Apologizing for a late cancellation | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Apologizing for a late cancellation to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Het spijt me echt, maar ik moet onze afspraak voor vanavond afzeggen.

ut SPAYT muh EKHT, mahr ik moot ON-zuh uhf-SPRAHK vohr vah-nah-VONT UHF-ZEKH-un. I'm really sorry, but I need to cancel tonight's plan.

Dat valt tegen. Is er iets dringends gebeurd?

Daht vahlt TAY-khun. Iss ur eets DRING-unts khuh-BURT? That's disappointing. Did something urgent happen?

Er is iets met mijn familie aan de hand en ik kan niet van huis.

Ur iss eets met mayn fuh-MEE-lee ahn duh HAHNT un ik kahn neet vahn HOWS. A family issue came up, and I can't leave home.

Ik begrijp het, maar ik had het graag eerder geweten.

Ik buh-KHRAYP ut, mahr ik haht ut khrahkh AYR-dur khuh-VAY-tun. I understand, but I wish I had known earlier.

Je hebt gelijk. Ik had het je moeten vertellen zodra ik het wist.

Yuh hept khuh-LAYK. Ik haht ut yuh MOOT-un vur-TEL-un zoh-DRAH ik ut vist. You're right. I should have told you as soon as I knew.

Dat waardeer ik. Ik was me al aan het klaarmaken.

Daht vahr-DAYR ik. Ik wahs muh ahl ahn ut KLAHR-mah-kun. I appreciate that. I had already started getting ready.

Laat me het goedmaken door een andere datum te kiezen die jou uitkomt.

Laht muh ut KHOOT-mah-kun dohr un AHN-dur-uh DAH-tum tuh KEE-zun dee yow OWT-khoomt. Let me make it up to you by choosing another date that works for you.

We kunnen een nieuwe afspraak maken, maar bevestig het alsjeblieft zodra alles wat rustiger is.

Wuh KUN-un un NEE-vuh uhf-SPRAHK MAH-kun, mahr buh-VEST-ikh ut uhl-shuh-BLEEFT zoh-DRAH AHL-us waht RUHS-tuh-khur iss. We can reschedule, but please confirm once things are calmer.

Ik stuur je een bericht zodra ik meer weet.

Ik STEWR yuh un buh-RIKHT zoh-DRAH ik mair vayt. I'll message you when I know more.

Ik weet dat deze late wijziging je avond heeft verstoord.

Ik vayt daht DAY-zuh LAH-tuh VAY-zuh-khing yuh AH-vunt hayft vur-STOHRT. I know the late change disrupted your evening.

Ik hoop dat alles goed gaat met je familie.

Ik HOHP daht AHL-us KHOOT khaht met yuh fuh-MEE-lee. I hope everything is all right with your family.

Word by Word

Het spijt me “Het spijt me” is the fixed Dutch expression for apologizing. “Het” fills the subject position, “spijt” expresses regret, and “me” identifies the person who feels it. Use this expression when apologizing for a mistake, problem, or inconvenience.

echt “echt” means “really” here and strengthens the apology. It emphasizes that the speaker’s regret is sincere. It can commonly be placed before an adjective or another adverb to add emphasis.

maar “maar” means “but” and introduces information that contrasts with the apology. Here it leads from being sorry to the reason for the cancellation. Use it to connect an apology or concession with an important opposing fact.

ik “ik” means “I” and is the subject who is apologizing and canceling the plan. At the beginning of a sentence, the same pronoun appears as “Ik”. Use it before a verb when talking about your own action or state.

moet “moet” expresses necessity in “ik moet ... afzeggen”: the speaker needs to cancel. It is followed here by the infinitive “afzeggen”. Use “ik moet” before an action that you have to carry out.

onze “onze” means “our” and shows that the appointment belongs to both people. It comes directly before “afspraak”. Use “onze” before a noun when referring to something shared by the speaker and others.

afspraak “afspraak” means an appointment or arrangement; here it is the plan the two friends made. It appears in “onze afspraak” and later in “een nieuwe afspraak maken”. Use it for a scheduled meeting or agreed arrangement.

voor “voor” means “for” in “voor vanavond” and identifies the time the appointment is intended for. It can be placed before a time expression or date when saying when something is planned. Here it connects the appointment with tonight.

vanavond “vanavond” means “tonight” and specifies the evening in question. It is used after “voor” to identify when the appointment was planned. Use it for an event taking place during the current evening.

afzeggen “afzeggen” means “to cancel” and is the infinitive after “moet”. Here the object is “onze afspraak”, so the speaker is canceling the arrangement. Use it with an appointment, reservation, or plan that will no longer take place.

Dat “Dat” refers to the cancellation and the situation just described. As the subject of “valt tegen”, it introduces the other person’s disappointed reaction. Use “Dat” to refer back to a fact, event, or situation already understood.

valt tegen “valt tegen” means “is disappointing” as a whole expression. “valt” contributes how something turns out, while “tegen” shows that the result is below expectations. Use it as a reaction when news or an outcome is disappointing.

Is “Is” is the form of “zijn” used at the start of a yes-or-no question. In “Is er iets dringends gebeurd?” it asks whether something urgent has happened. Use “Is er ...?” to ask whether something exists or has occurred.

er “er” introduces an existence or occurrence in “Is er iets dringends gebeurd?”. It does not refer to a particular location here. Use it in patterns such as “Er is ...” when saying that something is present or happening.

iets “iets” means “something” in this question about an urgent event. It is followed by “dringends” to describe what kind of thing may have happened. Use “iets” before a description when referring to an unspecified thing.

dringends “dringends” means “urgent” and describes “iets” in the question. It identifies the possible event as needing immediate attention. Use it with an unspecified matter when emphasizing urgency.

gebeurd “gebeurd” means “happened” in “Is er iets dringends gebeurd?”. It reports an event that has taken place and appears with “is” in this question. Use it when asking or talking about an event that has occurred.

met “met” means “with” in “iets met mijn familie” and introduces the people connected with the problem. Here it means that something is going on concerning the speaker’s family. Use “iets met” before a person or group when describing an issue involving them.

mijn “mijn” means “my” and identifies the family as belonging to or connected with the speaker. It comes before “familie”. Use “mijn” before a noun when referring to something connected with yourself.

aan de hand “aan de hand” is an expression meaning that something is going on or happening. The words “aan”, “de”, and “hand” form this expression together, so its meaning belongs to the whole construction. Use it after a phrase such as “Er is iets” to describe an unresolved situation.

en “en” means “and” and joins the family problem with the statement that the speaker cannot leave home. It connects two related pieces of information in the same sentence. Use it to link words, phrases, or clauses that belong together.

kan “kan” means “can” and expresses the speaker’s inability or lack of possibility in “ik kan niet van huis”. The negative “niet” makes the statement mean that leaving home is not possible. Use “ik kan” before an action or situation that is possible for you.

niet “niet” means “not” and negates the speaker’s ability to leave home. Here it changes “kan” into a negative statement. Use it to deny or limit an action, ability, or situation.

van “van” means “from” in the expression “van huis”. Together with “huis”, it indicates being away from or leaving home. Use it before a place when expressing origin or movement away from that place.

huis “huis” means “home” or “house”; in “van huis” it refers to home as the place the speaker cannot leave. The phrase is used to explain the speaker’s current restriction. Use “huis” for the home or building where someone lives.

begrijp “begrijp” means “understand” in “Ik begrijp het”. It shows that the listener understands the explanation about the family issue. Use it in this kind of response when acknowledging someone’s situation.

het “het” means “it” or “that” and refers here to the situation that was explained. In “Ik begrijp het”, it is the thing the listener understands. Use it to refer back to an already known fact, matter, or explanation.

had “had” is used in “had ... geweten” to frame a wish about knowledge that should have existed earlier. It helps express the listener’s regret about not having known sooner. Use this construction when looking back on information that would have been useful earlier.

graag “graag” adds the idea of wanting or being pleased to have known in “had het graag eerder geweten”. It turns the statement into a polite expression of regret or desire. Use it with a verb when saying that you would like or would have liked to do something.

eerder “eerder” means “earlier” and refers to a time before the late cancellation. It modifies the idea of knowing, showing that the listener wanted the information sooner. Use it with an action or state when comparing it with an earlier time.

geweten “geweten” is the form of “weten” used in “had ... geweten” and means “known”. It refers to having had the information earlier. Use it after “had” when describing knowledge that is viewed from a past point.

Je “Je” means “you” and addresses the other friend directly. It is capitalized because it begins the sentence; the same pronoun appears as “je” inside a sentence. Use it as the subject when speaking directly to the person involved.

hebt “hebt” means “have” in the fixed expression “Je hebt gelijk”. It combines with “gelijk” to say that the other person is right. Use “Je hebt gelijk” when acknowledging that someone’s point or criticism is correct.

gelijk “gelijk” means “right” or “correct” in “Je hebt gelijk”. The complete expression, rather than the word alone, acknowledges that the other person is justified. Use it when agreeing with someone’s assessment.

moeten “moeten” expresses an obligation in “had ... moeten vertellen”: the speaker should have told the listener. It is followed by the infinitive “vertellen”. Use the pattern “had ... moeten” plus an infinitive when expressing a past action that should have happened.

vertellen “vertellen” means “to tell” and names the information-sharing action that should have happened earlier. It follows “moeten” in “moeten vertellen” and takes “het” and “je” as the information and recipient. Use it when telling someone information or explaining something to them.

zodra “zodra” means “as soon as” and introduces the moment when the speaker knew about the issue. It connects a condition or event with the action that follows it. Use “zodra” before a clause when one action should happen immediately after another event.

wist “wist” means “knew” in “zodra ik het wist” and refers to the moment when the speaker became aware of the situation. It is the past form used for that earlier knowledge. Use it when describing what you knew at a particular past moment.

waardeer “waardeer” means “appreciate” in “Dat waardeer ik”. It shows that the speaker values the other person’s understanding or response. Use it to thank someone for a helpful attitude, action, or consideration.

was “was” helps describe the ongoing preparation in “Ik was me al aan het klaarmaken”. It places that activity in progress before the cancellation was announced. Use “was ... aan het” plus an infinitive to describe an action that was in progress at that time.

me “me” refers back to “ik” and makes “me klaarmaken” mean getting myself ready. It shows that the speaker is both the person acting and the person being prepared. Use this reflexive form when describing yourself getting ready.

al “al” means “already” and shows that the preparation had begun before the cancellation. It emphasizes that the listener had invested time in getting ready. Use it with an action or state that started earlier than the relevant moment.

aan “aan” is part of “aan het klaarmaken”, which marks an action in progress. Here it does not mean a location or destination. Use “aan het” before an infinitive when describing something that someone is currently or was then doing.

klaarmaken “klaarmaken” means “get ready” or “prepare”; in “me aan het klaarmaken” it describes the listener preparing themselves. It appears as the infinitive after “aan het”. Use it when talking about preparing yourself or something for a planned activity.

Laat “Laat” begins the request “Laat me ...” and means “let” or “allow”. It introduces the speaker’s proposal to repair the inconvenience. Use “Laat me” followed by an infinitive when offering to do something.

goedmaken “goedmaken” means “make it up” or “make amends” in “het goedmaken”. It refers to repairing the social situation after causing inconvenience. Use it with “het” or another object when offering to compensate for a mistake or problem.

door “door” introduces the method in “door ... te kiezen”: the speaker will make amends by choosing another date. It is followed here by “te” and an infinitive. Use door plus an infinitive construction when explaining how an action is carried out.

een “een” is the indefinite article “a” or “an” before “datum”. It introduces one date without identifying it yet. Use it before a singular noun when referring to one non-specific thing.

andere “andere” means “another” or “different” and modifies “datum”. It shows that the proposed date will not be the canceled one. Use “een andere” before a noun when offering a replacement or alternative.

datum “datum” means “date” and refers to the day selected for the replacement appointment. It is the object of “kiezen”. Use it when arranging a day for a meeting, appointment, or event.

te “te” is the infinitive marker in “te kiezen” after “door”. It helps form the construction meaning “by choosing”, rather than expressing a direction. Use it before an infinitive in constructions that require this form.

kiezen “kiezen” means “choose” and describes selecting the alternative date. It appears after “te” in “te kiezen”. Use it with an object such as a date, time, or option when making a selection.

die “die” introduces the relative clause “die jou uitkomt”, which describes the date being chosen. It refers back to “datum”. Use a noun followed by “die” and a clause to add information about that noun.

jou “jou” identifies the other person as the one whose convenience matters in “die jou uitkomt”. It is the person for whom the date should be suitable. Use it after expressions that describe whether something works for a particular person.

uitkomt “uitkomt” means “suits” or “works for” in “die jou uitkomt”. The relative clause says that the chosen date fits the other person’s availability. Use a pattern such as a time or date that someone uitkomt when discussing suitable arrangements.

We “We” means “we” and refers to both friends as a group. It is the subject of the proposal to make a new appointment. Use it when describing an action shared by the speaker and another person or group.

kunnen “kunnen” means “can” and expresses the possibility of making a new appointment. It is followed by the infinitive “maken”. Use “We kunnen” before an infinitive when suggesting an action that the group is able or willing to do.

nieuwe “nieuwe” means “new” and modifies “afspraak”. It marks the replacement appointment as different from the canceled one. Use it before a noun when referring to a newly arranged or replacement item.

maken “maken” means “make” in “een nieuwe afspraak maken”, where the whole expression means arranging a new appointment. Its meaning here is not simply producing an object. Use “afspraak maken” when arranging a meeting or appointment.

bevestig “bevestig” means “confirm” and is an imperative request to provide confirmation later. It is followed by “het”, referring to the new arrangement. Use it when asking someone to confirm a plan, booking, or agreement.

alsjeblieft “alsjeblieft” means “please” and makes the request “bevestig het” more polite. It is commonly placed with an imperative. Use it when making a friendly request in an informal conversation.

alles “alles” means “everything” and refers to all the circumstances surrounding the family issue. In “zodra alles wat rustiger is”, it is the subject of the situation becoming calmer. Use it when referring collectively to all relevant things or circumstances.

wat “wat” means “somewhat” or “a little” in “wat rustiger”. It softens the comparative and avoids demanding complete calm. Use “wat” before an adjective when expressing a small or moderate degree.

rustiger “rustiger” means “calmer” and describes the situation after it has become less hectic. It is used with “wat” to mean somewhat calmer. Use it when discussing a situation, place, or period that has become more peaceful.

stuur “stuur” means “send” in “Ik stuur je een bericht”. In this context, the present form describes a promised future action that will happen once the speaker knows more. Use it with a person and “een bericht” when saying that you will message someone.

bericht “bericht” means “message” and is the item the speaker will send. It appears in the useful expression “een bericht sturen”. Use it for a written message sent to another person.

meer “meer” means “more” in “meer weet” and refers to additional information. It shows that the speaker does not yet know the full situation. Use it before a verb or noun when referring to an increased amount of information or knowledge.

weet “weet” means “know” in “zodra ik meer weet”. It describes the speaker’s future point of having additional information. Use it with information or a fact when saying what you know.

deze “deze” means “this” and identifies the particular late change just discussed. It comes before “late wijziging”. Use it before a noun when pointing to something specific and near in the conversation or situation.

late “late” means “late” and describes the timing of the change. Here it indicates that the change was communicated too close to the planned evening. Use it before a noun when an action or notice occurs later than is helpful or expected.

wijziging “wijziging” means “change” and refers to changing the evening plan. In this sentence, the change is the reason the other person’s evening was disrupted. Use it for an alteration to a plan, arrangement, or situation.

avond “avond” means “evening” and appears in “je avond”, meaning the other person’s evening. It refers to the period affected by the late change. Use it with a possessive or time expression when talking about an evening.

heeft “heeft” is the auxiliary “has” in “heeft verstoord”. Together with “verstoord”, it presents the disruption as a completed result of the late change. Use “heeft” with a participle in a perfect construction.

verstoord “verstoord” means “disrupted” in “heeft verstoord”. It describes the effect the late change had on the other person’s evening. Use it when an action or event interrupts or disturbs a plan or situation.

hoop “hoop” means “hope” in “Ik hoop dat ...”. It introduces the speaker’s wish that the family is all right. Use “Ik hoop dat” before a clause when expressing concern or a positive wish about a situation.

goed “goed” means “well” or “all right” in “alles goed gaat”. It describes the family’s condition as satisfactory. Use it with “gaan” when asking or saying how a person or situation is doing.

gaat “gaat” means “goes” or “is going” in “alles goed gaat”. With “goed”, the expression describes how the situation is progressing rather than physical movement. Use “goed gaan” to say that a person or situation is doing well.

Grammar Points

aan het + infinitief

Ik ben me aan het klaarmaken.

Ik ben muh ahn ut KLAHR-mah-kun.

I'm getting ready.

Deze constructie drukt uit dat je op dit moment bezig bent met een handeling.

zodra + bijzin

Zodra het uitkomt, bevestig ik de wijziging.

Zoh-DRAH ut OWT-khoomt, buh-VEST-ikh ik duh VAY-zuh-khing.

As soon as it suits me, I’ll confirm the change.

Na zodra staat een bijzin; daarna volgt de hoofdzin met inversie: bevestig ik.

Dutch Vocabulary

aan de hand zijn phrase

ahn duh HAHNT zine to be going on; to be the matter

Er is iets met mijn familie aan de hand.

afspraak noun

UHF-SPRAHK appointment; arrangement

afzeggen verb

UHF-ZEKH-un to cancel

begrijpen verb

buh-KHRAY-pun to understand begrijp

dringend adj

DRING-unt urgent dringends

Is er iets dringends gebeurd?

eerder adv

AYR-dur earlier

familie noun

fuh-MEE-lee family

gebeuren verb

khuh-BUR-un to happen gebeurd

het spijt me echt phrase

ut SPAYT muh EKHT I'm really sorry

Het spijt me echt, maar ik moet onze afspraak voor vanavond afzeggen.

vallen tegen phrase

VAHL-un TAY-khun to be disappointing

Dat valt tegen.

van huis phrase

vahn HOWS away from home

vanavond adv

vah-nah-VONT tonight

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

urgent

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dringends

family

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familie

tonight

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vanavond

to happen

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gebeurd