Borrowing and caring for a suitcase | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: Before a trip, one adult borrows a suitcase and agrees how to protect it, document its condition, and return it clean..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Borrowing and caring for a suitcase to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Mag ik je middelgrote koffer lenen voor mijn reis volgende week?

MAHK ik yuh MID-uhl-KHROH-tuh KAW-fur LAY-nun vor mine RAYS VOL-khun-duh VAYK? Could I borrow your medium suitcase for my trip next week?
B

Dat kan, maar wees voorzichtig met het handvat, want het is een beetje kwetsbaar.

DAHT kahn, mahr VAYS vor-ZIKH-tukh met ut HAHNT-vaht, vahnt ut iss un BAY-tyuh KVEHTS-bahr. You can, but be careful with the handle because it's a little fragile.
A

Daar zal ik rekening mee houden en ik zal hem niet te vol pakken.

DAHR zahl ik RAY-kuh-ning may HOW-dun un ik zahl um NEET tuh vol PAH-kun. I'll keep that in mind and avoid overpacking it.
B

Er zit ook een kras aan de zijkant.

ur zit OHK un KRAHSS ahn duh ZAY-kahnt. It also has a scratch on the side.
A

Wil je dat ik een foto maak voordat ik hem gebruik?

VIL yuh daht ik un FOH-toh MAHK VOHR-daht ik um khuh-BROWK? Would you like me to take a photo before I use it?
B

Een foto zou de staat ervan voor ons allebei duidelijk maken.

un FOH-toh zow duh STAHT AIR-vahn vohr ons AHL-uh-BIE DOW-duh-lik MAH-kun. A photo would make the condition clear for both of us.
A

Ik breng hem terug op de dag nadat ik terugkom.

ik BRENG um tuh-RUKH op duh DAHK nah-DAHT ik tuh-RUKH-kom. I'll return it the day after I get back.
B

Veeg de wielen af voordat je hem naar binnen brengt.

VAYKH duh VEE-lun ahf VOHR-daht yuh um NAHR BIN-nun brengt. Please wipe the wheels before bringing it inside.
A

Dat doe ik buiten voordat ik hem terugbreng.

DAHT doo ik BOW-tun VOHR-daht ik um tuh-RUKH-breng. I'll do that outside before I bring it back.
B

Laat het me weten als het handvat je tijdens de reis problemen geeft.

LAHT ut muh VAY-tun ahls ut HAHNT-vaht yuh TEE-duns duh RAYS proh-BLAY-mun KHAYFT. Let me know if the handle gives you trouble during the trip.

Word by Word

Mag “Mag” asks for permission in “Mag ik je middelgrote koffer lenen...?”, meaning “may I” or “can I.” Use “Mag ik...” when politely asking whether you are allowed to do something.
ik “ik” identifies the speaker as the person asking to borrow the suitcase in “Mag ik...?” It is used before the verb in this question pattern, as in “Mag ik je middelgrote koffer lenen...?”.
je “je” means “your” before “middelgrote koffer,” so the suitcase belongs to the person being addressed. A common reuse pattern is “je” followed by a noun to refer to something belonging to the listener.
middelgrote “middelgrote” describes the suitcase as medium-sized in “je middelgrote koffer.” It comes directly before the noun and is useful when specifying the size of an object.
koffer “koffer” refers to the suitcase being borrowed and cared for throughout the dialogue. Use it with a determiner or possessive, as in “je middelgrote koffer,” when talking about luggage.
lenen “lenen” means to borrow in “Mag ik je middelgrote koffer lenen...?” It follows “Mag ik” in this permission request, so the pattern is “Mag ik ... lenen?” when asking to borrow something.
voor “voor” links the suitcase to the purpose of the trip in “voor mijn reis.” It commonly introduces the person, purpose, or occasion something is intended for; here it explains why the speaker wants the suitcase.
mijn “mijn” means “my” in “mijn reis” and identifies the trip as belonging to the speaker. Place it before the noun when referring to something connected with or belonging to yourself.
reis “reis” refers to the speaker’s trip in “mijn reis volgende week.” It is useful for naming the journey or travel occasion for which something is needed.
volgende “volgende” marks the trip as the next one in time in “volgende week.” It comes before the time noun and helps specify an upcoming week or other upcoming period.
week “week” names the time period in “volgende week,” meaning next week. It can be combined with a preceding time word to identify when an event will happen.
Dat “Dat” refers back to the request or possibility just mentioned in “Dat kan,” meaning that is possible or allowed. Use “Dat kan” as a short response confirming that something can happen.
kan “kan” expresses possibility or permission in “Dat kan,” so the reply means that the speaker may borrow the suitcase. The same form is useful in short responses about whether something is possible.
maar “maar” introduces a limitation or warning after the permission in “Dat kan, maar wees voorzichtig.” It connects an approval with an important condition or contrast.
wees “wees” gives the direct instruction “be” in “wees voorzichtig met het handvat.” This form is used in a command or request, especially in the pattern “wees voorzichtig...” when warning someone to take care.
voorzichtig “voorzichtig” tells the listener to handle the suitcase carefully in “wees voorzichtig met het handvat.” The pattern “voorzichtig met...” identifies the object that needs careful treatment.
met “met” connects the warning to the handle in “voorzichtig met het handvat.” In this use, it identifies the object that someone should handle carefully.
het “het” means “the” before “handvat” in “het handvat.” It introduces this specific handle, which is already relevant to the suitcase being discussed.
handvat “handvat” refers to the suitcase handle that may be fragile and may cause trouble during the trip. Use it with “het” in “het handvat” when referring to this specific handle.
want “want” gives the reason for the warning in “want het is een beetje kwetsbaar,” meaning because it is somewhat fragile. It commonly connects a statement with a reason or explanation.
is “is” links the handle to its description in “het is een beetje kwetsbaar.” It is used here to state a current property or condition of the handle.
een “een” introduces “beetje” in “een beetje kwetsbaar,” giving the expression its meaning “a little fragile.” It also introduces an unspecified item in “een kras” and “een foto,” so it commonly comes before a singular noun.
beetje “beetje” reduces the strength of “kwetsbaar” in “een beetje kwetsbaar,” meaning somewhat or a little fragile. The reusable pattern “een beetje” softens an adjective or describes a small amount.
kwetsbaar “kwetsbaar” describes the handle as easily damaged in “een beetje kwetsbaar.” It is useful when warning someone that an object or part needs gentle treatment.
Daar “Daar” refers back to the warning about the handle in “Daar zal ik rekening mee houden,” meaning the speaker will take that into account. This pattern is useful when responding to advice or information just given.
zal “zal” expresses the speaker’s commitment in “Daar zal ik rekening mee houden” and “ik zal hem niet te vol pakken.” It is useful for stating what someone intends or promises to do.
rekening “rekening” contributes to the expression “rekening mee houden,” which means to take something into account. Use it together with “mee houden” when showing that advice or a fact will influence your actions.
mee “mee” completes “rekening mee houden” in “Daar zal ik rekening mee houden,” referring to the warning that the speaker will take into account. In this construction, it points back to the relevant information rather than meaning physical movement.
houden “houden” completes “rekening mee houden,” meaning to take something into account in this dialogue. The full pattern “rekening mee houden” is useful when saying that you will consider advice, a condition, or a fact.
en “en” joins the promise to take the warning into account with the promise not to overpack the suitcase in “rekening mee houden en ik zal hem niet te vol pakken.” It connects two related actions or statements.
hem “hem” refers to the suitcase as the object that the speaker will not pack too full in “ik zal hem niet te vol pakken.” It is also used for the suitcase in “hem gebruik,” “hem terug,” and the later carrying instructions.
niet “niet” negates the action in “ik zal hem niet te vol pakken,” so the speaker promises not to pack the suitcase too full. Place it before the part of the sentence that is being rejected or avoided.
te “te” means “too” in the combination “te vol,” indicating an excessive degree of fullness. The pattern “te” plus an adjective describes something as more than is appropriate.
vol “vol” describes the suitcase as full in “hem niet te vol pakken.” Together with “te,” it expresses the practical limit the speaker agrees not to exceed.
pakken “pakken” means pack in “hem niet te vol pakken,” describing putting things into the suitcase. The pattern “iets te vol pakken” is useful when saying that an object is being packed too full.
Er “Er” introduces the existence of a scratch in “Er zit ook een kras aan de zijkant,” meaning there is also a scratch on the side. The pattern “Er zit...” is useful for pointing out that something is located on or in an object.
zit “zit” describes the scratch as being present or located on the suitcase in “Er zit ook een kras...” It is used with “er” in this construction to report that a particular thing is there.
ook “ook” adds the scratch to the other condition already mentioned in “Er zit ook een kras.” It is useful when adding another fact, item, or problem to the conversation.
kras “kras” refers to the mark on the suitcase in “een kras aan de zijkant.” Use it when describing visible damage or a mark on a surface.
aan “aan” locates the scratch at the side in “aan de zijkant.” In this expression, it links the mark to the part of the suitcase where it appears.
de “de” means “the” in “de zijkant,” identifying the specific side of the suitcase. It is used before this noun as part of the location phrase “aan de zijkant.”
zijkant “zijkant” identifies the side of the suitcase in “aan de zijkant.” It is useful when specifying the side or edge of an object where something is located.
Wil “Wil” asks whether the listener would like the speaker to take a photo in “Wil je dat ik een foto maak...?” This is a polite way to offer or ask about an intended action, using the pattern “Wil je dat ik...?”.
foto “foto” refers to the picture proposed as a record of the suitcase’s condition in “een foto maak.” Use it when discussing taking or making a picture for documentation.
maak “maak” means make or take in “een foto maak”; Dutch uses this expression for taking a photo. The pattern “een foto maken” is useful when offering to document an object or situation.
voordat “voordat” places the photo-taking before using the suitcase in “voordat ik hem gebruik.” It introduces an action that must happen earlier than another action.
gebruik “gebruik” means use in “voordat ik hem gebruik,” referring to using the suitcase. Here it follows “ik” in a subordinate clause, and the pattern is useful for describing when someone will use an object.
zou “zou” presents the photo’s effect as a proposed or hypothetical result in “Een foto zou ... duidelijk maken.” It is useful when explaining what an action would achieve or how it could help.
staat “staat” refers to the physical condition of the suitcase in “de staat ervan.” This expression is useful when documenting or discussing how an object looks or functions at a particular time.
ervan “ervan” means “of it” and refers back to the suitcase in “de staat ervan.” It keeps the object reference together with “de staat,” meaning the suitcase’s condition.
ons “ons” means “us” in “voor ons allebei,” referring to both people in the conversation. It identifies the people who would benefit from having the condition documented clearly.
allebei “allebei” means both in “voor ons allebei,” emphasizing that the clear record is useful to the two speakers. The pattern “ons allebei” refers to both of us together.
duidelijk “duidelijk” describes the condition as clear or easy to establish in “de staat ervan ... duidelijk maken.” It is useful when an action makes information understandable or leaves no uncertainty about a situation.
maken “maken” completes “duidelijk maken,” meaning to make something clear in “Een foto zou de staat ervan ... duidelijk maken.” This pattern is useful for describing an action that produces a clear result.
breng “breng” means bring or return in “Ik breng hem terug,” where the speaker promises to return the suitcase. The reusable pattern “breng ... terug” is used when returning an object to its owner or place.
terug “terug” adds the meaning of returning to “breng hem terug.” Together, “breng ... terug” describes taking the suitcase back to the owner or original place.
op “op” introduces the specific day in “op de dag nadat ik terugkom.” It is used here to connect an action with the day on which it will happen.
dag “dag” names the day when the suitcase will be returned in “op de dag nadat ik terugkom.” It is useful for identifying a particular calendar day or time in relation to another event.
nadat “nadat” places the return after the speaker comes back in “de dag nadat ik terugkom.” It introduces an event that happens later than the event in the following clause.
terugkom “terugkom” means come back in “nadat ik terugkom,” referring to the speaker’s return from the trip. The pattern “nadat ik terugkom” is useful for scheduling something after you return.
Veeg “Veeg” is an instruction to wipe the wheels in “Veeg de wielen af.” It is useful when politely or directly telling someone to clean a surface or object.
wielen “wielen” refers to the suitcase wheels in “de wielen.” The phrase “de wielen afvegen” describes cleaning these parts before bringing the suitcase indoors.
af “af” completes the action in “Veeg de wielen af,” meaning wipe something off or clean it away. It is part of the reusable pattern “iets afvegen” for removing dirt or moisture from an object.
naar “naar” shows the direction toward the inside in “hem naar binnen brengt.” It introduces the destination or direction of movement.
binnen “binnen” means inside in “naar binnen brengt,” describing where the suitcase is being brought. The pattern “naar binnen” is useful when moving something from outside into an indoor space.
brengt “brengt” means brings in “voordat je hem naar binnen brengt,” referring to carrying the suitcase inside. The pattern “iets naar binnen brengen” is useful when moving an object into a building or room.
doe “doe” means do or carry out in “Dat doe ik buiten,” referring to wiping the wheels. It is useful when referring back to an action already mentioned instead of repeating the whole action.
buiten “buiten” means outside in “Dat doe ik buiten,” specifying where the speaker will wipe the wheels. It is useful for contrasting an outdoor location with the indoor destination mentioned afterward.
Laat “Laat” begins the request “Laat het me weten,” meaning let me know. This pattern is used when asking someone to inform you about a change, problem, or result.
me “me” means “me” in “Laat het me weten,” identifying the person who should receive the information. It appears between “laat” and “weten” in this common request pattern.
weten “weten” completes “Laat het me weten,” meaning to let someone know or inform them. The full pattern is useful when asking another person to report what happens.
als “als” introduces the possible condition in “als het handvat je tijdens de reis problemen geeft,” meaning if the handle causes trouble. It is useful for discussing what to do in a possible situation.
tijdens “tijdens” places the possible problem within the trip in “tijdens de reis.” It introduces the period during which an event or problem may occur.
problemen “problemen” refers to trouble caused by the handle in “je tijdens de reis problemen geeft.” The pattern “iemand problemen geven” is useful when an object or situation causes difficulties for someone.
geeft “geeft” means gives in the expression “het handvat je ... problemen geeft,” where it means causes problems for you. The reusable pattern “iets geeft iemand problemen” describes something that creates difficulty for a person.

Grammar Points

Scheidbare werkwoorden: terugbrengen → breng ... terug

Breng hem terug.

BRENG um tuh-RUKH.

Bring it back.

Bij een scheidbaar werkwoord staat het voorvoegsel vaak achteraan in een gewone hoofdzin.

rekening houden met → er rekening mee houden

Houd er rekening mee.

HOWT ur RAY-kuh-ning MAY.

Keep it in mind.

Met verandert in mee na er; samen vormen ze een vaste combinatie.

Dutch Vocabulary

foto noun
FOH-toh photo
handvat noun
HAHNT-vaht handle
koffer noun
KAW-fur suitcase
kras noun
KRAHSS scratch
kwetsbaar adj
KVEHTS-bahr fragile; vulnerable
lenen verb
LAY-nun to borrow
middelgroot adj
MID-uhl-KHROHT medium-sized middelgrote
reis noun
RAYS trip; journey
rekening houden met phrase
RAY-kuh-ning HOW-dun met to take into account; to keep in mind rekening mee houden
te vol pakken phrase
tuh vol PAH-kun to overpack niet te vol pakken
voorzichtig adj
VOHR-ZIKH-tukh careful; cautiously
zijkant noun
ZAY-kahnt side

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

fragile; vulnerable

Show Answerkwetsbaar

careful; cautiously

Show Answervoorzichtig

to borrow

Show Answerlenen

trip; journey

Show Answerreis