Finding an accessible route at a station | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Finding an accessible route at a station to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Pardon, is er een toegankelijke route naar het juiste perron?

par-DON, iss er un TOO-khahn-kuh-luh-kuh ROO-tuh nar ut YOW-stuh peh-RON? Excuse me, is there an accessible way to reach the correct platform?

De dichtstbijzijnde lift is op dit moment gesloten voor onderhoud.

duh DIKHTS-bye-ZEN-duh lift iss op dit moh-MENT khuh-SLOH-tuh vohr ON-der-HOWT. The closest elevator is closed for maintenance at the moment.

Dat kan lastig zijn met mijn zware koffer.

daht kahn LAHS-tikh zine met mine ZWAH-ruh KOF-er. That might be difficult with my heavy suitcase.

Neem de lift bij de noordelijke ingang. U moet dan een klein stukje extra lopen.

NAYM duh lift bye duh NOHR-duh-luh-kuh ING-ahng. Yoo moot dahn un STUHK-yuh EKH-strah LOH-puh. Use the elevator by the north entrance. It adds a short walk.

Kunt u me de weg wijzen, of zijn de borden makkelijk te volgen?

Koont yoo muh duh WEKH WHY-zuh, of zine duh BOR-duh MAH-kuh-luhk tuh VOL-khuhn? Could you point me toward it, or are the signs easy to follow?

Loop langs de kaartjesautomaten en volg daarna de blauwe borden.

LOHP lahngs duh KAHR-chuhs-ow-toh-MAH-tuhn un volkh dar-NAH duh BLOW-uh BOR-duh. Go past the ticket machines, then follow the blue signs.

Zal ik de trein nog halen voordat die vertrekt?

Zahl ik duh trine nokh HAH-luhn vohr-DAHT dee ver-TREKHT? Will I still reach the train before it leaves?

Als u nu vertrekt, zou u daar ruim op tijd moeten komen.

Ahls yoo new ver-TREKHT, zow yoo dahr ROWM op TITE MOO-tuhn KOH-muhn. If you leave now, you should get there with time to spare.

Ik ga nu die kant op.

Ik khah new dee kahnt op. I'll head that way now.

Vraag het personeel bij de poort om hulp als u onderweg hulp nodig hebt.

Vrahkh ut per-soh-NAYL bye duh POHRT om HUHLP ahls yoo on-der-WEKH HUHLP NOH-dikh hept. Ask the gate staff if you need help on the way.

Word by Word

Pardon “Pardon” is a polite way to get someone’s attention before asking for help. In this dialogue, the traveler uses it at a station when speaking to staff: “Pardon, is er een toegankelijke route naar het juiste perron?”

is “is” means “is” in the existence question “is er een toegankelijke route”. Together with “er”, it asks whether an accessible route exists or is available. The pattern “is er” is useful when asking whether something is present or available.

er “er” is the placeholder used in “is er een toegankelijke route” to introduce what exists or is available; it does not mean a specific location here. The pattern “is er” is useful for asking whether something exists or can be found.

een “een” means “a” or “an” and introduces the non-specific route in “een toegankelijke route”. It comes directly before the noun phrase it introduces, as in “een toegankelijke route” when asking about an available option.

toegankelijke “toegankelijke” means “accessible” and describes the route in “een toegankelijke route”. It is used before the noun to identify a route suitable for reaching the platform with access needs. This kind of adjective-plus-noun pattern is useful when describing a route or facility.

route “route” means “route” or “way” in “een toegankelijke route”. In “een toegankelijke route naar het juiste perron”, it names the path leading toward a destination. The pattern “route naar” connects a route with the place it leads to.

naar “naar” means “to” or “toward” in “naar het juiste perron”. It marks the destination of the route. The pattern “route naar” is useful when describing a way to a particular place.

het “het” means “the” in “het juiste perron” and introduces the specific platform the traveler needs. It forms a definite noun phrase with “juiste perron”. The same article appears in station phrases such as “het personeel bij de poort”.

juiste “juiste” means “correct” or “right” in “het juiste perron”. It identifies the platform intended for this traveler’s train rather than just any platform. It is placed before the noun in this descriptive phrase.

perron “perron” means “platform” in the station question “naar het juiste perron”. It is the destination the traveler is trying to reach. The phrase “het juiste perron” is useful when distinguishing one station platform from another.

De “De” means “the” at the beginning of “De dichtstbijzijnde lift”. It introduces the specific elevator being discussed, and it is capitalized because it starts the sentence. The same article appears in lowercase inside phrases such as “bij de noordelijke ingang”.

dichtstbijzijnde “dichtstbijzijnde” means “closest” or “nearest” in “De dichtstbijzijnde lift”. It identifies the elevator that is nearest to the traveler’s current position. This form is useful when selecting the nearest option among several facilities.

lift “lift” means “elevator” in “De dichtstbijzijnde lift”. It names the facility that is closed and later the alternative elevator to use. The dialogue reuses it in “Neem de lift bij de noordelijke ingang” when giving directions.

op “op” means “at” in the time expression “op dit moment”. It helps place the situation at the present time, so “op dit moment gesloten” means closed at the moment. The expression “op dit moment” is useful for describing a current condition.

dit “dit” means “this” in “op dit moment” and points to the current moment. It helps specify that the elevator is closed now, not generally. The phrase “op dit moment” is a common way to describe what is happening at present.

moment “moment” means “moment” or “time” in “op dit moment”. Together with “op dit”, it refers to the present time of speaking. The full phrase “op dit moment” is useful when reporting a current situation.

gesloten “gesloten” means “closed” in “op dit moment gesloten voor onderhoud”. It describes the elevator’s current unavailable state. The pattern “is op dit moment gesloten” is useful for explaining that a facility cannot currently be used.

voor “voor” means “for” in “gesloten voor onderhoud”. It connects the closure with its reason or purpose: maintenance. The phrase “voor onderhoud” is useful when explaining why a facility or service is unavailable.

onderhoud “onderhoud” means “maintenance” in “gesloten voor onderhoud”. It names the work being carried out while the elevator is unavailable. The phrase “gesloten voor onderhoud” is useful in public places when explaining a temporary closure.

Dat “Dat” means “that” and refers to the situation just described in “Dat kan lastig zijn”. The traveler uses it to comment on the alternative route and its effect on the heavy suitcase. This is useful for reacting to a previous statement without repeating the whole situation.

kan “kan” expresses possibility in “Dat kan lastig zijn”, meaning that the situation might be difficult. Here it does not describe physical ability; it makes the assessment less absolute. The pattern “kan ... zijn” is useful for saying that something may have a particular quality or result.

lastig “lastig” means “difficult” or “inconvenient” in “Dat kan lastig zijn”. It describes the extra route as a problem because of the suitcase. The pattern “kan lastig zijn” is useful when explaining that a situation may cause difficulty.

zijn “zijn” means “be” in “Dat kan lastig zijn” and completes the description of the situation as difficult. It follows “lastig” in this expression after “kan”. The phrase “kan lastig zijn” is useful for giving a cautious assessment.

met “met” means “with” in “met mijn zware koffer”. It introduces the suitcase as the circumstance that makes the extra route difficult. The pattern “lastig ... met” is useful when explaining difficulty in connection with a particular object or situation.

mijn “mijn” means “my” and identifies the suitcase as belonging to the traveler in “mijn zware koffer”. It comes before the descriptive word and noun. The pattern “mijn” plus a noun is useful when referring to something the speaker owns or is carrying.

zware “zware” means “heavy” in “mijn zware koffer”. It describes the suitcase and explains why the additional walking may be difficult. It is placed before “koffer” as part of the noun phrase.

koffer “koffer” means “suitcase” in “mijn zware koffer”. It names the object the traveler is carrying. This phrase is useful when explaining that luggage affects the ease of a route.

Neem “Neem” means “take” or “use” in the instruction “Neem de lift bij de noordelijke ingang”. It tells the traveler which elevator to choose. This imperative is useful when directing someone toward a particular transport option or facility.

bij “bij” means “by” or “near” in “bij de noordelijke ingang”. It locates the elevator next to or near the northern entrance. The pattern “bij” plus a landmark is useful when giving directions.

noordelijke “noordelijke” means “northern” in “de noordelijke ingang”. It identifies the entrance by its direction so the traveler can distinguish it from other entrances. It appears before “ingang” as part of the location description.

ingang “ingang” means “entrance” in “bij de noordelijke ingang”. It names the landmark used to locate the alternative elevator. The phrase “bij de noordelijke ingang” is useful for giving a precise place in a station or building.

U “U” is the polite form of “you” in “U moet dan een klein stukje extra lopen”. It addresses the traveler respectfully; the same pronoun appears as lowercase “u” elsewhere in the dialogue. The pattern “U moet” is useful when giving a direct instruction or describing what someone needs to do.

moet “moet” means “must” or “need to” in “U moet dan een klein stukje extra lopen”. It presents the extra walking as a consequence of using the alternative elevator. The pattern “moet” followed by an action is useful for stating a necessary step.

dan “dan” means “then” in “U moet dan een klein stukje extra lopen”. It marks the consequence that follows from taking the elevator by the northern entrance. It is useful for ordering or connecting one instruction with what happens afterward.

klein “klein” means “small” in “een klein stukje extra lopen”. With “stukje”, it describes the additional distance as short rather than large. This phrase is useful when reassuring someone that an extra walk is limited.

stukje “stukje” means “short stretch” or “little piece” in “een klein stukje extra lopen”. Here it refers to a short distance that must be walked, not to a physical piece of an object. The phrase “een klein stukje ... lopen” is useful when describing a brief additional walk.

extra “extra” means “extra” or “additional” in “een klein stukje extra lopen”. It shows that the walking is added to the normal route because the closest elevator is closed. This is useful when explaining an additional distance, step, or task.

lopen “lopen” means “walk” in “een klein stukje extra lopen”. It names the action required after taking the alternative elevator. The pattern “een stukje ... lopen” is useful when describing how far someone must go on foot.

Kunt “Kunt” means “can” or “could” in the polite request “Kunt u me de weg wijzen”. It asks staff for assistance without giving a direct command. The pattern “Kunt u ...?” is useful when making a respectful request.

me “me” means “me” in “Kunt u me de weg wijzen”. It identifies the traveler as the person who should receive the directions. The pattern “me ... wijzen” is useful when asking someone to show or point something out to the speaker.

weg “weg” means “way” or “direction” in the expression “de weg wijzen”. It is part of the request for someone to show the traveler how to get to the elevator. The full phrase “de weg wijzen” is useful when asking for directions.

wijzen “wijzen” means “point” or “show the way” in “de weg wijzen”. Together with “de weg”, it describes giving directions rather than simply pointing at an object. The phrase “de weg wijzen” is useful when asking someone to direct you.

of “of” means “or” and connects the two alternatives in “Kunt u me de weg wijzen, of zijn de borden makkelijk te volgen?”. The traveler asks either for personal directions or whether the signs are sufficient. It is useful for presenting alternative questions or options.

borden “borden” means “signs” in “de blauwe borden”. It refers to the station signs that guide the traveler toward the elevator. The phrase “volg de ... borden” is useful when giving directions based on posted signs.

makkelijk “makkelijk” means “easy” in “makkelijk te volgen”. It describes the signs as easy for the traveler to follow. The pattern “makkelijk te” plus an action is useful for saying that an activity can be done without much difficulty.

te “te” introduces the action in “makkelijk te volgen”. It links the description “makkelijk” to the action of following the signs. The pattern “makkelijk te volgen” is useful for describing whether an action is easy to carry out.

volgen “volgen” means “follow” in “makkelijk te volgen”. It describes using the signs as guidance through the station. The same action appears as the instruction “volg daarna de blauwe borden” when staff give directions.

Loop “Loop” means “walk” or “go on foot” in the instruction “Loop langs de kaartjesautomaten”. It tells the traveler how to begin the route. This imperative is useful when giving step-by-step directions through a place.

langs “langs” means “past” or “along” in “Loop langs de kaartjesautomaten”. It tells the traveler to walk past the ticket machines on the way. The pattern “langs” plus a landmark is useful for describing a route.

kaartjesautomaten “kaartjesautomaten” means “ticket machines” in “langs de kaartjesautomaten”. These machines are used as a landmark in the station directions. The phrase “langs de kaartjesautomaten” is useful when identifying a point someone should pass.

en “en” means “and” in “Loop langs de kaartjesautomaten en volg daarna de blauwe borden”. It joins two sequential instructions given to the traveler. It is useful for linking actions that belong to the same route or task.

volg “volg” means “follow” in the instruction “volg daarna de blauwe borden”. It tells the traveler to use the blue signs as guidance after passing the ticket machines. This imperative is useful when directing someone to follow signs, a route, or another guide.

daarna “daarna” means “after that” or “then” in “volg daarna de blauwe borden”. It shows that following the blue signs comes after walking past the ticket machines. It is useful for making the order of directions clear.

blauwe “blauwe” means “blue” in “de blauwe borden”. It identifies which signs the traveler should follow by their color. The pattern of a color before a noun is useful when several signs or objects need to be distinguished.

Zal “Zal” introduces the future-oriented question “Zal ik de trein nog halen?”. It helps the traveler ask whether catching the train will still be possible after taking the longer route. The pattern “Zal ik ...?” is useful when asking about a likely future result.

ik “ik” means “I” and identifies the traveler as the subject in “Zal ik de trein nog halen?”. The same pronoun appears capitalized as “Ik” at the start of “Ik ga nu die kant op.” Capitalization changes at the start of a sentence, but the pronoun refers to the speaker in both cases.

trein “trein” means “train” in “de trein nog halen”. It is the vehicle the traveler is trying to catch before departure. The pattern “de trein halen” is useful when talking about reaching a train in time.

nog “nog” means “still” in “de trein nog halen”. It shows that the traveler is asking whether catching the train remains possible despite the detour. The phrase “nog halen” is useful when checking whether there is still enough time for something.

halen “halen” means “catch” or “reach in time” in “de trein nog halen”. With “de trein”, it means arriving in time to board the train, not merely reaching it physically. The pattern “de trein halen” is useful when discussing whether a departure can still be caught.

voordat “voordat” means “before” in “voordat die vertrekt”. It introduces the departure event that must happen after the traveler reaches the train. The pattern “voordat” plus an event is useful for setting a time limit.

die “die” means “it” or “that one” in “voordat die vertrekt” and refers back to “de trein”. It lets the speaker mention the train again without repeating the noun. This kind of reference is useful when the thing being discussed is already clear.

vertrekt “vertrekt” means “leaves” or “departs” in “voordat die vertrekt”. It describes the train’s departure, which is the deadline for catching it. The phrase “voordat die vertrekt” is useful when explaining that something must happen before a vehicle leaves.

Als “Als” means “if” in “Als u nu vertrekt”. It introduces the condition under which the traveler should arrive with spare time. The pattern “Als” followed by a condition is useful for giving conditional advice or information.

nu “nu” means “now” in “Als u nu vertrekt”. It sets the required starting time for the traveler’s route. This word is useful when giving immediate instructions or describing the present moment.

zou “zou” makes the prediction in “zou u daar ruim op tijd moeten komen” tentative and expected rather than completely certain. Together with “moeten komen”, it expresses the staff member’s assessment of the likely result if the traveler leaves now. This pattern is useful for giving a cautious expectation or recommendation.

daar “daar” means “there” in “zou u daar ruim op tijd moeten komen”. It refers to the destination the traveler is trying to reach, such as the platform or train. The pattern “daar komen” is useful when talking about getting to a previously mentioned place.

ruim “ruim” means “well” or “comfortably” in the time expression “ruim op tijd”. It indicates that the traveler should arrive with time to spare, not just exactly on time. The phrase “ruim op tijd” is useful when reassuring someone about a deadline.

tijd “tijd” means “time” in “ruim op tijd”. It is part of the expression describing arrival before the necessary deadline. The phrase “op tijd” is useful when discussing whether someone arrives before an event or departure.

moeten “moeten” contributes the meaning “should” or “be expected to” in “moeten komen”. With “zou”, it presents arriving there as the expected result if the traveler leaves now. The pattern “moeten komen” is useful for expressing an expected or necessary arrival.

komen “komen” means “come” or “get to a place” in “daar ... komen”. It describes reaching the destination with enough time remaining. The phrase “daar komen” is useful when referring to getting to a place already identified in the conversation.

ga “ga” means “go” in “Ik ga nu die kant op”. It tells the staff member that the traveler is heading in that direction now. The pattern “Ik ga ...” is useful for announcing an immediate movement or decision.

kant “kant” means “side” or “direction” in “die kant op”. Together, the phrase means “that way” and identifies the direction in which the traveler will go. This expression is useful when indicating a direction without naming the destination again.

Vraag “Vraag” means “ask” in the instruction “Vraag het personeel bij de poort om hulp”. It advises the traveler to request assistance from the gate staff if necessary. This imperative is useful when giving practical advice about getting help.

personeel “personeel” means “staff” in “het personeel bij de poort”. It refers to the employees available at the gate to assist the traveler. The pattern “het personeel bij” is useful when identifying staff by their location.

poort “poort” means “gate” in “bij de poort”. It identifies where the relevant staff can be found. The phrase “het personeel bij de poort” is useful for directing someone to staff at a station gate.

om “om” marks what is being requested in “Vraag het personeel bij de poort om hulp”. Together with “hulp”, it means asking the staff for help. The pattern “iemand vragen om hulp” is represented here by the exact phrase “het personeel bij de poort om hulp”.

hulp “hulp” means “help” in “om hulp” and again in “hulp nodig hebt”. It refers both to the assistance the traveler may request and to assistance the traveler may need on the way. These phrases are useful when asking for or describing practical support.

onderweg “onderweg” means “on the way” in “als u onderweg hulp nodig hebt”. It refers to the period while the traveler is following the route to the platform. This word is useful for describing something that happens during a journey or while moving toward a destination.

nodig “nodig” means “needed” in the construction “hulp nodig hebt”, which expresses needing help. It describes help as necessary for the traveler. The exact pattern “hulp nodig hebt” is useful when explaining that assistance may be required.

hebt “hebt” means “have” in “als u onderweg hulp nodig hebt”. Together with “nodig”, it forms the expression for needing something, here help. The pattern “u ... nodig hebt” is useful when telling someone that they need a particular kind of assistance.

Grammar Points

voordat + bijzin

voordat de trein vertrekt

vohr-DAHT duh trine ver-TREKHT

before the train leaves

Na voordat komt een bijzin; het vervoegde werkwoord staat aan het einde.

de + bijvoeglijk naamwoord op -e

de juiste route

duh YOW-stuh ROO-tuh

the correct route

Na de krijgt een bijvoeglijk naamwoord vóór het zelfstandig naamwoord meestal een -e.

Dutch Vocabulary

dichtbij adj

DIKHT-BYE nearby dichtstbijzijnde

gesloten adj

khuh-SLOH-tuh closed

juist adj

YOWST correct juiste

koffer noun

KOF-er suitcase

lastig adj

LAHS-tikh difficult

lift noun

lift elevator

onderhoud noun

ON-der-HOWT maintenance

op dit moment phrase

op dit moh-MENT at the moment

perron noun

peh-RON platform

route noun

ROO-tuh route

toegankelijk adj

TOO-khahn-kuh-luhk accessible toegankelijke

zwaar adj

ZWAHR heavy zware

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I'll head that way now.

Show Answer

Ik ga nu die kant op.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

elevator

Show Answer

lift

maintenance

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onderhoud

closed

Show Answer

gesloten

platform

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perron