Responding politely to noise in a quiet library | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Responding politely to noise in a quiet library to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

De mensen achter ons praten in de stille zone.

duh MEN-sun AKH-tur ons PRAH-tun in duh STIL-uh ZOH-nuh. The people behind us are talking in the silent area.

Het leidt af, maar we kunnen er beleefd mee omgaan.

ut LAYT af, mar weh KUN-un ur buh-LAYFT may um-KHAHN. It's distracting, but we can handle it politely.

Zal ik hen aanspreken of de bibliothecaris vragen?

zhal ik HEN AHN-spray-kun ohf duh bib-lee-oh-tay-KAH-ris VRAH-khun? Should I speak to them or ask the librarian?

Spreek ze eerst zachtjes aan, tenzij dat ongemakkelijk voelt.

sprayk zuh AYRST ZAHKH-yus ahn, tun-ZAY daht un-guh-MAHK-uh-luk voelt. Try a quiet reminder first, unless that feels uncomfortable.

Ik zou ze kunnen vragen om hun gesprek buiten voort te zetten.

ik ZOW zuh KUN-un VRAH-khun um hun guh-SPREK BOYT-un VOHRT tuh ZET-un. I could ask them to take the conversation outside.

Zo blijft het duidelijk zonder onbeleefd te klinken.

zoh BLYFT ut DOY-duh-luk zun-DUR on-buh-LAYFT tuh KLINK-un. That keeps it clear without sounding rude.

Als ze blijven praten, kunnen we de bibliothecaris vragen om in te grijpen.

als zuh BLY-vun PRAH-tun, KUN-un weh duh bib-lee-oh-tay-KAH-ris VRAH-khun um in tuh GRAY-pun. If they keep talking, we can ask the librarian to step in.

Zo ontstaat er geen scène.

zoh un-STAHT ur khayn SAY-nuh. That way, it doesn't turn into a scene.

Dat doe ik liever dan luid te klagen.

daht DOO ik LEE-vur dan LOYT tuh KLAH-khun. I'd rather do that than complain loudly.

Laten we het hun rustig vragen en daarna weer gaan studeren.

LAH-tun weh ut hun ROOS-tukh VRAH-khun en DAHR-nah vair khahn stoo-DAY-run. Let's ask quietly, then get back to studying.

Word by Word

De “De” means “the” here and introduces the specific people being discussed. It is used before “mensen” in “De mensen achter ons”. You would use it when referring to known or specific people or things.

mensen “mensen” means “people” in this dialogue. It identifies the people who are talking, as in “De mensen achter ons”. You would use it when referring to people as a group.

achter “achter” means “behind” and places the people in relation to the speakers. It is used in the location phrase “achter ons”. You would use it to describe something positioned behind a person or object.

ons “ons” means “us” in “achter ons”, identifying the speakers as the people in front. It follows “achter” in this location phrase. You would use it when describing something positioned behind the speaker and others.

praten “praten” means “talk” in “De mensen achter ons praten”. It describes the people’s activity in the silent area. You would use it for speaking or having a conversation.

in The first “in” means “in” and places the activity inside the silent area. It appears in “in de stille zone”. You would use it to describe being or doing something inside a place.

stille “stille” means “quiet” or “silent” and describes the zone as a place where people are expected not to talk. It appears before “zone” in “de stille zone”. You would use it to describe a place or situation with little or no noise.

zone “zone” means “area” or “zone”, specifically the silent area in the library. It completes “de stille zone”. You would use it for a defined area with a particular purpose or rule.

Het “Het” means “it” and refers here to the nearby talking as a distraction. In “Het leidt af”, it introduces what is causing the distraction. You would use it to refer back to a situation or thing already understood.

leidt “leidt” contributes the meaning “causes” in the expression “leidt af”, which means “distracts”. Together with “af”, it explains the effect of the talking. You would use this expression when something makes it harder to concentrate.

af “af” is the particle in “leidt af”, an expression meaning “distracts” in this dialogue. Its meaning here comes from the complete expression, not from “af” alone. You would use “leidt af” to describe something that interrupts attention.

maar “maar” means “but” and contrasts the distraction with the possibility of handling it politely. It links the two parts of “Het leidt af, maar we kunnen er beleefd mee omgaan”. You would use it to introduce a contrast.

we “we” means “we” and refers to both speakers. It is the subject in “we kunnen er beleefd mee omgaan”. You would use it when describing an action taken by the speaker together with other people.

kunnen “kunnen” means “can” or “are able to” in “we kunnen er beleefd mee omgaan”. It presents polite handling of the situation as a possible action. You would use it to talk about ability or possibility.

er “er” refers to the situation being discussed, namely the distracting talking. In “er beleefd mee omgaan”, it works together with “mee” to mean dealing with it. You would use this pattern when referring back to a situation without naming it again.

beleefd “beleefd” means “politely” here and describes the intended manner of handling the problem. It appears in “er beleefd mee omgaan”. You would use it when emphasizing respectful behavior toward other people.

mee “mee” contributes “with it” in “er beleefd mee omgaan”. Together with “er” and “omgaan”, it expresses dealing with the situation. You would use this combination when explaining how someone handles a problem or circumstance.

omgaan “omgaan” means “deal with” or “cope with” in “er beleefd mee omgaan”. The expression describes handling the noise without being rude. You would use it with a situation or problem that someone must manage.

Zal “Zal” introduces a suggestion or offer in the question “Zal ik hen aanspreken of de bibliothecaris vragen?”. It asks whether the speaker should take one of two actions. You would use it when offering to do something or asking what action to take.

ik “ik” means “I” and identifies the speaker as the person who might speak to the people or ask the librarian. It appears in “Zal ik hen aanspreken”. You would use it when talking about your own action or intention.

hen “hen” means “them” and refers to the people talking behind the speakers. It is the people the speaker considers addressing in “hen aanspreken”. You would use it when referring to those people as the object of an action.

aanspreken “aanspreken” means “speak to” or “address” someone directly. In “hen aanspreken”, it refers to politely speaking to the people about their talking. You would use it when initiating a conversation with someone about a specific matter.

of “of” means “or” and presents a choice between speaking to the people and asking the librarian. It connects the alternatives in “hen aanspreken of de bibliothecaris vragen”. You would use it to offer or ask about alternatives.

bibliothecaris “bibliothecaris” means “librarian”, the staff member who could help with the noise. It appears in “de bibliothecaris vragen”. You would use it when referring to the person responsible for the library.

vragen “vragen” means “ask” in the options involving the librarian and in the request to continue the conversation outside. It describes requesting information, help, or an action. You would use it before the person being asked or before a requested action.

Spreek “Spreek” means “speak to” or “address” and gives a direct suggestion in “Spreek ze eerst zachtjes aan”. Together with “aan”, it tells the listener to address the people. You would use it when giving this kind of direct instruction.

ze “ze” means “them” and refers to the people who are talking. It appears in “Spreek ze eerst zachtjes aan”. You would use it to refer to people who are being addressed or affected by an action.

eerst “eerst” means “first” and places the quiet reminder before any stronger response. It appears in “Spreek ze eerst zachtjes aan”. You would use it to show the first step in a sequence.

zachtjes “zachtjes” means “quietly” or “softly” and describes the gentle manner of addressing the people. It appears in “Spreek ze eerst zachtjes aan”. You would use it when asking or speaking without creating much noise or tension.

aan “aan” is the particle in “Spreek ze eerst zachtjes aan”, which means “address them”. It completes the expression with “spreek” and does not mean “to” by itself here. You would use this expression when speaking directly to someone about an issue.

tenzij “tenzij” means “unless” and introduces the exception that the quiet reminder may feel uncomfortable. It links the suggestion to that possible condition. You would use it to state an exception to a proposal or general action.

dat “dat” means “that” and refers to the suggested quiet reminder. In “tenzij dat ongemakkelijk voelt”, it makes that action the subject of the feeling. You would use it to refer back to an action, idea, or situation already mentioned.

ongemakkelijk “ongemakkelijk” means “uncomfortable” or “awkward” in “dat ongemakkelijk voelt”. It describes how the proposed direct approach might feel to the speaker. You would use it when an action or situation causes social discomfort.

voelt “voelt” means “feels” in “dat ongemakkelijk voelt”. It describes the speaker’s impression of the suggested action. You would use it to describe how a situation or experience seems emotionally or physically.

zou “zou” expresses a tentative possibility in “Ik zou ze kunnen vragen”. It makes the proposal less direct than a firm statement. You would use it when suggesting what you might do.

om “om” introduces the action being requested in “vragen om hun gesprek buiten voort te zetten”. It connects asking with the requested continuation of the conversation. You would use it when stating what action someone is being asked to perform.

hun “hun” means “their” and refers to the people’s conversation in “hun gesprek”. It shows who the conversation belongs to. You would use it before something associated with those people.

gesprek “gesprek” means “conversation”, specifically the conversation that should be continued outside. It appears in “hun gesprek buiten voort te zetten”. You would use it for an exchange of speech between people.

buiten “buiten” means “outside” and indicates where the conversation should continue. It appears in “hun gesprek buiten voort te zetten”. You would use it to describe movement or activity outside a building or enclosed area.

voort “voort” contributes the meaning of continuing onward in “voort te zetten”. Together with “zetten”, the expression means “to continue”. You would use this expression when an activity should carry on in another place or after an interruption.

te “te” marks the infinitive in “voort te zetten”. It links the requested action to “vragen om” in the sentence. You would use it in this kind of infinitive construction after a phrase that introduces an intended or requested action.

zetten “zetten” contributes to the expression “voort te zetten”, which means “to continue” the conversation. Its meaning here comes from the complete expression rather than from “zetten” alone. You would use this expression when saying that an activity will be continued.

Zo “Zo” means “that way” or “so” and refers to the proposed way of handling the noise. In “Zo blijft het duidelijk”, it introduces the result of that approach. You would use it to connect an action with its consequence.

blijft “blijft” means “stays” or “remains” in “blijft het duidelijk”. It describes the result as remaining clear. You would use it when something continues to have the same quality or condition.

duidelijk “duidelijk” means “clear” and describes the message or request as easy to understand. It appears in “Zo blijft het duidelijk”. You would use it when communication is understandable and leaves little doubt about the intended meaning.

zonder “zonder” means “without” and introduces the result that should be avoided: sounding rude. It appears in “zonder onbeleefd te klinken”. You would use it to describe doing something while omitting or avoiding another result.

onbeleefd “onbeleefd” means “rude” or “impolite” in “onbeleefd te klinken”. It describes an unwanted impression created by the request. You would use it when discussing behavior or language that lacks politeness.

klinken “klinken” means “sound” in “onbeleefd te klinken”. It describes how the request may be perceived, rather than whether it is literally loud. You would use it when talking about the impression created by words or behavior.

Als “Als” means “if” and introduces the condition that the people continue talking. It begins “Als ze blijven praten”. You would use it to state a condition and its possible consequence.

blijven “blijven” means “keep” or “continue” in “blijven praten”. It shows that the talking does not stop. You would use it before an activity to describe that activity continuing.

grijpen “grijpen” contributes to the expression “in te grijpen”, which means “to step in” or “to intervene”. In this dialogue, it describes the librarian taking action. You would use the expression when a person becomes involved to help resolve a situation.

ontstaat “ontstaat” means “arises” or “develops” in “Zo ontstaat er geen scène”. It describes whether a public disturbance comes about. You would use it when talking about something beginning or coming into existence.

geen “geen” means “no” or “not any” and denies the existence of a scene. It appears in “geen scène”. You would use it before a noun when saying that there is none of something.

scène “scène” means “scene” here in the sense of a public disturbance or embarrassing confrontation. It is the unwanted result that the speakers want to avoid. You would use it when a conflict becomes noticeable and disruptive in public.

doe “doe” means “do” in “Dat doe ik liever”. It refers back to asking the librarian to step in. You would use it to refer to an action that has already been mentioned.

liever “liever” means “rather” and expresses the speaker’s preference for asking the librarian instead of complaining loudly. It appears in “Dat doe ik liever dan luid te klagen”. You would use it when choosing one action over another.

dan “dan” means “than” and introduces the less preferred alternative in “liever dan luid te klagen”. It connects the preferred action with the action being compared. You would use it after a comparison or preference.

luid “luid” means “loudly” and describes the manner of complaining that the speaker wants to avoid. It appears in “luid te klagen”. You would use it when describing sound or speech produced at a high volume.

klagen “klagen” means “complain” in “luid te klagen”. It describes expressing dissatisfaction about the noise. You would use it when voicing a problem or dissatisfaction.

Laten “Laten” introduces a suggestion in “Laten we het hun rustig vragen”. Together with “we”, it means “let’s”. You would use it to propose a shared action.

rustig “rustig” means “calmly” or “quietly” in “het hun rustig vragen”. It describes the respectful manner of making the request. You would use it when encouraging calm behavior or a low-key approach.

en “en” means “and” and joins asking quietly with returning to studying. It connects the two actions in the final sentence. You would use it to link related actions or ideas.

daarna “daarna” means “after that” and places studying after the request. It appears in “daarna weer gaan studeren”. You would use it to show the next step in a sequence.

weer “weer” means “again” or “back” and indicates returning to studying after dealing with the noise. It appears in “weer gaan studeren”. You would use it when resuming an earlier activity.

gaan “gaan” means “go” and helps express returning to the activity in “weer gaan studeren”. It presents studying as the next action after the request. You would use this pattern when saying that someone proceeds to do an activity.

studeren “studeren” means “study” and is the activity the speakers plan to resume. It appears in “weer gaan studeren”. You would use it when talking about spending time learning or working on academic material.

Grammar Points

er ... mee omgaan

er beleefd mee omgaan

ur buh-LAYFT may um-KHAHN

to deal with it politely

The pronoun er and mee split around the verb: er ... mee omgaan means “to deal with it.”

afleiden → leidt ... af

leidt af

LAYT af

distracts

Afleiden is separable; in a main clause, the prefix af moves to the end: leidt ... af.

Dutch Vocabulary

aanspreken verb

AHN-spray-kun to speak to; to address

achter prep

AKH-tur behind

afleiden verb

AF-ligh-dun to distract leidt af

beleefd adj

buh-LAYFT politely; polite

bibliothecaris noun

bib-lee-oh-tay-KAH-ris librarian

ermee omgaan phrase

ur-MAY um-KHAHN to deal with it; to handle it er ... mee omgaan

mens noun

MENS person mensen

ons pron

ons us

praten verb

PRAH-tun to talk

stil adj

STIL quiet; silent stille

zachtjes adv

ZAHKH-yus softly; quietly

zone noun

ZOH-nuh zone; area

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

That way, it doesn't turn into a scene.

Show Answer

Zo ontstaat er geen scène.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

quiet; silent

Show Answer

stille

behind

Show Answer

achter

person

Show Answer

mensen

zone; area

Show Answer

zone