Reporting a Heating Problem at a Hotel | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: From a hotel room, a guest calls the front desk about broken heating and asks about repair or another room..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Reporting a Heating Problem at a Hotel to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Ik bel vanuit mijn kamer omdat de verwarming niet werkt.

ik bell vuh-NOWT mine KAH-mer om-DAHT duh vur-WAHR-ming neet vairkt. I am calling from my room because the heating is not working.
B

Het spijt me. Is de kamer koud geweest sinds u bent aangekomen?

hut SPITE muh. iss duh KAH-mer kowt guh-VAYST sinds oo bent ahn-guh-KOH-mun? I am sorry about that. Has the room been cold since you arrived?
A

Het is koud in de kamer sinds ik vanmiddag ben ingecheckt.

hut iss kowt in duh KAH-mer sinds ik vahn-MID-dahkh ben in-guh-CHECKT. It has been cold since I checked in this afternoon.
B

Ik kan meteen iemand van de technische dienst sturen om het te bekijken.

ik kahn muh-TAYN EEM-unt vahn duh TEKH-nih-suh DEENST STUUR-uhn om ut tuh buh-KAY-kuhn. I can send maintenance to inspect it right away.
A

Als het vanavond niet kan worden gerepareerd, is er dan een andere kamer beschikbaar?

ahls ut vahn-AH-vont neet kahn VOR-duhn guh-rah-puh-RAYRT, iss ur dahn uhn AHN-duh-ruh KAH-mer buh-SKHIK-bahr? If it cannot be fixed tonight, is another room available?
B

Ik controleer de beschikbaarheid en houd een vergelijkbare kamer voor u vrij als we er een hebben.

ik kon-troh-LAYR duh buh-SKHIK-bahr-hite en howt uhn vur-KHAY-luhk-bah-ruh KAH-mer voor oo fry ahls vuh ur uhn HEH-buhn. I will check availability and hold a similar room if we have one.
A

Ik heb geen upgrade nodig, alleen een warme kamer om in te slapen.

ik hep khayn UP-grayt NOH-dikh, ah-LAYN uhn VAHR-muh KAH-mer om in tuh SLAH-puhn. I do not need an upgrade, just a warm room for sleeping.
B

We proberen het eerst te repareren en houden een andere kamer klaar als dat nodig is.

vuh proh-BAY-run ut ayrst tuh guh-rah-puh-RAY-run en HOW-dun uhn AHN-duh-ruh KAH-mer klahr ahls daht NOH-dikh iss. We will try the repair first and keep another room ready if needed.
A

Bel me alstublieft voordat de technische dienst naar boven komt.

bell muh ahls-tuh-BLEEFT vohr-DAHT duh TEKH-nih-suh DEENST nahr BOH-vuhn קומט. Please call before maintenance comes up.
B

Ik bel u voordat zij naar boven komen en nog een keer als ik nieuws heb.

ik bell oo vohr-DAHT zay nahr BOH-vuhn KOH-mun en nokh uhn KAYR ahls ik nyoos hep. I will call you before they come up and again when I have an update.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” and is the person speaking in forms such as “Ik bel” and “Ik controleer”. It is placed before the verb in these statements. Use “Ik” when describing your own action or situation, such as making a request at a hotel.
bel In “Ik bel” and “Bel me”, “bel” refers to calling by telephone. In “Ik bel” it describes the speaker’s call, while in “Bel me” it gives the request to call the speaker. Reuse “Ik bel ...” to say whom or why you are calling.
vanuit “Vanuit” means “from” a particular place or position, as in “vanuit mijn kamer”. It combines with a place to show where the call originates. You can use “vanuit” when reporting an action from a room, building, or other location.
mijn “Mijn” means “my” and identifies something as belonging to the speaker in “mijn kamer”. It comes directly before the noun it describes. Reuse “mijn” with a personal possession or place, such as “mijn kamer”.
kamer “Kamer” means “room”, referring here to the guest’s hotel room. It appears in “mijn kamer”, “de kamer”, and “een andere kamer”. Use “kamer” when discussing a hotel room, its condition, or a possible replacement.
omdat “Omdat” means “because” and introduces the reason in “omdat de verwarming niet werkt”. The reason follows as a clause. Use “omdat” to explain why you are calling, asking, or doing something.
de “De” marks a specific noun in expressions such as “de verwarming” and “de kamer”. It helps identify the particular heating system or room being discussed. Reuse “de” before a known or specific noun.
verwarming “Verwarming” means “heating”, referring here to the hotel room’s heating system. In “de verwarming niet werkt”, it is the thing that is not functioning. Use it when reporting a problem with a building’s heating.
niet “Niet” makes the statement negative in “niet werkt”, meaning that the heating is not working. It appears directly with the part of the sentence being denied here. Use “niet” to say that a service, device, or action is not functioning or happening.
werkt “Werkt” means “works” or “is working” in “de verwarming niet werkt”. With “niet”, it reports that the heating is not functioning. Reuse “iets werkt niet” when reporting that a device or service has failed.
Het In “Het spijt me”, “Het” is part of the fixed expression meaning “I am sorry”. In “Het is koud”, it refers to the situation or condition being described. Use these exact patterns when apologizing or reporting a general condition.
spijt “Spijt” contributes the meaning of regret in the fixed expression “Het spijt me”, used here as an apology. The expression is used toward the guest after hearing about the problem. Reuse “Het spijt me” when politely saying that you are sorry.
me “Me” means “me” in “Het spijt me” and “Bel me”. In the first expression, it identifies the person who is sorry; in the second, it identifies the person to call. Use “me” after a verb when the speaker is the person affected or contacted.
Is “Is” asks whether the room has had the described condition in “Is de kamer koud geweest”. It is the verb at the beginning of this yes-or-no question. Use “Is ...?” to ask about a current state or condition.
koud “Koud” means “cold” in “de kamer koud geweest” and “Het is koud”. It describes the temperature of the room or situation. Reuse “iets is koud” to report that something has a low temperature.
geweest “Geweest” means “been” in “koud geweest”, describing the room’s condition over the period since arrival. It appears with “is” in the question “Is de kamer koud geweest”. Use it when referring to a condition that has existed during a period.
sinds “Sinds” means “since” and marks the starting point of the cold condition in “sinds u bent aangekomen” and “sinds ik vanmiddag ben ingecheckt”. It can be followed by a clause describing when something began. Use “sinds” to connect a present situation with an earlier starting point.
u “U” means “you” in the formal hotel interaction, as in “u bent aangekomen” and “voor u”. It addresses the guest politely. Use “u” when speaking formally to a customer or another person you address with respect.
bent “Bent” means “are” in “u bent aangekomen”. Together with “aangekomen”, it describes the guest’s arrival. Reuse “u bent ...” when addressing someone formally and describing their state or action.
aangekomen “Aangekomen” means “arrived” in “u bent aangekomen”. It identifies the point from which the room has been cold. Use “aangekomen” when referring to reaching a hotel, place, or destination.
in In “in de kamer”, “in” means “in” and identifies the room as the place of the cold condition. In “om in te slapen”, it is part of the expression for sleeping in a room. Use “in” for an interior location or for the place where an activity happens.
vanmiddag “Vanmiddag” means “this afternoon” and gives the time of the guest’s check-in in “vanmiddag ben ingecheckt”. It refers to the afternoon of the day being discussed. Use it to specify that something happened earlier today in the afternoon.
ben “Ben” means “am” in “ik ben vanmiddag ingecheckt”. Together with “ingecheckt”, it forms the expression describing the speaker’s check-in. Reuse “ik ben ...” when describing your own state or an action connected with your arrival.
ingecheckt “Ingecheckt” means “checked in” in “ik ben vanmiddag ingecheckt”. It refers here to completing hotel arrival formalities. Use it when explaining when you arrived and became a hotel guest.
kan “Kan” means “can” in “Ik kan ... sturen”, expressing the ability or possibility to send someone. It is followed here by the action “sturen”. Reuse “Ik kan ...” when offering to arrange an action for someone.
meteen “Meteen” means “right away” in “meteen iemand ... sturen”. It emphasizes that the action will happen without delay. Use it when offering immediate help or an immediate response.
iemand “Iemand” means “someone” in “iemand van de technische dienst”. It refers to an unspecified person who will inspect the heating. Reuse “iemand van ...” when referring to a person from a particular service or organization.
van In “iemand van de technische dienst”, “van” identifies the service or department the person belongs to. It can be understood here as “from” or “of”. Reuse “iemand van” before the name of a service, team, or organization.
technische “Technische” means “technical” in “de technische dienst”. It describes the department responsible for technical problems. Use it before a service or department when referring to technical assistance.
dienst “Dienst” means “service” or “department” in “de technische dienst”. Here it refers to the hotel’s technical or maintenance service. Use “dienst” when identifying a service department that handles a particular task.
sturen “Sturen” means “send” in “iemand ... sturen”. The hotel will send a person to inspect the heating. Reuse “iemand sturen” when arranging for someone to go somewhere to help.
om In “om het te bekijken”, “om” introduces the purpose of sending someone. The full pattern “om ... te bekijken” means that the person is sent to inspect it. Use “om ... te” before an action that explains why something is done.
te “Te” marks the infinitive in “te bekijken” within the purpose expression “om het te bekijken”. It links the purpose to the action of inspecting the heating. Reuse “om ... te” when stating the purpose of an action.
bekijken “Bekijken” means “inspect” or “look at” in “het te bekijken”. It describes examining the heating problem. Use “iets bekijken” when looking at or checking a problem, object, or situation.
Als “Als” means “if” in “Als het vanavond niet kan worden gerepareerd”. It introduces the condition under which the guest asks about another room. Use “als” before a condition that determines what happens next.
vanavond “Vanavond” means “tonight” and sets the deadline in “niet kan worden gerepareerd”. It refers to the evening of the day being discussed. Use it when specifying that something must happen before or during tonight.
worden “Worden” helps form the passive expression “kan worden gerepareerd”, meaning that the heating can be repaired. The focus is on the repair being done, not on who performs it. Reuse “kan worden” with a repair or other action that may be carried out.
gerepareerd “Gerepareerd” means “repaired” in “kan worden gerepareerd”. It describes the desired result for the heating problem. Use it when discussing whether a broken device or service can be fixed.
er In “is er dan een andere kamer beschikbaar?”, “er” helps express that an available room exists. In “we er een hebben”, it refers to having one such room available. Use “er” in questions and statements about whether something is available or present.
dan “Dan” means “then” or “in that case” in “is er dan een andere kamer beschikbaar?”. It connects the stated condition with the question about the next option. Reuse “als ..., dan ...” when showing what follows from a condition.
een “Een” means “a” in “een andere kamer” and “een vergelijkbare kamer”, and means “one” in “er een hebben”. It introduces an unspecified room or stands for one room already understood. Use it before a singular countable noun or by itself when referring to one item.
andere “Andere” means “another” or “different” in “een andere kamer”. It shows that the guest is asking about a room different from the current one. Use it before a noun when requesting or comparing an alternative.
beschikbaar “Beschikbaar” means “available” in “een andere kamer beschikbaar”. It asks whether another room can be used. Use “beschikbaar” when asking about an open room, place, appointment, or service.
controleer “Controleer” means “check” in “Ik controleer de beschikbaarheid”. It describes checking whether a room is available. Reuse “Ik controleer ...” when promising to verify information before giving an answer.
beschikbaarheid “Beschikbaarheid” means “availability” in “de beschikbaarheid”. It refers to whether another hotel room can be offered. Use it when checking open rooms, spaces, appointments, or other options.
en “En” means “and” and joins actions or pieces of information, such as “Ik controleer ... en houd ... vrij”. It shows that both actions belong to the same response. Use “en” to connect related actions in one statement.
houd “Houd” means “hold” or “keep” in “houd ... voor u vrij”. It describes reserving a similar room for the guest if one exists. Reuse “iets voor iemand vrijhouden” when keeping an option reserved for a person.
vergelijkbare “Vergelijkbare” means “similar” in “een vergelijkbare kamer”. It indicates a room with comparable characteristics to the current one. Use it before a noun when offering an option that is similar rather than necessarily identical.
voor In “voor u vrij”, “voor” means “for” and identifies the person for whom the room is being held. It links the reserved room to the guest. Reuse “iets voor iemand vrijhouden” when reserving something for someone.
vrij “Vrij” means “free” or “available” in “voor u vrij”. Here it means that the room is being kept open for the guest, not occupied by someone else. Use “iets vrijhouden” when keeping an option available for a person.
we “We” means “we” in “we er een hebben” and “We proberen”. It refers to the hotel staff or hotel as a group. Use “we” when speaking for a team or organization responsible for an action.
hebben “Hebben” means “have” in “als we er een hebben”. It asks whether the hotel has one similar room available. Reuse “we hebben ...” when stating that a hotel, team, or organization has something available.
heb “Heb” means “have” in “Ik heb geen upgrade nodig”. In the construction “heb ... nodig”, it helps express that the speaker needs or does not need something. Reuse “Ik heb ... nodig” to state a personal need.
geen “Geen” means “no” or “not any” in “geen upgrade”. It negates the noun and shows that the guest does not require an upgrade. Use “geen” before a noun when saying that something is not needed or not present.
upgrade “Upgrade” means an upgrade, here a move to a better or higher hotel room category. The guest says “geen upgrade” because a basic warm room is enough. Use it when discussing an offer to move to a higher level of accommodation or service.
nodig “Nodig” means “needed” in the expression “heb ... nodig”. Here the guest says that an upgrade is not necessary. Reuse “iets nodig hebben” to explain what you require.
alleen “Alleen” means “only” or “just” in “alleen een warme kamer”. It limits the request to a warm room rather than an upgrade. Use “alleen” to state the one thing that is sufficient or required.
warme “Warme” means “warm” in “een warme kamer”. It describes the room the guest wants for sleeping. Use it before a noun when requesting a room or place with a comfortable temperature.
slapen “Slapen” means “sleep” in “om in te slapen”. The full expression explains the purpose of the warm room. Use “om in te slapen” when describing a room or place intended for sleeping.
proberen “Proberen” means “try” in “We proberen het eerst te repareren”. It describes making an initial attempt to repair the heating before using the alternative room. Reuse “proberen ... te” before an action you intend to attempt.
eerst “Eerst” means “first” in “We proberen het eerst te repareren”. It establishes the repair as the first step before keeping another room ready. Use it to set the order of actions or explain what will happen initially.
repareren “Repareren” means “repair” in “te repareren”. It is the action the hotel will try before moving the guest. Reuse “iets repareren” when stating what broken equipment or service will be fixed.
houden “Houden” means “keep” in “houden een andere kamer klaar”. It describes maintaining another room in a ready state as a backup. Reuse “iets klaarhouden” when preparing an alternative for possible use.
klaar “Klaar” means “ready” in “een andere kamer klaar”. It describes the alternative room as prepared for use if necessary. Use “iets klaarhouden” when keeping something prepared as a backup.
dat “Dat” means “that” in “als dat nodig is”. It refers to the situation or alternative action already mentioned. Use “als dat nodig is” to say that an action will happen only if the circumstances require it.
alstublieft “Alstublieft” means “please” in the polite request “Bel me alstublieft”. It softens the request to be called before maintenance arrives. Use it when making a courteous request in a service interaction.
voordat “Voordat” means “before” and introduces the event that must not happen yet in “voordat de technische dienst naar boven komt”. It connects the requested call with the later arrival of the service staff. Use “voordat” before a clause to specify that one event should precede another.
naar In “naar boven”, “naar” indicates movement toward a place or direction. Together with “boven”, it means going upstairs. Use “naar boven” when someone moves from a lower level to an upper one.
boven “Boven” means “upstairs” in “naar boven komt” and “naar boven komen”. It identifies the direction toward the guest’s room. Reuse “naar boven komen” when someone comes upstairs to the room.
komt “Komt” means “comes” in “de technische dienst naar boven komt”. It describes the technical service arriving upstairs. Reuse “iemand komt naar boven” when reporting that someone is coming to an upper floor.
zij “Zij” means “they” in “voordat zij naar boven komen”. It refers to the members of the technical service. Use “zij” when referring to more than one person who will carry out an action.
komen “Komen” means “come” in “zij naar boven komen”. It describes the technical staff coming upstairs to the guest’s room. Reuse “zij komen naar boven” when telling someone that a group is on its way upstairs.
nog In “nog een keer”, “nog” contributes the meaning “again”. It shows that the caller will make one additional call after the first call. Use “nog een keer” when promising to repeat an action.
keer “Keer” means “time” or “occasion” in “nog een keer”. Together, the expression means “again” or “one more time”. Use “een keer” to count an occurrence of an action and “nog een keer” to request or promise another occurrence.
nieuws “Nieuws” means “news” or an “update” in “als ik nieuws heb”. Here it means new information about the heating problem or repair. Use “nieuws hebben” when you will contact someone after receiving new information.

Grammar Points

vrijhouden → houd ... vrij

Houd een kamer vrij.

howt uhn KAH-mer fry.

Keep a room available.

This separable verb splits in a main clause: houd comes first and vrij moves to the end.

Dutch Vocabulary

aankomen verb
ahn-guh-KOH-mun to arrive aangekomen

u bent aangekomen

bellen verb
BELL-uhn to call bel

Ik bel vanuit mijn kamer

het spijt me phrase
hut SPITE muh I'm sorry

Het spijt me

inchecken verb
in-GHECK-uhn to check in ingecheckt

ik vanmiddag ben ingecheckt

kamer noun
KAH-mer room

mijn kamer

koud adj
kowt cold

de kamer koud geweest

meteen adv
muh-TAYN immediately; right away

Ik kan meteen iemand sturen

sinds conj
sints since

sinds u bent aangekomen

vanmiddag adv
vahn-MID-dahkh this afternoon

vanmiddag ben ingecheckt

vanuit prep
vuh-NOWT from

vanuit mijn kamer

verwarming noun
vur-WAHR-ming heating

de verwarming

werken verb
VAIRK-uhn to work; to function werkt

de verwarming niet werkt

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

heating

Show Answerverwarming

room

Show Answerkamer

to arrive

Show Answeraangekomen

since

Show Answersinds