Politely clarifying a taxi route | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Politely clarifying a taxi route to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Nemen we vanwege het verkeer een andere route?

NAY-muhn wuh vahn-WAY-khuh ut vuh-KAYR uhn AHN-duh-ruh ROO-tuh? Excuse me, are we taking a different route because of traffic?

De weg verderop is geblokkeerd, dus ik moet omrijden.

Duh WEKH VARE-duh-ROP iss khuh-blok-KAYRT, duss ick moot OM-RYE-duh(n). The road ahead is blocked, so I need to take a detour.

Ik vroeg het omdat ik deze buurt niet herken.

Ick vrookh ut om-DAHT ick DAY-zuh BUHRT neet huh-KEN. I was asking because I don't recognize this area.

Deze route is iets langer, maar zo kunnen we blijven doorrijden.

DAY-zuh ROO-tuh iss its LAHNG-ur, mahr zoh KUN-uh(n) wuh BLY-vuh(n) DOHR-RYE-duh(n). This way is a little longer, but it should keep us moving.

Kunnen we, als het mogelijk is, op grotere wegen blijven?

KUN-uh(n) wuh, ahls ut MOH-khuh-luk iss, op KHROH-tuh-ruh WAY-khuh(n) BLY-vuh(n)? Could we stay on larger roads if possible?

Dat kan ik doen.

Daht KAHN ick DOON. I can do that.

Het kan een paar minuten extra kosten.

Ut KAHN uhn PAHR mee-NOOT-uh(n) EX-truh KOS-tuh(n). It may add a few minutes.

Maar dan is de route makkelijker te volgen.

Mahr dahn iss duh ROO-tuh MAH-kuh-luh-kuhr tuh VOL-khuh(n). But it will be easier to follow.

Dat is prima. Ik heb geen haast.

Daht iss PREE-mah. Ick hep khayn HAHST. That works. I'm not in a hurry.

Ik zal vanaf hier de kleine zijstraten vermijden.

Ick zahl vahn-AHF HEER duh KLY-nuh ZYE-strah-tuh(n) vuh-MY-duh(n). I'll avoid the small side streets from here.

Ik waardeer het dat u de route uitlegt.

Ick vahr-DAYR ut daht oo duh ROO-tuh OYT-laykht. I appreciate you explaining the route.

Ik laat het u weten als ik de route weer moet veranderen.

Ick laht ut oo VAY-tuh(n) ahls ick duh ROO-tuh VAYR moot vuh-RAHN-duh-ruh(n). I'll let you know if I need to change it again.

Word by Word

Nemen “Nemen” means “are taking” in the question about the taxi route. In a question such as “Nemen we vanwege het verkeer een andere route?”, it comes before the subject “we”. Use it when asking which route or option someone is taking.

we “We” means “we” and refers to the passenger and driver together. It is the subject after “Nemen” in the route question. Use it when speaking about an action shared by you and another person or group.

vanwege “Vanwege” means “because of” and introduces the reason for taking a different route. Here it is followed by “het verkeer”. Use it before a noun when explaining the cause of a situation.

het In “het verkeer”, “het” is the definite article meaning “the”. It identifies the traffic being discussed as a specific factor affecting the journey. Use it before this noun in the expression for traffic.

verkeer “Verkeer” means “traffic” in the question about the changed route. It is used with the article “het” in “het verkeer”. Use it when discussing road conditions that affect travel.

een “Een” introduces “een andere route”, meaning one different or alternative route. It marks the route as a non-specific option rather than a previously named route. Use it before a singular noun when presenting one option.

andere “Andere” means “different” or “another” and describes the route being taken instead of the expected one. In “een andere route”, it identifies an alternative. Use it before a noun when choosing a different option.

route “Route” means “route” or path through the journey. In “een andere route”, it is the path the taxi may take because of traffic. Use it when discussing or clarifying the way to a destination.

De “De” means “the” before “weg” in “De weg verderop”. The capital letter is used because it begins the sentence; the same article appears as lower-case “de” before “route” later in the dialogue. Use it before a specific noun of this type.

weg “Weg” means “road” in “De weg verderop”. It is the road that is blocked and forces the driver to take a detour. Use it when identifying a road that affects the journey.

verderop “Verderop” means “farther ahead” or “further on”. In “De weg verderop”, it locates the road beyond the speaker’s current position. Use it when referring to something along the route but not right here.

is “Is” means “is” and links “de weg verderop” with its current condition, “geblokkeerd”. It describes the situation as true now. Use it to state the present condition or location of something.

geblokkeerd “Geblokkeerd” means “blocked” and describes the road as unavailable for normal travel. In “De weg verderop is geblokkeerd”, it explains why the driver must change the route. Use it when an obstruction prevents passage.

dus “Dus” means “so” or “therefore”. It connects the blocked road with the consequence “ik moet omrijden”. Use it to introduce a result that follows from the situation just mentioned.

ik “Ik” or sentence-internal “ik” means “I” and refers to the person speaking. It is the subject in statements such as “ik moet omrijden” and “ik deze buurt niet herken”. Use it when the speaker describes their own action, need, or experience.

moet “Moet” expresses that the speaker needs to or must take an action. In “ik moet omrijden”, the blocked road makes taking a detour necessary. Use it before an action when circumstances require it.

omrijden “Omrijden” means “to take a detour” or drive around an obstruction. It follows “moet” in “ik moet omrijden”. Use it when a driver has to take another way because the direct route is unavailable.

vroeg “Vroeg” means “asked” in “Ik vroeg het”. The speaker refers back to the question they asked about the unfamiliar route. Use it when explaining that an earlier question had a particular reason.

omdat “Omdat” means “because” and introduces the reason for asking. In “omdat ik deze buurt niet herken”, it starts the explanation of that reason. Use it to connect a statement with a reason clause.

deze “Deze” means “this” and points to the current area in “deze buurt”. It identifies the neighborhood the speaker is in or referring to now. Use it before a noun for a specific nearby or current thing.

buurt “Buurt” means “area” or “neighborhood”. In “deze buurt niet herken”, it is the area that the speaker does not recognize. Use it when talking about the local part of a town or city.

niet “Niet” means “not” and makes the statement about recognizing the area negative. In “deze buurt niet herken”, it denies recognition of the neighborhood. Use it to negate an action or description.

herken “Herken” means “recognize” in the statement about the unfamiliar neighborhood. The speaker says that this area is not familiar to them. Use it when saying whether you identify a person, place, or thing.

iets “Iets” means “a little” in “iets langer”, not “something”. It slightly reduces the comparison, so the route is only a little longer. Use it before a comparison when describing a small difference.

langer “Langer” means “longer” and compares this route with another route. In “Deze route is iets langer”, the difference concerns the length of the journey or route. Use it when comparing travel distance or duration.

maar “Maar” means “but” and introduces a contrast. The route is longer, but it allows the taxi to keep moving. Use it to connect two statements where one consideration is balanced against another.

zo “Zo” means “this way” or “in this manner” in “zo kunnen we blijven doorrijden”. It refers to taking the route just described and introduces its useful result. Use it to link a chosen method with what that method makes possible.

kunnen “Kunnen” expresses possibility or ability. In “zo kunnen we blijven doorrijden”, it says that continuing to drive is possible; in “Kunnen we, als het mogelijk is, op grotere wegen blijven?”, it helps form a polite request. Use it to ask whether something is possible or say what can happen.

blijven “Blijven” means “keep” in “blijven doorrijden” and “stay” in “op grotere wegen blijven”. The first describes continuing an action, while the second describes remaining on chosen roads. Use it before an action for continuation or with a place or route for remaining there.

doorrijden “Doorrijden” means “continue driving”. In “blijven doorrijden”, it describes keeping the journey moving despite the longer route. Use it when a driver continues travelling instead of stopping.

als “Als” means “if” in “als het mogelijk is”. It introduces the condition under which the passenger wants to stay on larger roads. Use it to make a request dependent on whether something can be done.

mogelijk “Mogelijk” means “possible” in “als het mogelijk is”. It checks whether the requested route choice can be accommodated. Use it when politely allowing for practical limitations.

op “Op” means “on” in “op grotere wegen blijven”. It identifies the roads on which the taxi should remain. Use it with a road or route when describing travel on that surface or path.

grotere “Grotere” means “larger” and describes the roads the passenger prefers. In “grotere wegen”, it contrasts those roads with the small side streets mentioned later. Use it before a noun when comparing the size of possible roads.

wegen “Wegen” means “roads” in “grotere wegen”. These are the roads the passenger asks the driver to use when possible. Use it when discussing multiple roads or route choices.

Dat “Dat” means “that” or “it” in “Dat kan ik doen” and refers back to the request to stay on larger roads. The lower-case form “dat” also appears in “het dat u de route uitlegt”, where it introduces the content of what is appreciated. Use the form either to refer back to an option or to introduce a clause, depending on the construction.

kan “Kan” means “can” in “Dat kan ik doen”, expressing that the driver is able or willing to carry out the request. In “Het kan een paar minuten extra kosten”, it expresses a possible consequence. Use it for ability, permission, or possibility according to the surrounding sentence.

doen “Doen” means “do” in “Dat kan ik doen”. Together with “Dat” and “kan ik”, it confirms that the driver can carry out the requested action. Use it after “kan” when agreeing to perform an action already understood from the conversation.

paar “Paar” means “a few” or “a couple of” in “een paar minuten extra”. It describes a small, non-exact number of minutes. Use it in “een paar” before a plural countable noun.

minuten “Minuten” means “minutes” and measures the additional time the route may require. It appears in “een paar minuten extra”. Use it when giving a duration or time estimate.

extra “Extra” means “additional” in “een paar minuten extra”. It says that these minutes are added to the expected travel time. Use it when describing an amount that is added to what was already expected.

kosten “Kosten” means “cost” in “Het kan een paar minuten extra kosten”. Here the subject is the route choice, and the thing it may cost is extra time. Use it when stating what an action or choice requires in time or another measurable amount.

dan “Dan” means “then” or “in that case” in “Maar dan is de route makkelijker te volgen”. It connects the agreed route choice with its consequence. Use it after a condition or decision when explaining what follows.

makkelijker “Makkelijker” means “easier” in “makkelijker te volgen”. It describes the route as easier for the passenger to follow. Use it before “te” and an infinitive when comparing how easy an action is.

te “Te” is the marker before the infinitive “volgen” in “makkelijker te volgen”. The combination means “easier to follow”, so “te” does not stand alone as a separate action. Use it in this adjective-plus-infinitive construction.

volgen “Volgen” means “follow” in “de route makkelijker te volgen”. The route is described as easier for the passenger to follow or understand. Use it for following a route, directions, or another path.

prima “Prima” means “fine” or “okay” in “Dat is prima”. The passenger uses it to accept the driver’s proposed route and extra time. Use it to show that an arrangement or suggestion is acceptable.

heb “Heb” means “have” in “Ik heb geen haast”. With “geen haast”, it expresses that the speaker is not in a hurry. Use this construction when telling someone that extra time is acceptable.

geen “Geen” means “no” or “not any” and negates the noun “haast” in “Ik heb geen haast”. It says that the speaker has no hurry or urgency. Use it before a noun when saying that there is none of something.

haast “Haast” means “hurry” or urgency in “geen haast”. The full expression “Ik heb geen haast” tells the driver that the passenger is not pressed for time. Use it with “hebben” when discussing whether someone is in a hurry.

zal “Zal” expresses a future intention or commitment in “Ik zal vanaf hier de kleine zijstraten vermijden”. The driver is promising what they will do from the current point onward. Use it when stating a planned or promised action.

vanaf “Vanaf” means “from” or “starting from” in “vanaf hier”. It marks the point at which the driver will begin avoiding the side streets. Use it to specify a starting place or point in a route.

hier “Hier” means “here” and refers to the taxi’s current position. In “vanaf hier”, it marks the place from which the new route choice will apply. Use it when referring to the speaker’s present location.

kleine “Kleine” means “small” and describes the side streets the driver plans to avoid. In “de kleine zijstraten”, it identifies the narrower or less significant streets in the route. Use it before a noun when describing something as small.

zijstraten “Zijstraten” means “side streets”. These are the smaller streets the driver will avoid after the current point. Use it when distinguishing side streets from the larger roads preferred by the passenger.

vermijden “Vermijden” means “avoid” in “de kleine zijstraten vermijden”. The driver will deliberately not use those streets. Use it when describing a route choice that keeps away from a road, place, or situation.

waardeer “Waardeer” means “appreciate” in the polite thanks “Ik waardeer het dat u de route uitlegt”. It expresses gratitude for the driver’s explanation. Use it with “het dat” when appreciating the fact that someone does something.

u “U” is the formal form of “you”. In “dat u de route uitlegt”, it refers to the driver as the person explaining the route; in “Ik laat het u weten”, it refers to the person who will receive the information. Use it when addressing someone formally or politely.

uitlegt “Uitlegt” means “explains” in “dat u de route uitlegt”. It describes the driver giving an explanation of the route, and it appears at the end of the clause introduced by “dat”. Use it when someone explains a route, plan, or situation.

laat “Laat” is part of “Ik laat het u weten”, the expression meaning “I’ll let you know”. In this construction, it helps communicate that the driver will give the passenger information; “weten” supplies the idea of knowing. Use it when promising to provide someone with an update.

weten “Weten” means “know”, but in “Ik laat het u weten” it forms the expression “I’ll let you know”. The complete construction means that the driver will inform the passenger if the route changes again. Use it when promising to give someone information later.

weer “Weer” means “again” in “de route weer moet veranderen”. It indicates that another route change may happen after the current change. Use it when an action may be repeated.

veranderen “Veranderen” means “change” in “de route weer moet veranderen”. It refers to altering the route once more if necessary. Use it when a plan, route, or arrangement may need to be different.

Grammar Points

omdat + bijzin: werkwoord achteraan

Ik neem een andere route omdat het verkeer verderop geblokkeerd is.

Ick NAYM uhn AHN-duh-ruh ROO-tuh om-DAHT ut vuh-KAYR VAIR-duh-ROP khuh-blok-KAYRT iss.

I’m taking a different route because the traffic is blocked further ahead.

After omdat, the conjugated verb moves to the end of the subordinate clause.

als + bijzin, hoofdzin

Als het mogelijk is, vermijden we de zijstraten.

Ahls ut MOH-khuh-luk iss, vuh-MY-duh(n) wuh duh ZYE-strah-tuh(n).

If possible, we avoid the side streets.

An als-clause can come first; the main clause then starts with the verb before the subject.

Dutch Vocabulary

ander adj

AHN-duhr different; another andere

een andere route

blokkeren verb

blok-KAY-ruh(n) to block geblokkeerd

is geblokkeerd

dus conj

DUSS so; therefore

nemen verb

NAY-muhn to take Nemen

Nemen we vanwege het verkeer een andere route?

omdat conj

om-DAHT because

omrijden verb

OM-RYE-duh(n) to take a detour

route noun

ROO-tuh route

vanwege prep

vahn-WAY-khuh because of

vanwege het verkeer

verderop adv

VAIR-duh-ROP further ahead

verkeer noun

vuh-KAYR traffic

het verkeer

vragen verb

VRAH-khuh(n) to ask vroeg

Ik vroeg het

weg noun

WEKH road

De weg verderop

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I can do that.

Show Answer

Dat kan ik doen.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to block

Show Answer

geblokkeerd

further ahead

Show Answer

verderop

traffic

Show Answer

verkeer

to take

Show Answer

Nemen