Explaining an overdue book and a failed renewal | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Explaining an overdue book and a failed renewal to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Ik besef net dat de uitleentermijn van dit boek is verstreken.

ik buh-SAYF net daht duh OWT-layn-ter-MINE vahn dit book iss fur-STRAY-kun. I just realized this book is overdue.

Breng het vandaag terug en vraag daarna bij de balie of ze de verlengingsgeschiedenis willen bekijken.

breng ut van-DAHK truhk en vrahkh DAHR-nah by duh BAH-lee ohf zuh duh fur-LAYNG-ings-khuh-SKHEE-duh-niss VIL-un buh-KY-kun. Return it today, then ask the desk to review the renewal history.

Ik dacht dat ik het online had verlengd, maar mijn account werd nooit bijgewerkt.

ik dahkht daht ik ut on-LY-nuh haht fur-LAYNGT, mahr mine uh-KOUNT vurt noyt buy-guh-WURKT. I thought I renewed it online, but my account never updated.

Als het systeem de verlenging niet heeft geregistreerd, kan het personeel je account misschien aanpassen.

ahls ut sis-TAYM duh fur-LAY-nging neet hayft ghuh-reh-jis-TRAYRT, kahn ut pur-suh-NAYL yuh uh-KOUNT mis-SKHEEN AHN-pahs-un. If the system failed to record it, the staff may be able to adjust your account.

Ik wil geen ruzie maken.

ik vil khayn ROO-zhee MAH-kun. I do not want to argue.

Maar ik wil graag uitleggen wat er is gebeurd.

mahr ik vil khrahkh OWT-lay-khun vaht ur iss guh-BURT. But I would like to explain what happened.

Neem een schermafbeelding of e-mail mee waarop te zien is dat je hebt geprobeerd het te verlengen.

naym un SKHERM-ahf-BAYL-ding off EE-mayl may ohp-vahr-ohp tuh zeen iss daht yuh haypt guh-proh-BAYRT ut tuh fur-LAYNG-un. Bring any screenshot or email that shows you tried to renew it.

Ik heb alleen de herinneringsmail, geen bevestiging.

ik hep ahl-LAYN duh huh-RIN-uh-rings-mayl, khayn buh-VES-tuh-khing. I only have the reminder email, not a confirmation.

Leg dat dan duidelijk uit.

lekh daht dahn DOW-yuh-luk OWT. Then explain that clearly.

Vraag hoe je hetzelfde probleem de volgende keer kunt voorkomen.

vrahkh hoo yuh HET-zelf-duh proh-BLAYM duh VOL-khun-duh kayr kunt fur-KOH-mun. Ask how to avoid the same problem next time.

Ook als mijn account nog steeds aangeeft dat de uitleentermijn van het boek is verstreken, wil ik het verlengingsproces begrijpen.

ohk ahls mine uh-KOUNT nokh stays AHN-khayft daht duh OWT-layn-ter-MINE vahn ut book iss fur-STRAY-kun, vil ik ut fur-LAY-ngings-proh-SAYS buh-KHRAY-pun. Even if my account still shows the book as overdue, I want to understand the renewal process.

Met die aanpak blijft het gesprek gericht op het oplossen van het probleem.

met dee AHN-pahk blayft ut guh-SPREK khuh-RYKT ohp ut OHP-loh-sun vahn ut proh-BLAYM. That approach keeps the conversation focused on solving the problem.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” and identifies the speaker in “Ik besef net”. It is used before a verb when stating what you realize, think, want, or have done.

besef “Besef” means “realize” in “Ik besef net dat...”. It introduces a realization and is commonly followed by “dat” plus the information realized.

net “Net” means “just” in “Ik besef net”. It shows that the realization happened very recently, so it is useful when reporting new information.

dat “Dat” means “that” in “dat de uitleentermijn... is verstreken” and introduces the content of the realization. It commonly connects a verb such as “besef” with a full subordinate clause.

de “De” is the definite article used before “uitleentermijn” in “de uitleentermijn”. It marks this specific loan period, as when discussing a particular library item.

uitleentermijn “Uitleentermijn” means “loan period” in “de uitleentermijn van dit boek”. It refers to the period during which the book may be borrowed and can be combined with “van” to specify the item.

van “Van” means “of” in “de uitleentermijn van dit boek” and links the loan period to the book. This pattern is useful for identifying what a period, part, or feature belongs to.

dit “Dit” means “this” in “dit boek” and points to the book being discussed. It is used directly before the noun when referring to a nearby or clearly identified item.

boek “Boek” means “book” in “dit boek”. In this situation it is the library item whose loan period has expired and which must be returned.

is “Is” means “is” in “is verstreken” and states the current result. It is used with “verstreken” to say that the loan period has ended.

verstreken “Verstreken” means “expired” or “ended” in “de uitleentermijn ... is verstreken”. Here it describes a period that has reached its end, which is useful when explaining an overdue deadline.

Breng “Breng” means “bring” or, in “Breng het ... terug”, “return”. It is a direct instruction to take the book back, and “het ... terug” identifies the item and the return direction.

het “Het” means “it” in “Breng het vandaag terug” and refers back to the book. It is placed between the imperative verb and “terug” in this return instruction.

vandaag “Vandaag” means “today” and sets the deadline in “Breng het vandaag terug”. It is useful when giving a clear day for an action.

terug “Terug” means “back” in “Breng het ... terug” and completes the meaning “return it”. It commonly follows an object in a direction or return instruction.

en “En” means “and” and links the two instructions “Breng het ... terug” and “vraag daarna...”. It is useful for presenting actions that should both be carried out.

vraag “Vraag” means “ask” in “vraag daarna bij de balie...”. Here it is an instruction to request information or help, and it can be followed by “of” plus the requested action.

daarna “Daarna” means “after that” and orders the second action after returning the book. It is useful for making the sequence of instructions clear.

bij “Bij” means “at” in “bij de balie” and identifies the place or service point where the question should be asked. It commonly appears before a desk, counter, person, or organization being approached.

balie “Balie” means “desk” or “counter” in “bij de balie”. It identifies the library service point where a visitor asks staff for assistance.

of “Of” means “whether” in “of ze ... willen bekijken” and introduces the requested possibility. In this use it commonly follows “vragen” and introduces an indirect yes-or-no question.

ze “Ze” means “they” in “ze ... willen bekijken” and refers to the library staff. It is used as the subject of the action being requested from the desk.

verlengingsgeschiedenis “Verlengingsgeschiedenis” means “renewal history” and is the information the staff should review. It is a compound referring to earlier renewals and can be used as the object of “bekijken”.

willen “Willen” means “want to” in “ze ... willen bekijken”. It expresses the staff’s possible willingness to review the history and is followed by the infinitive “bekijken”.

bekijken “Bekijken” means “review” or “look at” in “de verlengingsgeschiedenis willen bekijken”. It is the action requested from the staff and follows “willen” as an infinitive.

dacht “Dacht” means “thought” in “Ik dacht dat...”. It reports what the speaker believed earlier and is commonly followed by “dat” plus the believed information.

online “Online” means “online” in “het online had verlengd” and describes where the renewal was attempted. It can be placed before a verb to identify a digital method or setting.

had “Had” means “had” in “had verlengd” and helps place the renewal before the earlier thought was reported. It is used with “verlengd” to describe a completed earlier action.

verlengd “Verlengd” means “renewed” in “het online had verlengd”, referring to extending the loan period. It appears with “had” to describe the renewal the speaker believed had been completed.

maar “Maar” means “but” and contrasts the expected renewal with the account not updating. It is useful for linking an assumption to an unexpected result.

mijn “Mijn” means “my” in “mijn account” and identifies the account belonging to the speaker. It is placed directly before the noun whose status is being discussed.

account “Account” means “account” in “mijn account”. Here it is the library user account that should have reflected the renewal.

werd “Werd” means “was” or “became” in “werd nooit bijgewerkt”. Together with “bijgewerkt”, it describes the account as not being updated, which is useful when reporting a system result.

nooit “Nooit” means “never” in “werd nooit bijgewerkt”. It states that the update did not happen at any time and can be placed before the relevant participle in this construction.

bijgewerkt “Bijgewerkt” means “updated” in “werd nooit bijgewerkt”. With “werd” it describes the account receiving no update, a useful expression for a record or system status.

Als “Als” means “if” in “Als het systeem...”. It introduces a condition about the system’s failure and is useful when discussing what may happen under a certain circumstance.

systeem “Systeem” means “system” in “het systeem”. It refers here to the online library system that should record the renewal.

verlenging “Verlenging” means “renewal” in “de verlenging ... heeft geregistreerd”. It names the action or record that the system was expected to store.

niet “Niet” means “not” in “de verlenging niet heeft geregistreerd”. It negates the recording of the renewal and is used before the relevant participle in this subordinate clause.

heeft “Heeft” means “has” in “heeft geregistreerd”. It forms the completed-action construction with “geregistreerd”, describing whether the system recorded the renewal.

geregistreerd “Geregistreerd” means “recorded” or “registered” in “heeft geregistreerd”. It describes storing the renewal in the system and is useful for discussing whether an action appears in a record.

kan “Kan” means “can” or “may” in “kan het personeel misschien aanpassen”. It expresses possible ability and is followed by the infinitive “aanpassen”.

personeel “Personeel” means “staff” in “het personeel”. It refers collectively to the library employees who may be able to change the account.

je “Je” means “your” in “je account” and identifies the account belonging to the person being addressed. It can also refer to “you” in other contexts, but here it comes directly before a noun.

misschien “Misschien” means “perhaps” in “kan ... misschien aanpassen”. It makes the possible help less definite and is useful when offering a tentative solution.

aanpassen “Aanpassen” means “adjust” in “je account ... aanpassen”. It describes changing the account information to reflect the situation and follows the modal verb “kan”.

wil “Wil” means “want to” in “Ik wil geen ruzie maken”. It expresses the speaker’s intention and is followed by the infinitive “maken”.

geen “Geen” means “no” or “no ... any” in “geen ruzie”. It negates the noun phrase and shows that the speaker does not want any quarrel.

ruzie “Ruzie” means “argument” or “quarrel” in “ruzie maken”. The expression describes arguing with someone, so it is useful when saying that a discussion should remain calm.

maken “Maken” means “make” in the expression “ruzie maken”, which means “argue” or “have a quarrel”. It follows “wil” as the action the speaker does not want to do.

graag “Graag” expresses willingness or a polite preference in “ik wil graag uitleggen”. It softens the statement and commonly appears with “willen” when saying what one would like to do.

uitleggen “Uitleggen” means “explain” in “wil graag uitleggen wat er is gebeurd”. It introduces an explanation and is followed here by “wat er is gebeurd”, the information being explained.

wat “Wat” means “what” in “wat er is gebeurd” and introduces the content of the explanation. This pattern is useful when asking or explaining what happened.

er “Er” is part of the expression “wat er is gebeurd” and helps form the natural Dutch wording for “what happened”. Its meaning here belongs to the whole construction rather than standing alone.

gebeurd “Gebeurd” means “happened” in “wat er is gebeurd”. With “is”, it refers to the event that the speaker wants to explain to the library staff.

Neem “Neem” means “take” in “Neem ... mee”, which means “bring ... along”. It is an instruction to bring supporting material to the conversation.

een “Een” means “a” or “an” in “een schermafbeelding”. It introduces one non-specific example of the evidence that can be brought.

schermafbeelding “Schermafbeelding” means “screenshot” in “een schermafbeelding ... mee”. It refers to a saved image of what appeared on a screen and can serve as evidence of an online attempt.

e-mail “E-mail” means “email” in “een schermafbeelding of e-mail”. Here it is another document that may show information about the attempted renewal.

mee “Mee” means “along” in “Neem ... mee” and shows that the item should be brought with the person. It commonly combines with “nemen” when taking something to another place.

waarop “Waarop” means “on which” in “waarop te zien is...”. It links the screenshot or email to the information visible on it and is useful for describing what a document shows.

te “Te” is used with the infinitive “zien” in “te zien is” to describe what can be seen on the document. This pattern is useful when stating that something is visible or shown.

zien “Zien” means “see” in “waarop te zien is”. Here it refers to information being visible on the screenshot or email, rather than to someone actively looking.

hebt “Hebt” means “have” in “je hebt geprobeerd”. Together with “geprobeerd”, it describes the completed attempt made by the person addressed.

geprobeerd “Geprobeerd” means “tried” in “hebt geprobeerd het te verlengen”. It describes an attempt that may or may not have succeeded and is followed here by the action attempted.

verlengen “Verlengen” means “renew” or “extend” in “het te verlengen”. It names the action the person tried to carry out for the library book.

alleen “Alleen” means “only” in “Ik heb alleen de herinneringsmail”. It limits the evidence the speaker possesses and is useful when explaining what is available but incomplete.

herinneringsmail “Herinneringsmail” means “reminder email” in “de herinneringsmail”. It identifies the email the speaker has and contrasts with the missing confirmation.

bevestiging “Bevestiging” means “confirmation” in “geen bevestiging”. It refers to proof that the renewal was accepted, which the speaker says is not available.

Leg “Leg” means “explain” in “Leg dat dan duidelijk uit”. It is an instruction to make the situation understandable and is part of the separable verb “uitleggen”.

dan “Dan” means “then” in “Leg dat dan duidelijk uit”. It connects the explanation to the preceding fact about having only a reminder email.

duidelijk “Duidelijk” means “clearly” in “Leg dat dan duidelijk uit”. It describes how the explanation should be given, especially when communicating a problem to staff.

uit “Uit” is the separable part of “uitleggen” in “Leg ... uit” and helps form the meaning “explain”. In this instruction it appears after the object “dat”.

hoe “Hoe” means “how” in “hoe je ... kunt voorkomen”. It introduces the method or way of preventing the problem and is useful in questions about procedures.

hetzelfde “Hetzelfde” means “the same” in “hetzelfde probleem”. It identifies a problem identical to the one already discussed and appears directly before the noun.

probleem “Probleem” means “problem” in “hetzelfde probleem”. Here it refers to the failed or unrecorded renewal and can be used with “voorkomen” when discussing prevention.

volgende “Volgende” means “next” in “de volgende keer”. It points to the next occasion and is used before “keer” in this time expression.

keer “Keer” means “time” or “occasion” in “de volgende keer”. Together with “de volgende”, it identifies a future occasion when the same problem should be avoided.

kunt “Kunt” means “can” in “je ... kunt voorkomen”. It expresses the addressee’s ability or possibility and is followed by the infinitive “voorkomen”.

voorkomen “Voorkomen” means “avoid” or “prevent” in “hetzelfde probleem ... voorkomen”. It describes stopping the same problem from happening again and follows “kunt” as an infinitive.

Ook “Ook” means “even” in “Ook als mijn account...”. Together with “als”, it introduces a condition that remains true despite the account still showing the book as overdue.

nog “Nog” contributes to the meaning “still” in “nog steeds aangeeft”. It helps show that the account continues to display the same status.

steeds “Steeds” means “still” in “nog steeds aangeeft”. Together with “nog”, it emphasizes that the account’s status has not changed over time.

aangeeft “Aangeeft” means “shows” or “indicates” in “mijn account ... aangeeft dat...”. It describes the account displaying a status and is followed by “dat” plus the indicated information.

verlengingsproces “Verlengingsproces” means “renewal process” in “het verlengingsproces begrijpen”. It refers to the steps involved in renewing the loan and is the object of “begrijpen”.

begrijpen “Begrijpen” means “understand” in “wil ik het verlengingsproces begrijpen”. It expresses the speaker’s aim of learning how the renewal works and follows “wil” as an infinitive.

Met “Met” means “with” in “Met die aanpak”. It introduces the approach used to guide the conversation and is useful for describing the means or method behind a result.

die “Die” means “that” in “die aanpak” and points to the approach just described. It appears before the noun and identifies a specific approach.

aanpak “Aanpak” means “approach” in “Met die aanpak”. It refers to the way of calmly explaining the issue and focusing on a solution.

blijft “Blijft” means “remains” or “stays” in “blijft het gesprek gericht”. It describes a continuing state and is followed here by the subject “het gesprek” after the introductory phrase.

gesprek “Gesprek” means “conversation” in “het gesprek”. It refers to the discussion with the library staff and is described as remaining focused.

gericht “Gericht” means “focused” or “directed” in “gericht op het oplossen”. It describes the direction of the conversation and is followed by “op” plus its focus.

op “Op” means “on” in “gericht op het oplossen”. It introduces the subject or goal that something is focused on, here the solving of the problem.

oplossen “Oplossen” means “solve” in “het oplossen van het probleem”. With “het”, it names the activity of solving and is followed by “van” to specify what is being solved.

Grammar Points

gericht op + infinitief

gericht op oplossen

khuh-RYKT ohp OHP-loh-sun

focused on solving

The fixed expression gericht op is followed by a noun or an infinitive when describing the focus of an action.

Dutch Vocabulary

balie noun

BAH-lee desk; counter

bekijken verb

buh-KY-kun review; look at

besef verb

buh-SAYF realize

bijgewerkt verb

buy-guh-WURKT updated

breng verb

breng bring; return Breng

dacht verb

dahkht thought

terug adv

tuh-RUKH back

uitleentermijn noun

OWT-layn-ter-MINE loan period

verlengd verb

fur-LAYNGT renewed; extended

verlengingsgeschiedenis noun

fur-LAYNG-ings-khuh-SKHEE-duh-niss renewal history

verstreken verb

fur-STRAY-kun expired

vraag verb

vrahkh ask

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I do not want to argue.

Show Answer

Ik wil geen ruzie maken.

Then explain that clearly.

Show Answer

Leg dat dan duidelijk uit.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

ask

Show Answer

vraag

expired

Show Answer

verstreken

review; look at

Show Answer

bekijken

bring; return

Show Answer

Breng