Planning a Safe Hike | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Planning a Safe Hike to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Het bergpad ziet er mooi uit, maar het is misschien te moeilijk voor beginners.

hut BERK-paht zeet er MOH-ee owt, mahr ut iss miss-SKHEEN tuh MOOY-luk vohr buh-KHIN-urs. The mountain trail looks beautiful, but it may be too difficult for beginners.

Laten we de afstand, het hoogteverschil en de weersverwachting controleren voordat we beslissen.

LAH-tun wuh duh AHF-stahnt, ut HOHK-tuh-fer-SKHIL en duh VAYRS-fer-WAKH-ting kun-troh-LAIR-un vohr-DAHT wuh buh-SLISS-un. Let's check the distance, elevation, and weather forecast before we decide.

Het is een behoorlijk lange route.

hut iss un buh-HOHR-luk LAHNG ROO-tuh. It is a fairly long route.

De weersverwachting voorspelt lichte regen in de middag.

duh VAYRS-fer-WAKH-ting VOHR-spelt LIKHT-uh RAY-khun in duh MID-dakh. The forecast says light rain in the afternoon.

Dan moeten we vroeg vertrekken en een plan B hebben.

dahn MOH-tun wuh VROOKH fer-TREK-un en un plahn BAY HEB-buh. Then we need an early start and a backup plan.

Er is een kortere route die teruggaat naar hetzelfde station.

air iss un KOR-tuh-ruh ROO-tuh dee tuh-RUKH-khaht nahr HUT-ZELF-duh stah-SHON. There is a shorter route that returns to the same station.

Dat klinkt veiliger als het pad glad wordt.

daht klinkt VYE-luh-khur ahls ut paht khlaht vohrt. That sounds safer if the trail conditions become slippery.

Zullen we iedereen vertellen dat ze geschikte schoenen en water moeten meenemen?

ZUL-un wuh ee-duh-RAYN VUR-tel-un daht zuh khuh-SKIKHT-uh SKHOON-un en WAH-tur MOH-tun MAY-nay-mun? Should we tell everyone to bring proper shoes and water?

Ze moeten beide meenemen.

zuh MOH-tun BY-duh MAY-nay-mun. They should bring both.

We moeten duidelijk maken dat we omkeren als dat nodig is.

wuh MOH-tun DOW-ee-duh-luk MAH-kun daht wuh OM-kay-run ahls daht NOH-dikh iss. We should make it clear that we will turn back if needed.

Ik stuur vanavond de routekaart en de tijd waarop we afspreken.

ik styur vah-nah-FOHNT duh ROOT-kahrt en duh TYTE wah-ROP wuh AHF-spray-kun. I will share the route map and meeting time tonight.

Dat zou iedereen moeten helpen zich voor te bereiden en te beslissen of ze mee kunnen.

daht zow ee-duh-RAYN MOH-tun HEL-pun zikh vohr tuh buh-RY-dun en tuh buh-SLISS-un of zuh may KUN-un. That should help everyone prepare and decide if they can join.

Word by Word

Het “Het” means “the” in “Het bergpad,” where it introduces the mountain trail. It also appears as “het” in “het is misschien te moeilijk,” where it means “it” and refers to the route. Use this form with the noun or situation being discussed.

bergpad “bergpad” means “mountain trail” in “Het bergpad.” It names the trail whose appearance and difficulty the speakers are discussing. Use it when referring to a path in a mountainous area.

ziet “ziet” means “looks” in “ziet er mooi uit.” It is used with “er” and “uit” to describe how something appears. This expression is useful when giving an impression of a route, place, or object.

er In “ziet er mooi uit,” “er” is part of the Dutch expression for “looks beautiful.” Together with “ziet” and “uit,” it links the subject to the description “mooi.” Use this construction to describe how something appears.

mooi “mooi” means “beautiful” or “nice” in “ziet er mooi uit.” It describes the appearance of the mountain trail. Use it after an appearance expression when giving a positive description.

uit In “ziet er mooi uit,” “uit” is the final part of the expression meaning “looks beautiful.” It does not mean “out” by itself in this sentence. Use the complete expression when describing how something appears.

maar “maar” means “but” and connects the trail’s attractive appearance with its possible difficulty. It introduces a contrast between two statements. Use it to change direction from one fact or impression to a contrasting point.

is “is” means “is” in “het is misschien te moeilijk.” It links the route to the description “te moeilijk.” Use it to state what something is like or how a situation is assessed.

misschien “misschien” means “maybe” or “perhaps” in “het is misschien te moeilijk.” It makes the assessment less certain. Use it when presenting a possibility rather than a definite conclusion.

te In “te moeilijk,” “te” means “too” and shows that the trail may exceed a suitable level for beginners. It comes directly before the description “moeilijk.” It also appears in “te bereiden,” where it marks the infinitive in a preparation expression.

moeilijk “moeilijk” means “difficult” in “te moeilijk voor beginners.” It describes the level of the mountain trail. Use it with “te” when something is more difficult than is suitable or manageable.

voor In “voor beginners,” “voor” means “for” and identifies the people for whom the trail may be too difficult. It also appears in “zich voor te bereiden,” as part of the expression meaning “to prepare oneself.” Use the first pattern to identify the intended group and the second when discussing preparation.

beginners “beginners” means “beginners,” referring here to people with little hiking experience. It follows “voor” to identify the group for whom the route may be too difficult. Use it when discussing the suitability of an activity for people at the starting level.

Laten “Laten” begins “Laten we ...,” which means “Let’s ...” and proposes a joint action. Here it introduces the suggestion to check several details before deciding. Use this opening when inviting someone to do something together.

we “we” means “we” and refers to the two friends acting together. It appears in “Laten we ...” and in “voordat we beslissen.” Use it when the speaker includes themselves and at least one other person in the action.

de “de” means “the” in “de afstand,” “de weersverwachting,” and other noun phrases in the dialogue. It introduces a specific distance, forecast, or time already relevant to the plan. Use it before the corresponding noun when referring to a known item.

afstand “afstand” means “distance” in “de afstand.” The speakers want to check how far the route is before deciding. Use it when discussing the length between two places or points on a route.

hoogteverschil “hoogteverschil” means “elevation difference” in the list of route details to check. It refers to the change in height along the hike. Use it when evaluating how physically demanding a route may be.

en “en” means “and” and joins items in the lists “de afstand, het hoogteverschil en de weersverwachting” and “schoenen en water.” Use it to connect equal items or actions in one statement.

weersverwachting “weersverwachting” means “weather forecast.” In the dialogue, it is one of the things the friends check before deciding about the hike. Use it when referring to a forecast for upcoming weather.

controleren “controleren” means “to check” in “de ... weersverwachting controleren.” It names the action proposed after “Laten we.” Use it with an object when verifying information before making a decision.

voordat “voordat” means “before” and introduces the point in time when the speakers decide. In “voordat we beslissen,” it connects checking the information with the later decision. Use it to place one action earlier than another.

beslissen “beslissen” means “decide” in “voordat we beslissen.” It describes choosing whether the group should take the route. Use it when a person or group reaches a choice after considering information.

een “een” means “a” or “an” in “een behoorlijk lange route.” It introduces one route that is being described. Use it before a singular, non-specific noun.

behoorlijk “behoorlijk” means “fairly” or “quite” in “een behoorlijk lange route.” It strengthens “lange” without saying that the route is extremely long. Use it to give a moderate degree to an adjective.

lange “lange” means “long” in “een behoorlijk lange route.” It describes the route’s distance and appears before “route.” Use this form when describing the length of the route in this noun phrase.

route “route” means “route” and refers to the planned path of the hike. The dialogue uses it for both the longer route and the shorter alternative. Use it when discussing a planned way from one place to another.

voorspelt “voorspelt” means “predicts” or “forecasts” in “De weersverwachting voorspelt lichte regen.” The forecast is presented as giving information about later weather. Use it when a forecast or other source predicts a future event.

lichte “lichte” means “light” in “lichte regen,” describing rain that is not heavy. It appears directly before “regen.” Use it when characterizing the intensity of rain in a weather report.

regen “regen” means “rain” in “lichte regen.” It is the weather expected in the afternoon. Use it when discussing rain as weather or as a possible condition affecting plans.

in “in” means “in” in “in de middag,” placing the expected rain within the afternoon period. It introduces the time period in this expression. Use it to state when something happens within a period of time.

middag “middag” means “afternoon” in “in de middag.” It identifies when the light rain is expected. Use it with a time expression when referring to the part of the day after morning.

Dan “Dan” means “then” and introduces the consequence of the weather information. Because rain is expected, the speakers say they need an early departure and a backup plan. Use it to connect a situation with a resulting action or decision.

moeten “moeten” means “must” or “need to” in “Dan moeten we vroeg vertrekken.” It expresses necessity for the group’s plan. Use it before an action to say that the action is required or necessary.

vroeg “vroeg” means “early” in “vroeg vertrekken.” It specifies that the departure should happen early in the day. Use it before an action when timing earlier than usual is important.

vertrekken “vertrekken” means “leave” or “depart” in “vroeg vertrekken.” It is the action required because of the forecast and route length. Use it after a necessity expression when talking about leaving a place.

plan “plan” means “plan” in “een plan B.” Here it refers to an alternative arrangement if the original hiking plan becomes unsuitable. Use it when discussing an intended course of action.

hebben “hebben” means “have” in “een plan B hebben.” It describes possessing or keeping an alternative plan available. Use it after a necessity expression when saying that someone needs to have something.

kortere “kortere” means “shorter” in “een kortere route.” It compares the alternative route with the longer route already discussed. Use it before a noun when identifying an option with less distance or duration.

die “die” means “that” or “which” in “een kortere route die teruggaat.” It introduces information about the route and makes “teruggaat” describe that route. Use it to connect a noun with a following description.

teruggaat “teruggaat” means “returns” or “goes back” in “die teruggaat naar hetzelfde station.” It describes the shorter route’s direction back to the station. Use it when explaining that a route or person goes back toward a place.

naar “naar” means “to” in “teruggaat naar hetzelfde station.” It identifies the destination of the route’s return. Use it before a destination when describing movement toward a place.

hetzelfde “hetzelfde” means “the same” in “hetzelfde station.” It shows that the route returns to the station already associated with the hike. Use it before a noun when referring back to an identical place or thing.

station “station” means “station” in “hetzelfde station.” It is the place to which the shorter route returns. Use it when referring to a transport station or meeting point of this kind.

Dat “Dat” means “that” in “Dat klinkt veiliger,” referring to the shorter route just mentioned. Lowercase “dat” appears in “duidelijk maken dat ...,” where it introduces a statement. Use the capitalized form to refer back to something and the lowercase form to connect a statement after another expression.

klinkt “klinkt” means “sounds” in “Dat klinkt veiliger.” It introduces the speaker’s assessment of the route based on the information given. Use it with a description when saying how an idea, suggestion, or plan seems.

veiliger “veiliger” means “safer” in “Dat klinkt veiliger.” It compares the shorter route with the previously discussed option. Use it when evaluating which of two choices involves less risk.

als “als” means “if” in “als het pad glad wordt.” It introduces the condition under which the shorter route would be safer. Use it to state what may happen when a particular condition occurs.

pad “pad” means “trail” or “path” in “het pad.” It refers to the surface used for walking. Use it when discussing the condition or direction of a walking path.

glad “glad” means “slippery” in “het pad glad wordt.” It describes the trail as becoming difficult or unsafe to walk on. Use it after a form meaning “becomes” when a surface changes to a slippery condition.

wordt “wordt” means “becomes” in “het pad glad wordt.” It describes a change in the trail’s condition rather than a fixed description. Use it with an adjective when saying that something changes into a new state.

Zullen “Zullen” begins “Zullen we ...?”, which means “Shall we ...?” or “Should we ...?” Here it introduces a suggestion to tell everyone what to bring. Use this question form when proposing a joint action.

iedereen “iedereen” means “everyone” in “iedereen vertellen.” It refers to all the people who may join the hike. Use it when the message or action concerns every person in a group.

vertellen “vertellen” means “tell” in “iedereen vertellen dat ...” It describes communicating the equipment and safety information to the group. Use it with a person or group and a following statement when passing on information.

ze “ze” means “they” in “dat ze geschikte schoenen ... moeten meenemen” and “Ze moeten beide meenemen.” It refers to the people joining the hike. Use it as the subject when talking about those people without repeating the group noun.

geschikte “geschikte” means “suitable” or “proper” in “geschikte schoenen.” It says that the shoes should be appropriate for the hike. Use it before an item when describing whether it fits the practical requirements of an activity.

schoenen “schoenen” means “shoes” in “geschikte schoenen.” They are one of the two items the hikers are advised to bring. Use it when discussing footwear for walking or other activities.

water “water” means “water” and is the second item named in “schoenen en water.” The group should bring it for the hike. Use it when discussing a drink or supply needed during an outdoor activity.

meenemen “meenemen” means “bring along” or “take with” in “moeten meenemen.” It describes carrying the shoes and water with the hikers. Use it after a necessity expression when saying that someone should bring an item along.

beide “beide” means “both” in “Ze moeten beide meenemen.” It refers back to the two items, shoes and water, and includes them together. Use it when two previously mentioned things are both involved in the action.

duidelijk “duidelijk” means “clearly” or “clear” in “duidelijk maken.” Together, “duidelijk maken” means to make a message or point clear; “duidelijk” describes the clarity being created. Use this expression when emphasizing that people should understand an important condition.

maken “maken” means “make” in “duidelijk maken.” With “duidelijk,” it describes making the safety condition clear to everyone. Use it with a description when explaining that someone causes something to become clear or understandable.

omkeren “omkeren” means “turn back” in “dat we omkeren.” It describes returning in the opposite direction if continuing is not appropriate. Use it when explaining a safety decision during a journey or hike.

nodig “nodig” means “needed” or “necessary” in “als dat nodig is.” It describes the condition in which turning back is required. Use it to state that an action should happen only when circumstances make it necessary.

Ik “Ik” means “I” in “Ik stuur vanavond ...” It identifies the speaker as the person who will send the route information. Use it when speaking about your own action or responsibility.

stuur “stuur” means “send” in “Ik stuur vanavond de routekaart.” In this context, sending the map and time means sharing them with the group. Use it with information or an item when saying that you will deliver or share it.

vanavond “vanavond” means “tonight” in “Ik stuur vanavond ...” It specifies when the route information will be shared. Use it when referring to the current evening.

routekaart “routekaart” means “route map.” It is one of the pieces of information the speaker will share with the hikers. Use it when referring to a map that shows the planned route.

tijd “tijd” means “time” in “de tijd waarop we afspreken.” It refers to the agreed meeting time for the group. Use it when giving or discussing the time at which people will meet.

waarop “waarop” means “at which” or “when” in “de tijd waarop we afspreken.” It introduces the clause that specifies the time. Use it after a time expression when describing what happens at that time.

afspreken “afspreken” means “meet” or “arrange to meet” in “waarop we afspreken.” It describes the group meeting at the agreed time. Use it when talking about making or following a meeting arrangement.

zou “zou” means “would” or contributes to the softened expectation in “Dat zou iedereen moeten helpen.” It presents the shared route information as something expected to help the group. Use it when making a polite or tentative prediction about an effect.

helpen “helpen” means “help” in “zou iedereen moeten helpen.” It describes the useful effect of sharing the map and meeting time. Use it when saying that an action or piece of information supports someone’s preparation or decision.

zich “zich” means “themselves” in “zich voor te bereiden.” It refers back to “iedereen” and shows that the people prepare themselves. Use it with a preparation expression when the subject carries out the preparation for their own participation.

bereiden “bereiden” means “prepare” in the expression “zich voor te bereiden.” With “zich” and “voor,” the complete expression means to prepare oneself. Use this construction when someone gets ready for an activity or event.

of “of” means “whether” in “te beslissen of ze mee kunnen.” It introduces the question of whether the people are able to join. Use it after a decision expression when presenting an alternative or something to determine.

mee “mee” means “along” or “with” in “mee kunnen.” Together with “kunnen,” it expresses being able to join the hike. Use it when referring to participating in an activity with other people.

kunnen “kunnen” means “can” or “be able to” in “of ze mee kunnen.” It describes whether the people are able to join the hike. Use it with “mee” when discussing participation and with another action when discussing ability.

Grammar Points

-er bijvoeglijk naamwoord

De kortere afstand is veiliger.

duh KOR-tuh-ruh AHF-stahnt iss VYE-luh-khur.

The shorter distance is safer.

Add -er to many adjectives to form the comparative: kort → korter, veilig → veiliger.

om ... te + infinitief

Het is nodig om te beslissen.

hut iss NOH-dikh om tuh buh-SLISS-un.

It is necessary to decide.

Use om ... te with an infinitive to express what is necessary or intended.

Dutch Vocabulary

afstand noun

AHF-stahnt distance

Laten we de afstand controleren.

beginner noun

buh-KHIN-ur beginner beginners

Te moeilijk voor beginners.

behoorlijk adv

buh-HOHR-luk fairly; quite

Het is een behoorlijk lange route.

bergpad noun

BERK-paht mountain trail

Het bergpad ziet er mooi uit.

beslissen verb

buh-SLISS-un to decide

Voordat we beslissen.

controleren verb

kun-troh-LAIR-un to check

Laten we de afstand controleren.

hoogteverschil noun

HOHK-tuh-fer-SKHIL elevation difference

Laten we het hoogteverschil controleren.

lang adj

LAHNG long lange

Een behoorlijk lange route.

misschien adv

miss-SKHEEN maybe

Het is misschien te moeilijk.

moeilijk adj

MOOY-luk difficult

Het is misschien te moeilijk voor beginners.

mooi adj

MOH-ee beautiful

Het bergpad ziet er mooi uit.

weersverwachting noun

VAYRS-fer-WAKH-ting weather forecast

De weersverwachting voorspelt lichte regen.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

It is a fairly long route.

Show Answer

Het is een behoorlijk lange route.

They should bring both.

Show Answer

Ze moeten beide meenemen.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

beginner

Show Answer

beginners

maybe

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misschien

to check

Show Answer

controleren

mountain trail

Show Answer

bergpad