Fixing a ride-share pickup mix-up | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: Outside a station, two adults fix a ride-share pickup mix-up by correcting the entrance, messaging the driver, and waiting near the taxi stand..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Fixing a ride-share pickup mix-up to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

De chauffeur van mijn rit kan het ophaalpunt niet vinden.

duh shoh-FOOR vahn mine rit kahn ut OH-pahl-poont neet VIN-dun. My ride-share driver can't find the pickup point.
B

Controleer of je locatiepin aan dezelfde kant van het station staat.

kon-troh-LEER of yuh loh-tsah-TEE-ping ahn DEH-zel-fuh kahnt vahn ut stah-SYOHN staht. Check whether your location pin is on the same side of the station.
A

De pin laat de achteringang zien, maar ik ben bij de hoofdingang.

duh pin laht duh AKH-ter-ingahng zeen, mahr ik ben bite duh HOHFT-ingahng. The pin shows the back entrance, but I'm at the main entrance.
B

Stuur de chauffeur nu een bericht voordat de rit wordt geannuleerd.

styur duh shoh-FOOR noo un buh-RIKHT vohr-DAHT duh rit vurt guh-ah-nuh-LAYRT. Message the driver now before the ride gets cancelled.
A

Ik zal zeggen dat ik naast de taxistandplaats sta.

ik zahl ZEG-un daht ik nahst duh TAK-see-stahnt-plahts stah. I'll say I'm beside the taxi stand.
B

Noem ook de kleur van je jas, zodat de chauffeur je kan zien.

noom ohk duh klur vahn yuh yahs, zoh-DAHT duh shoh-FOOR yuh kahn zeen. Mention your jacket color too, so the driver can spot you.
A

Wat moet ik doen als de auto wegrijdt voordat de chauffeur me vindt?

vaht moot ik doon ahls duh OW-toh VEKH-rite vohr-DAHT duh shoh-FOOR muh vindt? What should I do if the car leaves before finding me?
B

Gebruik de app om de vergissing uit te leggen en een nieuwe rit aan te vragen.

guh-BROYK duh ap om duh ver-GIS-sing oyt tuh LEH-gun en un NOO-wuh rit AHN tuh VRAH-gun. Use the app to explain the mix-up and request another ride.
A

De chauffeur heeft geantwoord en zal binnenkort omkeren.

duh shoh-FOOR hayft guh-AHNT-vohrt en zahl bih-nuh-KOORT OM-kay-run. The driver replied and will turn around soon.
B

Blijf in de buurt van de taxistandplaats totdat de auto aankomt.

blife in duh byurt vahn duh TAK-see-stahnt-plahts toht-DAHT duh OW-toh AHN-koomt. Stay near the taxi stand until the car arrives.

Word by Word

De “De” means “the” here and introduces the definite noun “chauffeur” in “De chauffeur van mijn rit”. It is used before this noun phrase when referring to the specific driver, for example in “de taxistandplaats” for the specific taxi stand.
chauffeur “Chauffeur” means “driver” in “De chauffeur van mijn rit”. In this lesson it refers to the ride-share driver, and it can be reused with a possessive or relationship phrase such as “de chauffeur van mijn rit”.
van “Van” links “chauffeur” to “mijn rit” in “De chauffeur van mijn rit”, meaning that the driver is associated with the ride. A reliable reuse pattern is “de [person] van [thing]” when identifying someone by their connection to something.
mijn “Mijn” means “my” in “mijn rit” and shows that the ride belongs to or is arranged for the speaker. It is placed directly before the noun, as in “mijn rit”.
rit “Rit” means “ride” in “mijn rit” and “de rit wordt geannuleerd”. In this dialogue it refers to the booked vehicle journey, and it can be reused in phrases such as “een nieuwe rit”.
kan “Kan” expresses ability in “kan het ophaalpunt niet vinden”: the driver is unable to find the pickup point. It is followed by the infinitive “vinden”, as in “kan [object] vinden”.
het “Het” means “the” in “het ophaalpunt” and introduces the specific pickup point. It is also used for “it” in other contexts, but here it is the definite article before “ophaalpunt”.
ophaalpunt “Ophaalpunt” means “pickup point” in “het ophaalpunt niet vinden”. It names the place where the driver should collect the passenger, and it can be reused after a definite or indefinite article, such as “een ophaalpunt”.
niet “Niet” negates the finding in “kan het ophaalpunt niet vinden”, so the driver cannot find the pickup point. It commonly appears before the remaining verb phrase being negated, as in “niet vinden”.
vinden “Vinden” means “find” in “kan het ophaalpunt niet vinden”. It follows the ability verb “kan” in this sentence, and the same pattern can be used with another object, such as “kan mijn tas vinden” in a new example.
Controleer “Controleer” is a direct instruction meaning “check” in “Controleer of je locatiepin ... staat”. It is used when asking someone to verify information, commonly followed by “of” and the point being checked.
of “Of” introduces the question to be checked in “Controleer of je locatiepin ... staat”, meaning “whether” or “if”. It commonly introduces a subordinate clause after verbs such as “controleren”.
je “Je” has two functions in this dialogue: it means “your” in “je locatiepin” and “you” in “de chauffeur je kan zien”. Its meaning comes from its position before a noun or as the object of “zien”.
locatiepin “Locatiepin” means “location pin” in “je locatiepin”. It refers to the map marker showing the passenger’s location, and it can be reused with a possessive such as “mijn locatiepin” in a new example.
aan “Aan” expresses the pin’s position in “aan dezelfde kant van het station staat”, meaning that it is on or at the same side of the station. The reusable location pattern here is “aan dezelfde kant van [place]”.
dezelfde “Dezelfde” means “the same” in “dezelfde kant van het station”. It identifies one side as matching another already understood side, and it commonly appears directly before the noun it specifies.
kant “Kant” means “side” in “aan dezelfde kant van het station”. Here it identifies one side of the station, and it can be reused in the pattern “aan de [same/different] kant van [place]”.
station “Station” means “station” in “het station”. It is the reference point used to describe the location of the pin, and it can be used after “van” in a location phrase such as “de ingang van het station” in a new example.
staat “Staat” describes the location of the pin in “je locatiepin aan dezelfde kant van het station staat”. Here it means that the pin is positioned or appears there, rather than describing a person standing.
pin “Pin” means “pin” in “De pin laat de achteringang zien” and refers to the map marker. In this sentence it is the thing that displays the entrance, so the useful pattern is “de pin laat [place] zien”.
laat In “De pin laat de achteringang zien”, “laat ... zien” is the construction meaning “shows”. “Laat” contributes to this showing construction and is useful when describing what a screen, map, or sign displays.
achteringang “Achteringang” means “back entrance” in “De pin laat de achteringang zien”. It identifies the entrance at the rear of the station, and it can be reused after an article, such as “bij de achteringang” in a new example.
zien “Zien” means “see” in “De pin laat de achteringang zien”; within “laat ... zien”, the whole expression means “show”. It also appears in “de chauffeur je kan zien”, where it refers to the driver seeing or spotting the passenger.
maar “Maar” means “but” and contrasts the back entrance shown by the pin with the main entrance where the speaker is standing. It commonly connects two contrasting statements, as in “De pin laat ... zien, maar ik ben ...”.
ik “Ik” means “I” and identifies the speaker in “ik ben bij de hoofdingang” and “Ik zal zeggen”. It is used as the subject of a statement about the speaker’s location or intention.
ben “Ben” means “am” in “ik ben bij de hoofdingang” and describes the speaker’s location. It is commonly followed by a location phrase such as “bij de hoofdingang”.
bij “Bij” means “at” or “near” in “bij de hoofdingang”. It places the speaker close to a specific location, and it can be reused before another place, person, or point of reference.
hoofdingang “Hoofdingang” means “main entrance” in “bij de hoofdingang”. It identifies the principal entrance of the station, and it can be used after a location preposition such as “bij”.
Stuur “Stuur” is an instruction meaning “send” in “Stuur de chauffeur nu een bericht”. This sentence uses a recipient and a thing being sent, so a useful pattern is “Stuur [person] [message]”.
nu “Nu” means “now” in “Stuur de chauffeur nu een bericht” and makes the instruction immediate. It can be placed near the verb to indicate when an action should happen.
een “Een” means “a” in “een bericht” and introduces one non-specific message. It is placed directly before the noun, as in “een nieuwe rit” elsewhere in the dialogue.
bericht “Bericht” means “message” in “Stuur de chauffeur nu een bericht”. It is the thing sent to the driver, and it can be reused with a verb such as “een bericht sturen”.
voordat “Voordat” means “before” in “voordat de rit wordt geannuleerd”. It introduces the event that should not happen first, and it is useful for giving a deadline or warning before another event.
wordt “Wordt” is part of “wordt geannuleerd” in “de rit wordt geannuleerd”, meaning that the ride gets cancelled. Together with “geannuleerd”, it describes the ride undergoing the cancellation.
geannuleerd “Geannuleerd” means “cancelled” in “de rit wordt geannuleerd”. It describes what happens to the ride in the passive expression “wordt geannuleerd”, which is useful when the cancelled item is the focus.
zal “Zal” expresses a future intention in “Ik zal zeggen”. It is followed by the infinitive “zeggen”, and the pattern “zal [verb]” can be used for a future action or promise.
zeggen “Zeggen” means “say” in “Ik zal zeggen dat ik ... sta”. It follows “zal” and introduces what the speaker intends to communicate, often followed by “dat” and a complete clause.
dat “Dat” introduces the content of what the speaker will say in “zal zeggen dat ik naast de taxistandplaats sta”. It links a reporting verb to the statement being reported.
naast “Naast” means “beside” or “next to” in “naast de taxistandplaats”. It gives the speaker’s position relative to the taxi stand, and it is placed before the location reference.
taxistandplaats “Taxistandplaats” means “taxi stand” in “naast de taxistandplaats” and “in de buurt van de taxistandplaats”. It names the designated place for taxis and can be reused with different location phrases.
sta “Sta” means “stand” or “am standing” in “naast de taxistandplaats sta”. Here it describes the speaker’s position while waiting, and it can be used after a location phrase such as “bij de ingang sta” in a new example.
Noem “Noem” is an instruction meaning “mention” or “name” in “Noem ook de kleur van je jas”. It asks someone to provide identifying information, and it is commonly followed by the thing to be mentioned.
ook “Ook” means “also” or “too” in “Noem ook de kleur van je jas”. It adds the jacket color to the information already being communicated and can be placed before the added item or action.
kleur “Kleur” means “color” in “de kleur van je jas”. It identifies a visual detail used to recognize someone, and the pattern “de kleur van [object]” specifies whose or what color it is.
jas “Jas” means “jacket” in “je jas”. It is the item whose color the speaker should mention so the driver can identify them, and it can be used after a possessive such as “mijn jas”.
zodat “Zodat” means “so that” in “zodat de chauffeur je kan zien” and introduces the purpose or intended result of mentioning the jacket color. It commonly connects an action with the result that action should make possible.
spot The supplied unit “spot” does not occur in the Dutch dialogue. The corresponding idea is expressed by “zien” in “de chauffeur je kan zien”, meaning that the driver can see or spot the passenger.
Wat “Wat” means “what” in “Wat moet ik doen”. It asks for the action to take in a possible problem, and the pattern “Wat moet ik doen als ...?” is useful when requesting practical advice.
moet “Moet” expresses what the speaker should or must do in “Wat moet ik doen”. It is followed by the infinitive “doen”, and this pattern is commonly used to ask for instructions.
doen “Doen” means “do” in “Wat moet ik doen”. It follows “moet” as the action being requested, and the complete pattern “Wat moet ik doen als ...?” can be reused for other situations.
als “Als” means “if” in “als de auto wegrijdt” and introduces the possible problem the speaker is asking about. It can also refer to a repeated time situation, but here it presents a condition.
auto “Auto” means “car” in “de auto wegrijdt” and “de auto aankomt”. It refers to the ride-share vehicle, and it can be used as the subject of movement verbs.
wegrijdt “Wegrijdt” means “drives away” or “leaves” in “als de auto wegrijdt”. It describes the car moving away from the pickup place, and it can be used after “als” to describe a possible departure.
me “Me” means “me” in “voordat de chauffeur me vindt”. It is the person the driver is trying to find, and it appears after the verb as the object of “vinden”.
Gebruik “Gebruik” is an instruction meaning “use” in “Gebruik de app”. It tells someone which tool to use for solving the problem, and it is followed directly by the object being used.
app “App” means “app” in “Gebruik de app”. It refers to the ride-share application used to explain the mix-up and request another ride, and it can be used after a definite article when referring to a specific application.
om “Om” introduces the purpose of using the app in “om de vergissing uit te leggen en een nieuwe rit aan te vragen”. It is followed by “te” and an infinitive phrase to express what the action is intended to accomplish.
vergissing “Vergissing” means “mistake” or “mix-up” in “de vergissing uit te leggen”. It refers to the incorrect pickup information, and it can be reused after “een” or “de” when naming a mistake.
uit In “uit te leggen”, “uit” is part of the expression meaning “explain”; it does not mean “out” by itself here. The full pattern “iets uitleggen” or, in this sentence, “de vergissing uit te leggen”, is used when making a confusing situation clear.
te “Te” marks the infinitive in “uit te leggen” and “aan te vragen” after “om”. It helps form a purpose phrase, such as “om iets uit te leggen” in a new example.
leggen In “uit te leggen”, “leggen” contributes to the expression meaning “explain”, not the literal action of laying something down. It is used with “uit” in the reusable pattern “iets uitleggen”.
en “En” means “and” in “de vergissing uit te leggen en een nieuwe rit aan te vragen”. It joins two purposes of using the app: explaining the mix-up and requesting another ride.
nieuwe “Nieuwe” means “new” in “een nieuwe rit” and identifies a ride different from the original one. It comes before the noun it describes, and the pattern “een nieuwe [noun]” can be reused for another replacement item.
vragen In “aan te vragen”, “vragen” means “request” rather than simply asking a question. Together with “aan”, it forms the expression for requesting a new ride, and the pattern “iets aanvragen” is useful for services or bookings.
heeft “Heeft” combines with “geantwoord” in “De chauffeur heeft geantwoord” to say that the driver has replied. This pattern is used to report a completed response, with the replied-to action expressed by the following form.
geantwoord “Geantwoord” means “replied” or “answered” in “De chauffeur heeft geantwoord”. It appears with “heeft” to report that the driver has sent a response, and it can be used when reporting someone’s reply.
binnenkort “Binnenkort” means “soon” in “zal binnenkort omkeren”. It places the turning around in the near future, and it can be used with a future action to give an approximate time.
omkeren “Omkeren” means “turn around” in “zal binnenkort omkeren”. It follows “zal” as the future action, and it is useful when a vehicle or person reverses direction and returns.
Blijf “Blijf” is an instruction meaning “stay” or “remain” in “Blijf in de buurt van de taxistandplaats”. It asks the listener not to leave the area, and it commonly comes before a location phrase.
in In “in de buurt van de taxistandplaats”, “in” is part of the location expression meaning “near” or “in the vicinity of”. The whole reusable pattern is “in de buurt van [place]”, rather than interpreting “in” alone as “near”.
buurt “Buurt” means “vicinity” or “area” in “in de buurt van de taxistandplaats”. Together with “in de buurt van”, it describes staying close to a place, and this expression is useful when giving a waiting location.
totdat “Totdat” means “until” in “totdat de auto aankomt”. It introduces the event that marks how long the listener should stay, and it is useful for setting an endpoint for an action.
aankomt “Aankomt” means “arrives” in “totdat de auto aankomt”. It describes the car reaching the pickup area and completes the time clause introduced by “totdat”.

Grammar Points

voordat + bijzin: werkwoord achteraan

Stuur een bericht voordat je aankomt.

styur un buh-RIKHT vohr-DAHT yuh AHN-koomt.

Send a message before you arrive.

Na voordat staat het vervoegde werkwoord aan het einde van de bijzin: voordat je aankomt.

om ... te + infinitief

om de vergissing uit te leggen

om duh ver-GIS-sing oyt tuh LEH-gun

to explain the mistake

Gebruik om ... te met een infinitief om een doel of bedoeling uit te drukken.

Dutch Vocabulary

achteringang noun
AKH-ter-ingahng back entrance
bericht noun
buh-RIKHT message
chauffeur noun
shoh-FOOR driver
dezelfde det
DEH-zel-fuh same
hoofdingang noun
HOHFT-ingahng main entrance
kant noun
kahnt side
locatiepin noun
loh-tsah-TEE-ping location pin
ophaalpunt noun
OH-pahl-poont pickup point
rit noun
rit ride
station noun
stah-SYOHN station
sturen verb
STYUR-un to send Stuur
vinden verb
VIN-dun to find

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

driver

Show Answerchauffeur

back entrance

Show Answerachteringang

side

Show Answerkant

to find

Show Answervinden