Describing symptoms objectively at a clinic reception | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Describing symptoms objectively at a clinic reception to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Het ongemak is mild, maar het duurt al langer dan normaal.

hut UN-guh-MAHK iss MILT, mahr ut doort ahl LAHNG-er dan nor-MAHL. The discomfort is mild, but it has lasted longer than usual.

Verandert het door beweging, rust of maaltijden?

vuh-RAHN-durt ut dohr buh-VAY-khing, RUST ohf MAHL-tie-dun? Does it change with activity, rest, or meals?

Ik merk het duidelijker wanneer ik lang zit.

ik merk ut DOW-duh-luh-kur wahn-AYR ik lahng ZIT. I notice it more when I sit for a long time.

Dat patroon is het vermelden waard, en de behandelaar kan het goed beoordelen.

dat pa-TROHN iss ut vuh-MEL-dun vahrt, un duh buh-han-duh-LAHR kan ut khoot buh-OOR-day-lun. That pattern is worth mentioning, and the clinician can assess it properly.

Ik probeer het te beschrijven zonder het erger of minder ernstig te laten klinken dan het is.

ik proh-BAIR ut tuh buh-SKHRAY-vun ZON-dur ut ER-khur ohf MIN-dur ERN-stukh tuh LAH-tun KLINK-un dan ut iss. I am trying to describe it without making it sound worse or less serious than it is.

Concentreer u op hoe vaak het gebeurt en welke invloed het op u heeft.

kon-sun-TRAYR oo op hoo VAAK ut guh-BURT un VEL-kuh IN-vloot ut op oo HAYFT. Focus on how often it happens and how it affects you.

Ik kan uitleggen dat ik me daardoor moeilijker op mijn werk kan concentreren.

ik kan OWT-lay-khun dat ik muh DAHR-dohr MOOY-luh-kur op mine werk kan kon-sun-TRAYR-un. I can explain that it makes it harder to concentrate at work.

Neem dat detail mee, omdat de invloed op uw dagelijks leven vaak richting geeft aan het vervolg.

NAYM dat dee-TAIL MAY, ohm-DAHT duh IN-vloot op oo DAH-khuh-luks LAY-vun vaak RIKH-ting KHAYFT ahn ut fur-VOLKH. Include that detail, since daily impact often guides follow-up.

Word by Word

Het “Het” means “the” here and introduces “ongemak”. It is used before the noun in “Het ongemak”; this pattern is common when referring to a specific thing in a conversation.

ongemak “Ongemak” means discomfort, the mild physical problem being described. It is used after “Het” in “Het ongemak”; this noun fits situations where someone describes a symptom objectively to a clinician.

is “Is” means “is” and links “Het ongemak” with the description “mild”. The pattern “iets is mild” can be used to describe the intensity of a symptom or another condition.

mild “Mild” describes the discomfort as not strong or severe. It follows “is” in “Het ongemak is mild”; this is useful when reporting a symptom without exaggerating it.

maar “Maar” means “but” and introduces a contrast between the discomfort being mild and lasting longer than usual. It commonly connects two contrasting statements, as in “Het ongemak is mild, maar...”.

duurt “Duurt” means “lasts” in “het duurt al langer dan normaal”. It is the form of “duren” used with the subject “het”; the pattern “iets duurt lang” describes how long an event or condition continues.

al “Al” shows that the situation has continued for a period of time by now. In “duurt al langer”, it emphasizes that the discomfort has already lasted longer than expected; this word often appears with a duration.

langer “Langer” means “longer” and compares the duration with what is usual. It appears in “al langer dan normaal”; the pattern “langer dan” introduces the point of comparison.

dan “Dan” means “than” and introduces the comparison after “langer”. In “langer dan normaal”, it connects the actual duration with the normal duration.

normaal “Normaal” means normal or usual in this comparison. In “langer dan normaal”, it describes the expected duration rather than the discomfort itself; this pattern is useful for reporting a deviation from a usual situation.

Verandert “Verandert” means “changes” in the question about whether the discomfort is different under various conditions. It is the form used at the start of the question “Verandert het door beweging, rust of maaltijden?”; this kind of question asks about changes linked to possible factors.

door “Door” indicates the factor associated with a change: movement, rest, or meals. In “verandert het door beweging”, it can be understood as “changes with” or “changes because of”; it commonly introduces a cause or influencing circumstance.

beweging “Beweging” means movement or activity in the question about what affects the discomfort. It follows “door” in “door beweging”; this noun can be used when discussing whether symptoms change during physical activity.

rust “Rust” means rest in the list of conditions being asked about. It is coordinated with “beweging” and “maaltijden” in the question; this makes it useful when comparing a symptom during activity and during rest.

of “Of” means “or” and separates alternatives in “beweging, rust of maaltijden”. It is used to offer possible options in a question, especially when asking which condition affects something.

maaltijden “Maaltijden” means meals and refers to eating occasions that might affect the discomfort. The plural form appears after “door” in “door beweging, rust of maaltijden”; this noun is useful when discussing symptoms in relation to eating.

Ik “Ik” means “I” and identifies the person noticing the discomfort. It begins “Ik merk het duidelijker”; this form is used when reporting one’s own observation or experience.

merk “Merk” means “notice” in “Ik merk het duidelijker”. It is used with the thing noticed, “het”; the pattern “Ik merk het...” is useful for reporting a personal observation.

duidelijker “Duidelijker” means more clearly or more noticeably, showing that the discomfort is easier to notice under a particular condition. It modifies “merk” in “Ik merk het duidelijker”; comparative forms like this can describe a stronger or more noticeable perception.

wanneer “Wanneer” means “when” and introduces the time or condition “wanneer ik lang zit”. It commonly begins a subordinate clause explaining when something happens.

lang “Lang” means for a long time in “wanneer ik lang zit”. It describes the duration of sitting; the pattern “lang zitten” can be used when explaining that a symptom appears after prolonged sitting.

zit “Zit” means “sit” in the clause describing the condition under which the discomfort is noticed more clearly. It appears at the end of “wanneer ik lang zit”, as is common in a subordinate clause.

Dat “Dat” means “that” and points back to the pattern just described. In “Dat patroon”, it identifies the pattern as the one the speaker has mentioned; this form can introduce a specific previously discussed thing.

patroon “Patroon” means pattern, referring to the recurring connection between the discomfort and sitting for a long time. It appears in “Dat patroon”; this noun is useful for describing a repeated relationship between a symptom and a situation.

vermelden “Vermelden” means mention or report in “het vermelden waard”. The infinitive follows “het ... waard” in this expression; it is useful when deciding that a detail should be included in an explanation or report.

waard “Waard” means worth in “het vermelden waard”, literally describing something as worth mentioning. The reusable construction “iets is het vermelden waard” says that a detail deserves to be mentioned.

en “En” means “and” and joins the statement about the pattern with the statement about the clinician. It commonly connects two related pieces of information in one sentence.

de “De” means “the” and introduces “behandelaar”. It is used before this noun in “de behandelaar”; this article pattern identifies a specific professional in the conversation.

behandelaar “Behandelaar” means clinician or treating professional, the person who can assess the discomfort. In “de behandelaar”, it refers to the professional responsible for evaluating the reported problem; this noun is suitable in a healthcare setting.

kan “Kan” means “can” and expresses the clinician’s ability to assess the discomfort. It is followed by the infinitive “beoordelen” in “kan het goed beoordelen”; this pattern is used to describe what someone is able to do.

goed “Goed” means properly or well in “het goed beoordelen”. It describes the quality of the assessment rather than the condition itself; it commonly appears before an infinitive in this kind of phrase.

beoordelen “Beoordelen” means assess or evaluate in “kan het goed beoordelen”. It is the action the clinician can perform on “het”, referring to the reported pattern or discomfort; this verb is useful when describing a professional evaluation.

probeer “Probeer” means try in “Ik probeer het te beschrijven”. It expresses an effort to describe the discomfort accurately; the pattern “Ik probeer te...” is commonly followed by an infinitive.

te “Te” marks the infinitive in “te beschrijven”. It links the effort expressed by “probeer” to the action of describing; the construction “proberen te” is used for trying to do something.

beschrijven “Beschrijven” means describe in “het te beschrijven”. It refers to giving an objective account of the discomfort; this verb is useful when explaining symptoms, events, or observations without diagnosing them.

zonder “Zonder” means without and introduces the way the speaker wants to avoid describing the discomfort inaccurately. In “zonder het erger of minder ernstig te laten klinken”, it is followed by a construction with “te”; this pattern expresses avoiding a particular result.

erger “Erger” means worse in the contrast “erger of minder ernstig”. It describes making the discomfort sound more severe than it is; this comparative form is useful when comparing how serious something appears.

minder “Minder” means less in “minder ernstig”. It shows the opposite direction from “erger” by making the discomfort sound less serious; the pattern “minder + adjective” describes a lower degree.

ernstig “Ernstig” means serious and describes how severe the discomfort sounds. In “minder ernstig”, it is modified to express a lower degree; this adjective is useful when discussing the seriousness of a symptom or problem.

laten “Laten” means make or cause in “het ... te laten klinken”. Together with “klinken”, it expresses making something sound a certain way; the pattern “iets laten klinken” describes the impression created by a description.

klinken “Klinken” means sound in “het erger of minder ernstig te laten klinken”. It describes how the discomfort comes across in the speaker’s words, not an actual noise; this construction is useful when discussing how a statement is perceived.

Concentreer “Concentreer” means focus in the instruction “Concentreer u op...”. It is a formal instruction directed at the listener; the pattern “Concentreer u op” tells someone what to give attention to.

u “U” means you in the formal instruction “Concentreer u op...”. It refers to the adult speaking with the clinic receptionist; this form is used for respectful or formal address.

op “Op” means on or about in “Concentreer u op hoe vaak het gebeurt”. It introduces the subject of attention after “Concentreer u”; the pattern “zich concentreren op” is used when focusing attention on something.

hoe “Hoe” means how and begins the question about frequency in “hoe vaak het gebeurt”. Together with “vaak”, it asks about the frequency of an event; this pattern is useful when collecting details about symptoms or routines.

vaak “Vaak” means often and forms the question “hoe vaak”, meaning how often. It asks about frequency rather than duration; this expression is useful when explaining how regularly something happens.

gebeurt “Gebeurt” means happens in “hoe vaak het gebeurt”. It describes the occurrence of the discomfort or event being discussed; the pattern “hoe vaak het gebeurt” is useful for reporting recurrence.

welke “Welke” means which and introduces the specific influence being asked about in “welke invloed het op u heeft”. It selects a type or aspect from possible effects; this form commonly comes before a noun in a question or subordinate clause.

invloed “Invloed” means influence or impact in “welke invloed het op u heeft”. The expression “invloed hebben op” describes an effect on a person or situation; here the question concerns the effect of the discomfort on the listener.

heeft “Heeft” means has in “welke invloed het op u heeft”, forming the expression that something has an influence on someone. It is used with “invloed” and the preposition “op”; this pattern describes the effect of one thing on another.

uitleggen “Uitleggen” means explain in “Ik kan uitleggen dat...”. It introduces information the speaker can clarify; the pattern “uitleggen dat” is used before a statement that is being explained.

me “Me” refers to the speaker and is part of “me ... concentreren”, meaning concentrate myself or focus. It belongs with the reflexive verb construction here; the same pattern is used when someone describes their own ability to focus.

daardoor “Daardoor” means as a result or because of that and links the discomfort to its effect on concentration. In “ik me daardoor moeilijker... kan concentreren”, it identifies the previously mentioned discomfort as the cause; this word is useful for connecting a cause with a result.

moeilijker “Moeilijker” means harder or more difficult in “moeilijker ... concentreren”. It compares the speaker’s ability to concentrate with the normal situation; the pattern “iets moeilijker kunnen” describes an increased difficulty.

mijn “Mijn” means my and identifies the work as belonging to or being associated with the speaker. It appears before “werk” in “op mijn werk”; this possessive form is used before a noun to specify whose it is.

werk “Werk” means work in “op mijn werk”. Together with “op”, it identifies the workplace or work setting where concentration is affected; this phrase is useful when describing an effect on one’s job activities.

concentreren “Concentreren” means concentrate in “me ... op mijn werk kan concentreren”. It is used with the reflexive pronoun “me” and the preposition “op”; the pattern “zich concentreren op iets” means focus on something.

Neem “Neem” means include or take in the instruction “Neem dat detail mee”. Together with “mee”, it forms the separable expression meaning include that detail; this formal instruction is useful when telling someone to add information to an account.

detail “Detail” means detail, referring to the effect on concentration at work. It is the object of “Neem ... mee” in “Neem dat detail mee”; this noun is useful for a specific piece of information in a report or explanation.

mee “Mee” contributes the meaning of including or taking along in “Neem dat detail mee”. With “Neem”, it forms “meenemen” used here to mean include a detail; this particle commonly completes separable verbs.

omdat “Omdat” means because or since and introduces the reason for including the detail. In the clause beginning “omdat”, the explanation of the reason follows; this conjunction is useful for giving a cause.

uw “Uw” means your in the formal phrase “uw dagelijks leven”. It refers respectfully to the person being addressed; this possessive form is used before a noun in formal communication.

dagelijks “Dagelijks” means daily and describes the person’s everyday life in “uw dagelijks leven”. It appears before “leven” to specify the regular, day-to-day context; this adjective is useful when discussing an ongoing effect.

leven “Leven” means life in “uw dagelijks leven”. Together with “dagelijks”, it refers to ordinary day-to-day activities and circumstances; this phrase is useful when describing how a health issue affects someone beyond the clinic.

richting “Richting” means direction or guidance in “richting geeft aan het vervolg”. It describes how information helps determine what happens next; this noun is useful when discussing the course of follow-up or further action.

geeft “Geeft” means gives or provides in “richting geeft aan het vervolg”. Together with “richting”, it expresses providing guidance for the next steps; the pattern “richting geven aan” is used when something helps guide a process.

aan “Aan” is part of the fixed expression “richting geeft aan het vervolg”, meaning gives direction to the follow-up. It connects the guidance with the process it affects; this preposition should be kept with “richting geven” in this pattern.

vervolg “Vervolg” means follow-up or what happens next in the clinic context. In “richting geeft aan het vervolg”, it refers to the next stage after the initial discussion; this noun is useful when talking about subsequent steps or care.

Grammar Points

het + infinitief + waard

het vermelden waard

hut vuh-MEL-dun vahrt

worth mentioning

Deze vaste constructie betekent dat iets belangrijk of nuttig genoeg is om te noemen.

Concentreer u op + zelfstandig naamwoord

Concentreer u op het patroon

kon-sun-TRAYR oo op ut pa-TROHN

Focus on the pattern

Dit is een formele gebiedende wijs; u is het beleefde onderwerp en op geeft het doel aan.

Dutch Vocabulary

beweging noun

buh-VAY-khing activity; movement

duidelijker adv

DOW-duh-luh-kur more clearly

langer adv

LAHNG-er longer

maaltijd noun

MAHL-tite meal maaltijden

merken verb

MER-kun to notice merk

mild adj

MILT mild

normaal adv

nor-MAHL usual; normal

ongemak noun

UN-guh-MAHK discomfort

patroon noun

pa-TROHN pattern

rust noun

RUST rest

veranderen verb

vuh-RAHN-dur-un to change Verandert

zitten verb

ZIT-un to sit zit

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

longer

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langer

activity; movement

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beweging

mild

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mild

usual; normal

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normaal