'. It is useful when telling someone where to place an object.
instructies 'instructies' means “instructions” in 'de instructies voor internet'. It refers to practical information a guest can follow, useful for explaining access, equipment, or procedures.
internet 'internet' identifies the subject of the instructions in 'instructies voor internet'. It is useful when discussing access details or guidance for using an internet connection.
op 'op' means “on” or “at” in 'op een plek', indicating the location where the instructions should be placed. Use 'op' with a place expression when specifying where something is positioned.
een 'een' means “a” or “an” in 'een plek' and 'Een kort briefje'. It introduces one non-specific place or note and is useful before a noun when the listener has not yet identified a particular one.
plek 'plek' means “place” or “spot” in 'op een plek waar ze ze gemakkelijk kan vinden'. It is useful for describing a location chosen so that someone can find or reach something.
waar 'waar' means “where” and introduces the clause describing the place: 'waar ze ze gemakkelijk kan vinden'. Use it after a location when adding information about what happens there.
gemakkelijk 'gemakkelijk' means “easily” and describes how the instructions can be found. It is useful with an action to show that the action does not require difficulty or effort.
kan 'kan' means “can” in 'kan vinden', expressing the cousin’s ability or possibility of finding the instructions. It is useful before an infinitive when talking about what someone is able to do.
vinden 'vinden' means “find” in 'kan vinden'. It is the action made possible by 'kan' and is useful with an object when locating a person, thing, or piece of information.
Zullen 'Zullen' introduces a suggestion in the question 'Zullen we extra handdoeken ... leggen?'. The pattern 'Zullen we ...?' is useful when proposing an action for two or more people to consider together.
extra 'extra' means “extra” or “additional” in 'extra handdoeken'. It indicates that the towels are added beyond what is already expected, useful when preparing supplies for a guest.
handdoeken 'handdoeken' means “towels” and refers to the additional towels for the room. It is useful when discussing bathroom supplies or practical items prepared for visitors.
in 'in' means “in” in 'in de kamer', indicating that the towels should be placed inside the room. Use it with a location when something is physically inside that place.
kamer 'kamer' means “room” in 'de kamer'. It identifies the destination for the towels and is useful when discussing where household objects should be placed.
leggen 'leggen' means “put” or “lay” in 'handdoeken in de kamer leggen'. It is the infinitive used after the suggestion 'Zullen we' and is useful for describing placing an object somewhere.
of 'of' means “or” and presents the alternative of showing the cupboard instead of putting the towels in the room. Use it to connect alternatives in a question or choice.
kast 'kast' means “cupboard” or “cabinet” in 'de kast'. It identifies the storage place the cousin might be shown, useful in conversations about where household items are kept.
laten 'laten' is part of 'haar de kast laten zien', the construction meaning “show her the cupboard”. In the reusable pattern of letting or arranging for someone to see something, it connects the person, the object, and 'zien'.
zien 'zien' contributes the idea of seeing inside 'haar de kast laten zien', while the whole construction means “show her the cupboard”. The pattern 'iemand iets laten zien' is useful when presenting an object or location to another person.
Dat 'Dat' means “that” or “it” and refers back to putting the towels in the room. A sentence-initial 'Dat' is useful for commenting on or explaining the effect of a preceding suggestion or action.
geeft 'geeft' means “gives” in 'Dat geeft gasten meer privacy', describing the effect of the proposed arrangement. It is useful when explaining that an action provides someone with a benefit or condition.
gasten 'gasten' means “guests” and refers to people staying in the home. It is useful when discussing hospitality, accommodation, or what visitors need.
meer 'meer' means “more” in 'meer privacy', indicating a greater amount or degree. Use it before a quantity or uncountable benefit when comparing two arrangements.
privacy 'privacy' means “privacy”, the ability to manage personal space without unnecessary contact or explanation. In 'meer privacy', it describes a benefit guests receive when supplies are already in the room.
Ik 'Ik' means “I” and identifies the speaker as the person expressing the intention. It is useful at the start of a sentence about the speaker’s wishes, plans, or preferences.
wil 'wil' means “want” in 'Ik wil ... zijn'. It is followed by an infinitive to state a desired way of acting or being, useful for expressing personal intentions.
ontspannen 'ontspannen' means “relaxed” in 'ontspannen en gastvrij zijn'. It describes the kind of host the speaker wants to be, useful when talking about a calm atmosphere or manner.
en 'en' means “and” and joins the descriptions 'ontspannen' and 'gastvrij'. Use it to connect parallel qualities, actions, or items in a list.
gastvrij 'gastvrij' means “hospitable” or “welcoming” in the description of the host. It is useful when describing a person’s attitude toward visitors or guests.
zijn 'zijn' means “be” in 'ontspannen en gastvrij zijn', following 'wil'. It is useful after a verb of wanting when describing a desired quality or state.
niet 'niet' means “not” and creates the contrast in 'niet iemand die elk detail uitlegt'. It is useful for rejecting or limiting a description, preference, or proposed action.
iemand 'iemand' means “someone” in 'niet iemand die elk detail uitlegt'. The pattern 'iemand die ...' identifies a person by describing what that person does, useful when distinguishing one type of person from another.
die 'die' means “who” in 'iemand die elk detail uitlegt' and introduces information about that person. Use it after a person noun or pronoun to add a describing clause.
elk 'elk' means “every” or “each” before the singular noun 'detail'. It emphasizes that the description covers all individual details, useful when referring to items one by one as a complete set.
detail 'detail' means “detail” in 'elk detail uitlegt'. It refers to one specific piece of information, useful when discussing how much explanation or information someone provides.
uitlegt 'uitlegt' means “explains” in the relative clause 'die elk detail uitlegt'. It describes the person’s action and is useful with an object when saying that someone makes information clear.
briefje 'briefje' means “short note” in 'Een kort briefje'. It refers to a small written message containing practical information, useful when a guest needs concise instructions without a full explanation.
is 'is' means “is” in 'Een kort briefje is genoeg', linking the note with the judgment that it is sufficient. The pattern 'X is genoeg' is useful for saying that no more is needed.
genoeg 'genoeg' means “enough” or “sufficient” in 'Een kort briefje is genoeg'. It expresses that the note provides the required amount of information, useful when deciding whether an action or amount is sufficient.
vooral 'vooral' means “especially” and highlights the most important topics in the note. Use it before a selected item or list when giving particular emphasis.
sleutels 'sleutels' means “keys” and is one of the practical topics covered by the note. It is useful when explaining access to a home, room, or cupboard.
lampen 'lampen' means “lights” or “lamps” and is another topic the guest may need instructions about. It is useful when describing household equipment that a visitor may need to operate.
ontbijt 'ontbijt' means “breakfast” and identifies another practical subject for the note. It is useful when giving a guest information about morning food or arrangements.
Als 'Als' means “if” or “when” in 'Als we het van tevoren klaarmaken', introducing the condition for the result that follows. Use 'Als' plus a clause when describing what happens under a particular condition or at a particular time.
van tevoren 'van tevoren' means “beforehand” or “in advance”. In this expression, 'van' links the action to an earlier time and 'tevoren' supplies that earlier-time reference; together they form one time expression used for planning or preparation.
klaarmaken 'klaarmaken' means “prepare” or “get ready” in 'het van tevoren klaarmaken'. It is useful with an object when arranging something before it is needed, such as a room or meal.
hoeven 'hoeven' contributes the idea of necessity in 'hoeven we ons later niet te haasten'. Together with 'niet te haasten', it means that the speakers will not need to hurry; this pattern is useful for expressing the absence of a requirement.
later 'later' means “later” in 'ons later niet te haasten', referring to a subsequent time. It is useful for locating a future action after the current preparation.
te 'te' has two uses in this dialogue: it introduces the infinitive in 'te haasten', while in 'te formeel' it means “too” and marks an excessive degree. Its meaning therefore depends on whether it comes before an action or before an adjective.
haasten 'haasten' means “hurry” in the reflexive expression 'ons later niet te haasten'. The complete expression says that the speakers will not rush, useful when explaining why advance preparation reduces pressure.
Daardoor 'Daardoor' means “as a result” or “thereby” and connects the preparation with the feeling described afterward. Use it to point from a previous action or situation to its consequence.
voelt 'voelt' means “feels” in 'voelt ze zich welkom'. Together with 'zich' and 'welkom', it describes the cousin’s emotional experience, useful when talking about how an action makes someone feel.
zich 'zich' is the reflexive component in 'voelt ze zich welkom', referring back to the person who feels. It is useful in expressions describing someone’s own emotional or physical state.
welkom 'welkom' means “welcome” in 'voelt ze zich welkom'. The expression 'zich welkom voelen' describes feeling accepted and comfortable as a guest, useful when discussing hospitality.
zonder 'zonder' means “without” in the construction 'zonder dat het bezoek te formeel wordt'. Together with 'dat', it introduces something that does not happen, useful for describing a benefit achieved without an unwanted side effect.
bezoek 'bezoek' means “visit” in 'het bezoek'. It refers to the occasion of the cousin staying, useful when discussing the character or atmosphere of someone’s visit.
formeel 'formeel' means “formal” in 'te formeel'. It describes the style of the visit, and with 'te' it means that the visit becomes more formal than desired.
wordt 'wordt' means “becomes” in 'het bezoek te formeel wordt', describing a change in the character of the visit. It is useful with an adjective when explaining that something develops into a particular state.

Grammar Points

voordat + bijzin: het werkwoord staat achteraan

Voordat nicht aankomt, ruim ik de ruimte op.

vohr-DAHT nikht AHNK-kawmt, ROWM ik duh ROWM-tuh awp

Before the female cousin arrives, I tidy the space.

In een bijzin met voordat staat het werkwoord aan het einde. Na de bijzin komt vaak inversie: ruim ik.

Scheidbare werkwoorden: opruimen → ik ruim ... op

Ik ruim de ruimte op.

ik ROWM duh ROWM-tuh awp

I tidy the space.

Bij een hoofdzin gaat het voorvoegsel op naar het einde; de werkwoordsvorm ruim staat op de tweede plaats.

Dutch Vocabulary

aankomt verb
AHNK-kawmt arrives
bureau noun
byoo-ROH desk
comfortabeler adj
kum-fawr-tah-BAY-lur more comfortable
gemakkelijk adv
khuh-MAHK-uh-luk easily
instructies noun
in-STRUK-sees instructions
logeerkamer noun
loh-KHAYR-kah-mur spare room; guest room
logeren verb
loh-KHAY-run to stay as a guest
nicht noun
nikht female cousin
opruimen verb
awp-ROW-mun to clear up; to tidy
ruimte noun
ROWM-tuh space
vinden verb
VIN-dun to find
voordat conj
vohr-DAHT before

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to clear up; to tidy

Show Answeropruimen

before

Show Answervoordat

space

Show Answerruimte

spare room; guest room

Show Answerlogeerkamer