Correcting appointment paperwork | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: At a reception desk, a visitor asks staff to correct a misspelled family name and update contact preferences before an appointment..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Correcting appointment paperwork to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Ik zag dat mijn achternaam verkeerd gespeld is op dit formulier.

ikh ZAHKH daht mine AHKH-ter-nahm vur-KAYRT khuh-SPELT iss awp dit for-moo-LEER. I noticed my family name is spelled incorrectly on this form.
B

Ik kan de documenten vóór uw afspraak corrigeren.

ikh kahn duh doh-kyoo-MEN-tuhn VOHR uw AHFS-prahk kor-ree-ZHAY-run. I can correct the paperwork before your appointment.
A

In het dossier staat ook nog mijn oude voorkeursmethode voor contact.

in ut doh-SEER staht ook nokh mine OW-duh VOHR-kurs-may-TOH-duh voor kon-TAKT. The record also shows my old preferred contact method.
B

Ik kan beide gegevens nu aanpassen als u uw identiteitsbewijs laat zien.

ikh kahn BAY-duh khuh-GAY-vuns noo AHN-pahs-sun ahls oo oo ee-den-tee-TAYTS-buh-vise laht zeen. I can update both details now if you show your identification.
A

Hier is het. Ik wil dat de gegevens kloppen voor toekomstige bezoeken.

heer iss ut. ikh vill daht duh khuh-GAY-vuns KLOP-un voor TOH-kum-stuh-khuh buh-ZOO-kun. Here it is. I want the information to be accurate for future visits.
B

Dat helpt ons om herinneringen en uitslagen via de juiste contactmethode te sturen.

daht helpt ons om huh-RIN-uh-ring-un en OWTS-lah-khun vee-uh duh YOW-stuh kon-TAKT-may-TOH-duh tuh STUR-un. That will help us send reminders and results by the correct contact method.
A

Moet ik het gecorrigeerde formulier opnieuw ondertekenen?

moot ikh ut khuh-kor-ree-ZHAYR-duh for-moo-LEER awp-NYOO un-der-TAY-kuh-nun? Do I need to sign the corrected form again?
B

Onderteken het formulier onderaan nadat ik de wijzigingen heb aangebracht.

un-der-TAY-kuhn ut for-moo-LEER un-der-AHN nah-DAHT ikh duh VIGH-zuh-khuns hep AHN-khuh-BRAHKHT. Please sign at the bottom after I make the changes.
A

Ik ben opgelucht dat we dit vóór de afspraak hebben ontdekt.

ikh ben awp-khuh-LOOKHT daht vuh dit VOHR duh AHFS-prahk HEB-un unt-DEHKT. I am relieved we caught this before the appointment.
B

Zodra u tekent, is het bijgewerkte dossier klaar voor toekomstige bezoeken.

ZOH-drah oo TAY-kunt, iss ut BIGH-khuh-VAIRK-tuh doh-SEER klahr voor TOH-kum-stuh-khuh buh-ZOO-kun. Once you sign, the updated record will be ready for future visits.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” in this dialogue and is the subject of the sentence. It is the capitalized form of “ik” because it begins the sentence. A common reuse pattern is “Ik kan ...” when stating what you can do.
zag “zag” means “saw” or “noticed” here: the speaker noticed an error on the form. It is the past form related to “zien” in this dialogue. Use it when describing something you noticed, as in the pattern “Ik zag dat ...”.
dat “dat” means “that” and introduces the clause explaining what the speaker noticed. In “Ik zag dat ...”, it links the noticing to the information that follows. A common reuse pattern is “Ik merk dat ...” for saying that you notice something.
mijn “mijn” means “my” and identifies achternaam as belonging to the speaker. It appears directly before “achternaam” in “mijn achternaam”. Use “mijn” before a noun when referring to something belonging to you.
achternaam “achternaam” means “family name” or “surname”; it is the name that was misspelled on the form. The word is used with the possessive “mijn” in “mijn achternaam”. Use it when discussing a family name in forms, records, or introductions.
verkeerd “verkeerd” means “incorrectly” or “wrongly” in “verkeerd gespeld”: the name was spelled in the wrong way. Here it describes how the spelling was done. Use it before a form such as “gespeld” when describing an error.
gespeld “gespeld” means “spelled” in “verkeerd gespeld is”. It is the completed form related to “spellen” and is used here with “is” to describe the spelling on the form. Use “gespeld” when referring to how a word or name is written letter by letter.
is “is” means “is” and helps form “verkeerd gespeld is”, meaning that the name is spelled incorrectly. It is the form of “zijn” used with the singular subject “mijn achternaam”. A common reuse pattern is “Het is ...” when describing a singular thing.
op “op” means “on” in “op dit formulier”, locating the incorrect spelling on the form. It is used before the document that contains the information. Use “op” with a surface, document, or form where something appears.
dit “dit” means “this” and points to the specific form being presented or discussed. It appears before “formulier” in “dit formulier”. Use “dit” before a nearby or currently relevant noun.
formulier “formulier” means “form”, the document containing the incorrect family name. It appears in “dit formulier” and later as “het formulier”. Use it for a document that someone fills in, checks, or signs.
kan “kan” means “can” and expresses the staff member’s ability or possibility to correct the documents. It is used before the infinitive “corrigeren” in “Ik kan de documenten ... corrigeren”. Use the pattern “Ik kan” followed by an action when offering what you are able to do.
de “de” means “the” and identifies “documenten” as specific documents known in the conversation. It appears in “de documenten”. Use it before a specific noun when referring to particular documents or things.
documenten “documenten” means “documents” and refers here to the appointment paperwork. Its plural meaning fits the staff member’s promise to correct the paperwork. Use it for official papers that may need to be checked, corrected, or submitted.
vóór “vóór” means “before” in the time expression “vóór uw afspraak”. The accent marks the intended meaning clearly as the time before the appointment. Use “vóór” before an event or time when an action must happen earlier.
uw “uw” means “your” in the formal address used by the staff member. It identifies the appointment as belonging to the visitor in “uw afspraak”. Use “uw” when addressing someone formally about something belonging to them.
afspraak “afspraak” means “appointment”, the scheduled meeting that the paperwork must be corrected before. It appears after the formal possessive in “uw afspraak”. Use it for a scheduled meeting, consultation, or arrangement.
corrigeren “corrigeren” means “to correct” and describes the action the staff member can perform on the documents. It follows “kan” in “Ik kan de documenten ... corrigeren”. After “kan”, use the infinitive for the action that is possible.
In “In” means “in” and places the information inside the record in “In het dossier”. It comes at the beginning of the sentence, so it is capitalized. Use “In ... staat ...” when saying that information is recorded in a file or document.
het “het” means “the” in “het dossier”, identifying the specific record being discussed. Here it is an article before “dossier”, not a separate word meaning “it”. Use it before a noun when referring to a particular record or file of this type.
dossier “dossier” means “record” or “file”, containing the visitor’s stored information. In “In het dossier staat ...”, it is the place where the information is recorded. Use it for an organized file of information about a person, case, or appointment.
staat “staat” means “is recorded” or “shows” in “In het dossier staat ...”. The literal idea of something standing is used here for information appearing in a record. A common reuse pattern is “In het document staat ...” when pointing out written information.
ook “ook” means “also” and adds the old contact method to the family-name problem already mentioned. It appears before “nog” in “ook nog”. Use “ook” to add another relevant fact or item.
nog “nog” means “still” or “yet” here, indicating that the old contact preference remains in the record. The combination “ook nog” adds this as another continuing problem. Use “nog” when something remains true or present at the relevant time.
oude “oude” means “old” and describes the contact method that is no longer the preferred one. It appears directly before “voorkeursmethode”. Use it before a noun when referring to an earlier version or previous information.
voorkeursmethode “voorkeursmethode” means “preferred method”, here the method the visitor prefers for contact. It is specified further by “voor contact”. Use this compound when identifying a chosen or favored way of doing something.
voor “voor” means “for” in “voor contact”, describing the purpose of the preferred method. It links the method to the activity of contacting the visitor. Use “voor” before a noun to express purpose or intended use.
contact “contact” means “contact” and refers here to communication with the visitor. In “voorkeursmethode voor contact”, it specifies what the method is used for. Use it when discussing communication between people or an organization and a person.
beide “beide” means “both” and refers to the two details that the staff member can update. It appears before “gegevens” in “beide gegevens”. Use “beide” when referring to two items together.
gegevens “gegevens” means “details” or “data”, referring here to the family name and contact preference. It is the object of “aanpassen” in “beide gegevens ... aanpassen”. Use it for personal or administrative information stored in a record.
nu “nu” means “now” and indicates that the staff member can update the details immediately. It appears between the object and the infinitive in “beide gegevens nu aanpassen”. Use it to locate an action at the present time.
aanpassen “aanpassen” means “to update” or “to adjust” the stored details. It follows “kan” in “Ik kan beide gegevens nu aanpassen”. Use it with an object when changing existing information so that it is more accurate or suitable.
als “als” means “if” and introduces the condition for updating the details: the visitor must show identification. It begins the clause “als u uw identiteitsbewijs laat zien”. Use “als” to state a condition that must be met.
u “u” means formal “you” and refers respectfully to the visitor. In this dialogue it is the subject of “laat zien” and follows “als”. Use “u” when addressing someone formally in a service or professional situation.
identiteitsbewijs “identiteitsbewijs” means “identification document”, which the visitor must show at the desk. It is the object in “uw identiteitsbewijs laat zien”. Use it when referring to an official document used to prove someone’s identity.
laat “laat” is part of “laat zien”, which means “show” in this dialogue. Together with “zien”, it expresses making an identification document visible to the staff member. A common reuse pattern is to use this construction with an object when asking someone to show something.
zien “zien” contributes the idea of seeing in the construction “laat zien”, which means “show” here rather than simply “see”. It is paired with “laat” in “uw identiteitsbewijs laat zien”. Use this construction when someone presents an object so another person can look at it.
Hier “Hier” means “here” and indicates the location of the identification document being handed or pointed out. It begins “Hier is het”, so it is capitalized. Use it when presenting something that is nearby or being given to someone.
wil “wil” means “want” and expresses the visitor’s intention that the information be accurate. It is used in “Ik wil dat ...” to introduce the desired result. Use “Ik wil dat ...” when stating what you want to happen or be true.
kloppen “kloppen” means “be correct” or “be accurate” in “de gegevens kloppen”. It describes the information as matching the facts, not the physical act of knocking. Use the pattern “de gegevens kloppen” when confirming that recorded details are correct.
toekomstige “toekomstige” means “future” and describes visits that will happen later. It appears before “bezoeken” in “toekomstige bezoeken”. Use it before a noun when referring to later events or occasions.
bezoeken “bezoeken” means “visits” in “toekomstige bezoeken”. Here it is a noun referring to occasions when the visitor returns, not the verb “to visit”. Use it for visits to a place, service, or organization.
helpt “helpt” means “helps” and says that accurate information makes the next action easier for the staff. It appears in “Dat helpt ons om ...”. Use the pattern “Dat helpt ons om ...” when explaining how something supports a result.
ons “ons” means “us” and refers to the staff or organization receiving the benefit of the accurate details. It is the object in “helpt ons”. Use it after a verb when the action affects the speaker’s group.
om “om” introduces the purpose clause “om ... te sturen”, meaning “in order to send”. It connects the help provided by accurate information with the intended action. Use “om” together with “te” before an infinitive when stating a purpose.
herinneringen “herinneringen” means “reminders”, such as messages reminding someone about an appointment. It is one of the things the organization will send in “herinneringen en uitslagen”. Use it for messages intended to help someone remember an event or task.
en “en” means “and” and joins “herinneringen” with “uitslagen” as two types of information to send. It connects items of equal importance in the list. Use it to join words, phrases, or clauses.
uitslagen “uitslagen” means “results” in this service context. It is paired with “herinneringen” as information that can be sent to the visitor. Use it for results communicated after a check, test, or other appointment when that context is known.
via “via” means “via” or “by” and identifies the channel used to send the reminders and results. In “via de juiste contactmethode”, it introduces the method of communication. Use it before a route, channel, or means of sending something.
juiste “juiste” means “correct” or “right” and describes the contact method that matches the visitor’s preference. It appears before “contactmethode” in “de juiste contactmethode”. Use it before a noun when selecting the appropriate option.
contactmethode “contactmethode” means “contact method”, the channel used to communicate with the visitor. It is the object of “juiste” in “de juiste contactmethode”. Use it when discussing how an organization should contact someone.
te “te” marks the infinitive in “te sturen” after “om”. Together, “om ... te sturen” expresses the purpose of sending reminders and results. Use “te” before an infinitive in this purpose construction.
sturen “sturen” means “to send” and is the action the organization will carry out through the correct contact method. It appears as “te sturen” after “om”. Use it with the thing being sent and, when relevant, the channel or recipient.
Moet “Moet” means “must” or “need to” and asks whether signing is required. It begins the question “Moet ik ... ondertekenen?”, so it is capitalized. Use “Moet ik ...?” when asking whether an action is necessary.
gecorrigeerde “gecorrigeerde” means “corrected” and describes the form after the staff member has made the changes. It appears before “formulier” in “het gecorrigeerde formulier”. Use it before a noun when referring to something that has already been corrected.
opnieuw “opnieuw” means “again” and asks whether the visitor must sign one more time. It modifies “ondertekenen” in “opnieuw ondertekenen”. Use it when an action is repeated.
ondertekenen “ondertekenen” means “to sign”, especially a form or official document. It follows “moet” in “Moet ik het gecorrigeerde formulier opnieuw ondertekenen?”. Use it with a document when adding a formal signature.
Onderteken “Onderteken” means “sign” as a direct instruction to the visitor. It begins “Onderteken het formulier”, telling the person what to do. Use this form in a formal instruction involving a document that requires a signature.
onderaan “onderaan” means “at the bottom” and specifies where on the form the signature should go. It appears after “het formulier” in “het formulier onderaan”. Use it to identify the lower part of a page, form, or list.
nadat “nadat” means “after” and introduces the action that should happen later: signing follows the changes. It begins “nadat ik de wijzigingen heb aangebracht”. Use it to connect an action with something that must be completed first.
wijzigingen “wijzigingen” means “changes”, referring to the corrections made to the form and record. It is the object of “heb aangebracht” in “de wijzigingen heb aangebracht”. Use it for modifications made to documents, information, or arrangements.
heb “heb” means “have” and works with “aangebracht” to describe the completed changes in “ik de wijzigingen heb aangebracht”. It is the form used with the subject “ik”. Use “heb ...” with a completed-action form when describing something you have done.
aangebracht “aangebracht” means “made” or “applied” in “de wijzigingen heb aangebracht”. It is the completed form related to “aanbrengen” and says that the changes have been put into the form. Use it with “wijzigingen” when referring to changes made to something.
ben “ben” means “am” in “Ik ben opgelucht”. It links the speaker to the feeling expressed by “opgelucht”. Use “Ik ben ...” when describing your current state or feeling.
opgelucht “opgelucht” means “relieved”, expressing that the speaker feels better because the error was found in time. It follows “ben” in “Ik ben opgelucht”. Use it after “zijn” to describe relief after a worry or problem has been resolved.
we “we” means “we” and refers to the visitor and the staff together. It is the subject of “hebben ontdekt” in “we dit vóór de afspraak hebben ontdekt”. Use it when the speaker includes at least one other person in the action.
hebben “hebben” means “have” and works with “ontdekt” to describe what the group discovered before the appointment. It is used with the plural subject “we”. Use “we hebben ...” when describing a completed action carried out by the speaker and others.
ontdekt “ontdekt” means “discovered” and refers here to finding the mistake before the appointment. It works with “hebben” in “we dit vóór de afspraak hebben ontdekt”. Use it when information, an error, or a problem is found.
Zodra “Zodra” means “once” or “as soon as” and introduces the condition that the record will be ready after signing. It begins “Zodra u tekent”. Use it to connect an outcome with an action that triggers it immediately or shortly afterward.
tekent “tekent” means “signs” in “Zodra u tekent”, referring to the visitor’s signature on the corrected form. It is the verb used with the formal subject “u”. Use it after “u” when saying that a formal addressee signs.
klaar “klaar” means “ready” and describes the updated record as prepared for future visits. It appears after “is” in “is ... klaar”. Use “klaar voor ...” when something is ready for a particular use or event.
bijgewerkte “bijgewerkte” means “updated” and describes the record after its information has been changed. It appears before “dossier” in “het bijgewerkte dossier”. Use it before a noun when referring to information or a record that has been brought up to date.

Grammar Points

Zodra + bijzin, hoofdzin

Zodra het formulier is bijgewerkt, sturen we de uitslag.

ZOH-drah ut for-moo-LEER iss BIGH-khuh-VAIRKT, STUR-un vuh duh OWTS-lahkh.

As soon as the form has been updated, we send the result.

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

de + bijvoeglijk naamwoord op -e + meervoud

de toekomstige bezoeken

duh TOH-kum-stuh-khuh buh-ZOO-kun

the future visits

With de and a plural noun, the adjective normally takes the ending -e.

Dutch Vocabulary

aanpassen verb
AHN-pahs-sun to adjust; to update

beide gegevens nu aanpassen

achternaam noun
AHKH-ter-nahm family name; surname

mijn achternaam

afspraak noun
AHFS-prahk appointment

vóór uw afspraak

contactmethode noun
kon-TAKT-may-TOH-duh contact method

de juiste contactmethode

corrigeren verb
kor-ree-ZHAY-run to correct

de documenten vóór uw afspraak corrigeren

document noun
doh-kyoo-MENT document documenten

de documenten

dossier noun
doh-SEER record; file

In het dossier

formulier noun
for-moo-LEER form

op dit formulier

gegeven noun
khuh-GAY-vun detail; piece of information gegevens

beide gegevens

identiteitsbewijs noun
ee-den-tee-TAYTS-buh-vise identification document; ID

uw identiteitsbewijs

verkeerd gespeld phrase
vur-KAYRT khuh-SPELT misspelled

mijn achternaam verkeerd gespeld is

voorkeursmethode noun
VOHR-kurs-may-TOH-duh preferred method

mijn oude voorkeursmethode voor contact

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

family name; surname

Show Answerachternaam

appointment

Show Answerafspraak

form

Show Answerformulier

document

Show Answerdocumenten