Changing Travel Plans When Someone Is Sick | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: While planning a group trip, two friends discuss how to reschedule or update everyone after someone becomes sick..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Changing Travel Plans When Someone Is Sick to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Een vriendin zegt dat ze koorts heeft en morgen waarschijnlijk niet kan reizen.

uhn vruh-DEEN zekt daht zuh KOORTS hayft en MOR-ghun vahr-SKHAIN-luk neet kahn RY-zun. A friend says she has a fever and probably cannot travel tomorrow.
B

Dan moeten we rekening met haar houden en bespreken of we de reis moeten verzetten.

dahn MOO-tun vuh RAY-kuh-ning met hahr HOW-dun en buh-SPRAY-kuhn of vuh duh RICE MOO-tun ver-ZET-un. Then we should be considerate and discuss whether to reschedule.
A

Het kan moeilijk zijn om de reis te verzetten als we nog veel langer wachten.

hut kahn MOOY-luk zine om duh RICE tuh ver-ZET-un ahls vuh nokh vayl LAHNG-ur WAHKH-tun. It may be hard to reschedule the trip if we wait much longer.
B

Kunnen we de boeking verplaatsen in plaats van die helemaal te annuleren?

KUHN-un vuh duh BOO-king ver-PLAHT-sun in PLAHTS vahn dee HAY-luh-MAHL tuh ahn-noo-LAY-run? Can we move the booking instead of canceling it completely?
A

Laat me bellen en vragen welke mogelijkheden er zijn.

laht muh BEL-un en VRAH-ghun VEL-kuh moh-ghuh-LYKE-hay-dun ur zine. Let me call and ask what options are available.
B

Vraag ook of ze het goed zou vinden als wij zonder haar gaan.

vrahkh OHK of zuh hut KHOOT zow VIN-dun ahls vay ZON-dur hahr khahn. Also ask whether she would be comfortable with us going without her.
A

Ik zou de reis liever uitstellen, omdat de reis als groepsreis gepland was.

ik zow duh RICE LEE-vur OW-tel-un, om-DAHT duh RICE ahls KHRoops-RICE khuh-PLAHNT wahs. I would rather postpone, because it was planned as a group trip.
B

Dat is logisch, vooral als ze maar een paar dagen nodig heeft om te herstellen.

daht is LOH-ghis, voh-RAHL ahls zuh mahr uhn pahr DAH-ghun NOH-dikh hayft om tuh her-STEL-un. That makes sense, especially if she only needs a few days to recover.
A

Ik stuur iedereen een bericht met de mogelijkheden en een duidelijke update.

ik STYR EE-duh-RAYN uhn buh-RIKHT met duh moh-ghuh-LYKE-hay-dun en uhn DOY-duh-luh-kuh UP-dayt. I will message everyone with the options and a clear update.
B

Mensen zullen de verandering beter accepteren als ze de reden en het tijdstip kennen.

MEN-sun ZUL-un duh ver-AHN-duh-ring BAY-tur ak-sep-TAY-run ahls zuh duh RAY-dun en hut TIGHT-stip KEN-un. People will handle the change better if they know the reason and timing.

Word by Word

Een “Een” introduces “Een vriendin” as one female friend or a female friend. It is used before a singular noun, as in “Een vriendin”. Use it when introducing one person or thing that has not yet been specified. In this dialogue, it introduces the friend whose illness affects the travel plan.
vriendin “vriendin” means a female friend in “Een vriendin”. It identifies the person who has a fever and may not travel. Use it for referring to a female friend in conversations about personal plans or relationships.
zegt “zegt” means says in “Een vriendin zegt”. It introduces information that the friend communicates. Use it before reported information, as in “zegt dat”. In this dialogue, it reports the friend’s health situation.
dat In “zegt dat ze koorts heeft”, “dat” introduces the information being reported. In “Dat is logisch”, “Dat” refers to the situation just discussed and means that or that idea. Use it to connect reported information or to refer back to a whole situation.
ze “ze” means she in “ze koorts heeft” and “ze maar een paar dagen nodig heeft”. It refers back to the female friend. Use it when continuing to talk about that friend without repeating “een vriendin”.
koorts “koorts” means fever in “koorts heeft”. Together with “heeft”, it describes the friend’s health condition. Use it when explaining that someone is ill, especially in a discussion about whether they can travel.
heeft “heeft” means has in “ze koorts heeft”. Here it expresses having a fever, not needing something. Use it with a condition or possession, such as “koorts heeft”. In this dialogue, it explains why the friend may not be able to travel.
en “en” connects two pieces of information in “koorts heeft en morgen waarschijnlijk niet kan reizen”. It means and. Use it to join related facts, actions, or descriptions, such as a health problem and its consequence.
morgen “morgen” means tomorrow and places the possible travel on the following day. It appears in “morgen waarschijnlijk niet kan reizen”. Use it when discussing plans or events scheduled for the next day.
waarschijnlijk “waarschijnlijk” means probably and shows that the speaker is not completely certain. In “morgen waarschijnlijk niet kan reizen”, it qualifies the prediction about travel. Use it before the uncertain action or situation you are assessing.
niet “niet” makes “kan reizen” negative in “niet kan reizen”. It means not. Use it to say that an action is not possible or does not happen, as in a statement about someone not being able to travel.
kan “kan” means can in “niet kan reizen”. It expresses ability or possibility in this situation. Use it before an action, such as “kan reizen”, when saying whether someone is able or permitted to do it.
reizen “reizen” means travel in “kan reizen”. It is the action the friend may not be able to do tomorrow. Use it after a modal form such as “kan” when discussing the ability or possibility of traveling.
Dan “Dan” means then and responds to the friend’s health problem by introducing the next proposed action. It begins “Dan moeten we...”. Use it to show a consequence or next step in a conversation about plans.
moeten “moeten” expresses that the group should or must take action in “moeten we rekening met haar houden”. It is followed here by “we” and the action the group needs to consider. Use it when proposing an obligation or responsible next step.
we “we” means we in “moeten we rekening met haar houden”. It refers to the people planning the trip together. Use it when speaking about an action shared by the speaker and others.
rekening In “rekening met haar houden”, “rekening” contributes the idea of consideration. The complete expression means to take her situation into account; “rekening” alone does not carry the whole meaning. Use this expression when planning needs to respect another person’s circumstances.
met In “rekening met haar houden”, “met” links the consideration to the person affected, here “haar”. The complete expression means to take her situation into account. Use this pattern with the person or circumstance that must be considered.
haar “haar” means her in “rekening met haar houden” and refers to the female friend. It identifies whose situation the group should consider. Use it after a preposition such as “met” when referring to that woman.
houden In “rekening met haar houden”, “houden” is part of the expression for taking someone or something into account. The whole expression means to consider her situation, rather than simply to keep something. Use “rekening met ... houden” when making plans that take another person into account.
bespreken “bespreken” means discuss in “bespreken of we de reis moeten verzetten”. It introduces a topic that the group will consider together. Use it before a subject or question about a decision, such as whether to reschedule the trip.
of In “bespreken of we de reis moeten verzetten”, “of” introduces the question of whether to reschedule. It connects the discussion to an alternative or uncertain decision. Use it when discussing whether a possible action should happen.
de “de” means the in “de reis”. It identifies the specific trip already being planned. Use it before a known noun when referring to a particular person, thing, or plan.
reis “reis” means trip or journey in “de reis”. It refers to the group travel plan that may need to change. Use it when discussing the planned travel itself, including whether to postpone or reschedule it.
verzetten “verzetten” means reschedule in “de reis moeten verzetten”. It describes moving the trip to a different time. Use it after “moeten” or after “om ... te” when discussing a plan that needs a new date.
Het At the beginning of “Het kan moeilijk zijn”, “Het” introduces an impersonal assessment that something may be difficult. It refers to the situation of rescheduling rather than to a specific object. Use this opening when evaluating how easy or difficult a situation may be.
moeilijk “moeilijk” means difficult in “Het kan moeilijk zijn”. It evaluates rescheduling the trip as not easy. Use it before or with an action or situation that requires effort or may cause problems.
zijn “zijn” means be in “kan moeilijk zijn”. It links the possibility expressed by “kan” with the description “moeilijk”. Use it after a modal form when describing what a situation may be like.
om In “om de reis te verzetten”, “om” introduces the action being evaluated as difficult. Together with “te verzetten”, it forms the infinitive construction for rescheduling the trip. Use it when explaining or assessing an action, such as the difficulty of changing a plan.
te In “te verzetten”, “te” marks the infinitive action that is part of “om de reis te verzetten”. The complete construction refers to rescheduling the trip. Use it with the following verb in this type of infinitive phrase.
als “als” means if in “als we nog veel langer wachten”. It introduces the condition under which rescheduling may become difficult. Use it to connect a possible condition with its consequence in planning discussions.
nog In “nog veel langer wachten”, “nog” adds the idea that the waiting continues or extends further. It strengthens the comparison with the current amount of waiting. Use it with a time expression when saying that something will continue for an additional period.
veel In “veel langer”, “veel” intensifies “langer” and means much. It shows that the waiting period would extend by a considerable amount. Use it before a comparative time expression when emphasizing a larger difference.
langer “langer” means longer in “nog veel langer wachten”. It compares a future waiting period with the time already waited or expected. Use it when discussing whether delaying an action will make a situation harder.
wachten “wachten” means wait in “als we nog veel langer wachten”. It describes delaying the decision about the trip. Use it when talking about postponing an action while waiting for information or a better time.
Kunnen “Kunnen” means can in the question “Kunnen we de boeking verplaatsen”. It asks whether moving the booking is possible. Use it at the beginning of a question when asking about the possibility of a shared action.
boeking “boeking” means booking in “de boeking verplaatsen”. It refers to the reservation connected with the trip. Use it when discussing changing or canceling a reservation.
verplaatsen “verplaatsen” means move in “de boeking verplaatsen”. Here it means changing the booking to another time rather than canceling it. Use it with a booking or plan when the arrangement should be moved.
in plaats van “in plaats van” means instead of in “in plaats van die helemaal te annuleren”. The components “in”, “plaats”, and “van” work together as one expression that contrasts the chosen action with the alternative. Use it before an action or noun when replacing one option with another.
die “die” refers back to “de boeking” in “die helemaal te annuleren”. It means it or that booking. Use it to avoid repeating a previously mentioned noun when the reference is clear.
helemaal “helemaal” means completely in “die helemaal te annuleren”. It shows that the booking would be canceled in full, not merely changed. Use it to emphasize that an action applies to the entire thing.
annuleren “annuleren” means cancel in “die helemaal te annuleren”. It is the alternative to moving the booking. Use it when discussing ending a booking or arrangement completely.
Laat “Laat” means let in “Laat me bellen”. It introduces the speaker’s proposal to make the call personally. Use “Laat me” when offering or asking for permission to do something.
me “me” means me in “Laat me bellen”. It identifies the person who will carry out the action. Use it after “Laat” in the pattern “Laat me” when offering to do something.
bellen “bellen” means call in “Laat me bellen en vragen”. It is the first action the speaker offers to do. Use it when contacting a service or person to obtain information about a plan.
vragen “vragen” means ask in “Laat me bellen en vragen”. It is linked to “bellen” as the second action the speaker will perform. Use it before the information or question you want to obtain.
welke “welke” means which or what in “welke mogelijkheden er zijn”. It asks which options exist. Use it before a plural noun when identifying available choices.
mogelijkheden “mogelijkheden” means options or possibilities in “welke mogelijkheden er zijn”. It refers to the choices available for changing the booking or trip. Use it when asking what alternatives are available in a practical situation.
er In “welke mogelijkheden er zijn”, “er” helps express that options exist or are available. It belongs to the pattern describing what is available. Use it with “zijn” when stating or asking which possibilities exist.
Vraag “Vraag” means ask in the instruction “Vraag ook”. It tells the other person to obtain an additional piece of information. Use it at the beginning of a direct request to ask someone to check something.
ook “ook” means also in “Vraag ook”. It adds another question to the one already being asked. Use it when extending a request or list with an additional point.
goed In “het goed zou vinden”, “goed” contributes the idea of acceptable or okay. The whole expression means to consider the situation acceptable, rather than simply describing something as good. Use it when checking whether someone agrees with or is comfortable with a plan.
zou “zou” means would in “ze het goed zou vinden”. It presents her possible reaction to the proposed situation. Use it with an action or opinion when discussing a hypothetical or conditional response.
vinden In “het goed zou vinden”, “vinden” means consider or think acceptable. The complete expression asks whether she would be okay with the group going without her. Use “het goed vinden” when asking whether someone accepts a situation.
wij “wij” means we in “als wij zonder haar gaan”. It identifies the group that might travel without the sick friend. Use it when referring to the people taking the action together.
zonder “zonder” means without in “zonder haar gaan”. It shows that the group may go while the friend is absent. Use it before the person or thing that will not be included in an action.
gaan “gaan” means go in “zonder haar gaan”. It describes the group’s possible travel action. Use it after “zonder haar” here to say that the group would go without her.
Ik “Ik” means I in “Ik zou de reis liever uitstellen”. It identifies the speaker’s own preference. Use it when stating what you personally would prefer to do.
liever “liever” means rather or preferably in “de reis liever uitstellen”. It marks the speaker’s preferred option. Use it with an action when choosing one plan over another.
uitstellen “uitstellen” means postpone in “de reis liever uitstellen”. It means moving the trip to a later time because the group wants to travel together. Use it when delaying a planned event rather than canceling it.
omdat “omdat” means because in “omdat de reis als groepsreis gepland was”. It introduces the reason for preferring to postpone. Use it to connect a decision or opinion with its explanation.
groepsreis “groepsreis” means group trip in “als groepsreis”. It describes the trip as something planned for several people together. Use it when explaining why one person’s absence affects the travel plan.
gepland “gepland” means planned in “als groepsreis gepland was”. It describes the trip as arranged in advance for the group. Use it when explaining the intended organization or purpose of an event.
was “was” means was in “gepland was”. It refers to the earlier plan for the trip. Use it when describing how something was arranged or intended in the past.
is “is” means is in “Dat is logisch”. It links the situation referred to by “Dat” with the assessment “logisch”. Use it to state how a current idea or situation appears.
logisch “logisch” means logical or makes sense in “Dat is logisch”. It expresses agreement with the preference to postpone. Use it when confirming that someone’s reasoning or decision is understandable.
vooral “vooral” means especially in “vooral als ze maar een paar dagen nodig heeft”. It highlights the condition that makes postponing particularly reasonable. Use it to emphasize one factor among several.
maar In “maar een paar dagen”, “maar” means only. It limits the recovery time to a small number of days. Use it before an amount or duration when emphasizing that it is limited.
paar “paar” means a few or a couple in “een paar dagen”. It refers to a small number of days. Use it with a plural time expression when describing a short, non-specific duration.
dagen “dagen” means days in “een paar dagen”. It measures the time the friend may need to recover. Use it after a number or quantity expression when talking about a period of time.
nodig “nodig” means needed in “een paar dagen nodig heeft”. It describes the amount of time the friend requires for recovery. Use it with “nodig hebben” when saying that someone requires time or another resource.
herstellen “herstellen” means recover in “om te herstellen”. It describes becoming well again after being sick. Use it when discussing the time someone needs to return to normal health.
stuur “stuur” means send in “Ik stuur iedereen een bericht”. It describes the speaker’s action of sending a message. Use it with the recipient and the thing being sent when communicating an update.
iedereen “iedereen” means everyone in “stuur iedereen een bericht”. It identifies all the people involved in the trip. Use it as the recipient when information should reach every member of a group.
bericht “bericht” means message in “een bericht met de mogelijkheden”. It is the communication the speaker will send to the group. Use it when sharing information or an update in writing.
duidelijke “duidelijke” means clear in “een duidelijke update”. It describes an update that communicates the situation in an understandable way. Use it before information or an update when emphasizing that the message should not be confusing.
update “update” means update in “een duidelijke update”. It refers to new information about the travel plan. Use it when telling people about a change in arrangements or the latest situation.
Mensen “Mensen” means people in “Mensen zullen de verandering beter accepteren”. It refers to the members of the group who will receive the information. Use it when making a general statement about how people may react.
zullen “zullen” means will in “Mensen zullen de verandering beter accepteren”. It presents the expected reaction to receiving the reason and timing. Use it to describe a future result or expectation.
verandering “verandering” means change in “de verandering”. It refers to changing the travel arrangement. Use it when discussing a new plan or an adjustment to an existing arrangement.
beter “beter” means better in “beter accepteren”. It compares how people will respond when they know the reason and timing with how they might respond without that information. Use it to describe an improved result or reaction.
accepteren “accepteren” means accept in “de verandering beter accepteren”. It describes people agreeing to or handling the change in plans. Use it when discussing whether someone will accept a decision or new arrangement.
reden “reden” means reason in “de reden”. It refers to why the travel plan is being changed. Use it when explaining the cause behind a decision or change.
tijdstip “tijdstip” means time or timing in “het tijdstip”. It refers to when the changed plan will happen. Use it when communicating the specific timing of an event or arrangement.
kennen “kennen” means know in “de reden en het tijdstip kennen”. It refers to people being familiar with or informed about the reason and timing. Use it when saying that someone knows relevant information about a situation.

Grammar Points

rekening houden met + persoon

rekening met haar houden

RAY-kuh-ning met hahr HOW-dun

to take her into account

This fixed expression means “to take someone into account.” The phrase met haar comes between rekening and houden.

zonder + te + infinitief

zonder de groepsreis te annuleren

ZON-dur duh KHROops-RICE tuh ahn-noo-LAY-run

without cancelling the group trip

After zonder, use te plus the infinitive to express an action that does not happen.

Dutch Vocabulary

annuleren verb
ahn-noo-LAY-run to cancel
bespreken verb
buh-SPRAY-kuhn to discuss
boeking noun
BOO-king booking
in plaats van prep
in PLAHTS vahn instead of
koorts noun
KOORTS fever
reis noun
RICE trip
reizen verb
RY-zun to travel
rekening met haar houden phrase
RAY-kuh-ning met hahr HOW-dun to take her into account
verplaatsen verb
ver-PLAHT-sun to move
verzetten verb
ver-ZET-un to reschedule
vriendin noun
vruh-DEEN female friend
waarschijnlijk adv
vahr-SKHAIN-luk probably

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to reschedule

Show Answerverzetten

to travel

Show Answerreizen

booking

Show Answerboeking

female friend

Show Answervriendin