Confirming delay information and where to wait | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: During a travel delay, two travelers discuss an unclear announcement and decide where to wait for updated boarding information..

EN → NL / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Confirming delay information and where to wait to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

De omroep zegt dat er vertraging is, maar niet waarom.

duh OHM-roop zekt daht er fer-TRAH-ghing iss, mahr neet vah-ROHM. The announcement says there is a delay, but it does not say why.
B

Ik denk dat ze de trein controleren voordat ze mensen laten instappen.

ik DENK daht zuh duh train con-troh-LAY-run voo-RAHT zuh MEN-sun LAH-tun IN-stah-pun. I think they are checking the train before letting people board.
A

Zullen we hier blijven, of zullen we een ander perron zoeken?

ZULL-un wuh heer BLY-vun, off ZULL-un wuh un AHN-der peh-RONG SOO-kun? Should we stay here, or should we look for another platform?
B

Blijf voorlopig in de buurt. Als er iets verandert, zeggen medewerkers waar we heen moeten.

BLYF voor-loh-PIKH. Ahls er EETS fer-AHN-dert, ZEG-un MAY-duh-WAIR-kurs vahr wuh HAYN MOO-tun. Stay close for now. If it changes, staff will say where to go.
A

Ik heb bagage bij me, dus ik wil niet steeds heen en weer lopen.

ik hep bah-KHAH-zhuh bay muh, dus ik vil neet STAYTS HAYN en VAIR LOH-pun. I have luggage, so I do not want to keep moving around.
B

Ik zal vragen of ze kunnen helpen als we van perron moeten wisselen.

ik zal VRAH-ghun off zuh KUN-un HELP-un ahls wuh vahn peh-RONG MOO-tun WISS-uh-lun. I will ask whether they can help if we need to switch platforms.
A

Dat zou helpen als de verandering op het laatste moment komt.

daht zow HELP-un ahls duh fer-AHN-duh-ring op ut LAHST-uh moh-MENT komt. That would help if the change comes at the last minute.
B

Zodra ze het bord hebben bijgewerkt, kunnen we gaan zonder te hoeven gokken.

zoh-DRAH zuh ut BORT HAH-bun BYE-ghuh-WERKT, KUN-un wuh gahn ZON-der tuh HOO-vun GOK-un. Once they update the board, we can move without guessing.

Word by Word

De “De” means “the” before “omroep” in this dialogue. It introduces the specific announcement being discussed. The same article is used before many Dutch nouns, as in “de trein”.
omroep “omroep” means the announcement or public-address message heard at the station. Here it is the subject of “De omroep zegt”. It is useful when referring to information broadcast to travelers.
zegt “zegt” means “says” in “De omroep zegt”. It is a form of “zeggen” used to report information. The reusable pattern here is “zegt dat” before the information being reported.
dat “dat” introduces the statement reported after “zegt”: “dat er vertraging is”. It connects the reporting verb with its content. The pattern “zeggen dat” is used to report what someone or something says.
er “er” helps express that something exists or is happening in “er vertraging is”. It does not refer to a specific place here. The pattern “er is” is useful for announcing a condition or situation.
vertraging “vertraging” means “delay”, specifically the travel delay mentioned in the announcement. It is the situation that exists in “er vertraging is”. It can be used with “er is” when reporting a delay.
is “is” expresses that the delay exists in “er vertraging is”. It is a form of “zijn”. Together with “er” and “vertraging”, it states the presence of a delay.
maar “maar” means “but” and introduces a limitation: the announcement says there is a delay, but does not explain why. It connects two contrasting pieces of information. The pattern “maar niet” is used here to mark what is missing.
niet “niet” negates the information in “maar niet waarom”. Here it means that the reason is not stated. It is useful before the omitted or negated part of a sentence.
waarom “waarom” asks for the reason and means “why” in “maar niet waarom”. Here it refers to the reason for the delay. It can also introduce an indirect question after a reporting verb.
Ik “Ik” means “I” and is the speaker’s subject in “Ik denk”. It identifies the person giving an opinion. It commonly appears before the verb in a statement such as “Ik denk dat”.
denk “denk” means “think” in “Ik denk dat”. It is a form of “denken” used to introduce the speaker’s view or conclusion. The pattern “Ik denk dat” is used before a belief or assessment.
ze “ze” means “they” here and refers to the people checking the train. It is the subject of “de trein controleren” and “mensen laten instappen”. It can be placed before a verb when referring to people without naming them.
trein “trein” means “train”, the vehicle being checked before boarding. It is the direct object of “controleren”. In travel situations, it can be used after a verb that describes checking or boarding.
controleren “controleren” means “to check” the train before people board. It is the action performed on “de trein”. The pattern “iets controleren” is used when checking a particular object or vehicle.
voordat “voordat” means “before” and introduces the event that must happen first: checking the train. It links that event to people being allowed to board. The pattern “voordat” followed by a clause expresses an earlier action.
mensen “mensen” means “people” who are waiting to board. It is the group affected by “laten instappen”. It is useful when referring to travelers or other people as a group.
laten “laten” means “let” or “allow” in “mensen laten instappen”. It shows that someone permits another person to perform the following action. The pattern “iemand laten” followed by an action word expresses allowing or causing that action.
instappen “instappen” means “to board” or “to get on”, here referring to getting onto the train. It follows “laten” in “mensen laten instappen”. It is useful for describing boarding a train or another vehicle.
Zullen “Zullen” helps form a suggestion in “Zullen we hier blijven?” and means “shall we” or “should we”. It invites a joint decision about what to do next. The pattern “Zullen we” is used to propose an action.
we “we” means “we” and refers to both travelers. It is the subject of the proposed actions “blijven” and “zoeken”. It commonly follows “Zullen” in a suggestion.
hier “hier” means “here”, referring to the travelers’ current location. It specifies where they might remain in “hier blijven”. It can be placed with a movement or position verb to identify the location.
blijven “blijven” means “stay” or “remain” in “hier blijven”. It describes not leaving the current place while waiting for information. The pattern “hier blijven” expresses remaining at this location.
of “of” means “or” and introduces the alternative to staying: looking for another platform. It connects the two options in the question. It is useful when presenting a choice between actions.
een “een” means “a” or “an” before “ander perron”. It introduces one unspecified platform. It is used before a singular noun when the object is not identified as a particular one.
ander “ander” means “another” or “different” before “perron”. It marks the platform as different from the current or previously considered one. The pattern “een ander” is used before a singular alternative.
perron “perron” means “platform”, the place from which the travelers may board. It is the object of “zoeken” in “een ander perron zoeken”. It is useful in conversations about train departures and platform changes.
zoeken “zoeken” means “look for” or “search for” another platform. It takes “een ander perron” as the thing being sought. The pattern “iets zoeken” is used when looking for a place or object.
Blijf “Blijf” means “stay” in the direct instruction “Blijf voorlopig in de buurt”. It tells the listener not to move far away for the time being. The pattern “blijf” followed by a place or location expression gives a practical instruction.
voorlopig “voorlopig” means “for now” or “temporarily”. It limits the instruction to the current waiting period, until more information arrives. It can modify an instruction or decision that may change later.
in “in” means “in” within the expression “in de buurt”. Here it helps describe remaining within the nearby area. The pattern “in de buurt” is used to say that someone or something is nearby.
buurt “buurt” means “vicinity” or “nearby area” in “in de buurt”. The full expression tells the travelers to stay close rather than move to another location. It is useful for describing a surrounding area with “in de buurt”.
Als “Als” means “if” and introduces the condition “er iets verandert”. It sets out what will happen when the travel situation changes. The pattern “Als” followed by a clause introduces a condition.
iets “iets” means “something” and is the subject of “verandert”. Here it refers to an unspecified change in the travel arrangements. It is useful when the exact thing affected is not yet known.
verandert “verandert” means “changes” in “Als er iets verandert”. It describes a change in the current situation. It is a form of “veranderen” used here with “iets”.
zeggen “zeggen” means “say” or “tell” when the staff provide directions. In “zeggen medewerkers waar we heen moeten”, it introduces the information they will give. The pattern “zeggen waar” is useful for reporting directions or location information.
medewerkers “medewerkers” means “staff members”, referring to people working at the station. They are the people who will provide updated directions. It is useful when addressing or referring to employees who can give assistance.
waar “waar” means “where” in “waar we heen moeten”. It introduces the destination information that the staff will provide. The pattern “waar ... heen” asks or states where someone should go.
heen “heen” indicates movement toward a destination in “waar we heen moeten”. Together with “waar”, it forms the destination expression “waar we heen moeten”. It is useful when describing the direction or destination of movement.
moeten “moeten” expresses necessity in “waar we heen moeten”: the travelers need to know where they are required to go. It appears with “we” in the destination clause. The pattern “moeten” followed by an action or destination expresses a requirement.
heb “heb” means “have” in “Ik heb bagage bij me”. It states that the speaker has luggage with them. It is a form of “hebben” used with “Ik”, and the pattern “Ik heb” introduces something the speaker has.
bagage “bagage” means “luggage”, the belongings the speaker is carrying. It is the thing the speaker has “bij me”. It is useful in travel situations when explaining why moving is difficult.
bij “bij” means “with” in the expression “bij me”. It shows that the luggage is with the speaker. The pattern “bij” plus a person refers to something being in that person’s company or possession.
me “me” means “me” in “bij me”. It identifies the speaker as the person carrying or having the luggage. The expression “bij me” means “with me” in this context.
dus “dus” means “so” or “therefore”. It connects having luggage with the conclusion that the speaker does not want to keep moving around. It is useful for introducing a result or consequence.
wil “wil” means “want” in “Ik wil niet steeds heen en weer lopen”. It expresses the speaker’s preference not to keep moving. It is a form of “willen” used with “Ik”, followed here by an action.
steeds “steeds” means “continually” or “repeatedly”. It shows that the unwanted movement would happen again and again. It is useful when describing an action that keeps recurring.
heen en weer “heen en weer” means “back and forth” in “heen en weer lopen”. “heen” indicates movement in one direction, “en” joins the two directions, and “weer” indicates movement back. The whole expression is useful with a movement word when someone repeatedly moves between places.
lopen “lopen” means “walk” or, in this context, “move around”. It describes the physical movement in “steeds heen en weer lopen”. The pattern “heen en weer lopen” expresses repeated movement back and forth.
zal “zal” means “will” in “Ik zal vragen”. It presents the speaker’s intention to ask the staff. It is a form of “zullen” used with “Ik”, and the pattern “Ik zal” is followed by the intended action.
vragen “vragen” means “ask” in “Ik zal vragen”. The speaker plans to request information about possible help. The pattern “vragen of” introduces the question or uncertainty being checked.
kunnen “kunnen” means “can” or “be able to” in “kunnen helpen”. It concerns whether the staff have the ability to provide help. The pattern “kunnen” followed by an action word expresses ability or possibility.
helpen “helpen” means “help” in “kunnen helpen”. It is the assistance the speaker wants to know whether the staff can provide. It is useful after “kunnen” and when describing assistance for a person in a practical situation.
van “van” means “from” or “off” in the expression “van perron wisselen”. It marks the platform being changed from. The pattern “van perron wisselen” refers to switching platforms.
wisselen “wisselen” means “switch” or “change” in “van perron wisselen”. It describes moving from one platform to another. The expression “van perron wisselen” is useful when a train departure changes platforms.
zou “zou” means “would” in “Dat zou helpen”. It presents the help as a possible or conditional result rather than a certainty. The pattern “zou” followed by an action describes what could be useful in a situation.
verandering “verandering” means “change”, here the possible change in the travel arrangements. It is the event that might happen at the last minute. It can be used to name a change that affects a plan or location.
op “op” means “at” in the time expression “op het laatste moment”. It links the change to a particular point in time. The full pattern “op het laatste moment” means “at the last minute”.
het “het” means “the” before “laatste moment” in the fixed time expression “op het laatste moment”. It identifies the particular final point in time. The phrase is useful when an event happens very late.
laatste “laatste” means “last” before “moment”. It identifies the final possible point before the event or decision. The expression “het laatste moment” is used for the last minute.
moment “moment” means “moment” or point in time. In “op het laatste moment”, it refers to the final point at which the change may occur. It is useful for describing when an event happens.
komt “komt” means “comes” in “de verandering ... komt”. Here it means that the change occurs or arrives at the stated time. It is a form of “komen” used to describe the arrival of an event or change.
Zodra “Zodra” means “once” or “as soon as”. It introduces the condition that the board has been updated before the travelers move. The pattern “Zodra” followed by a clause expresses that one action follows immediately after another.
bord “bord” means “board” or “display”, here the station display containing updated travel information. It is the object of “bijgewerkt”. It is useful in travel contexts when referring to a board that shows departure information.
hebben “hebben” works with “bijgewerkt” in “het bord hebben bijgewerkt” to describe the board as updated before the travelers move. It is a form of “hebben” used with “ze”. The pattern “hebben” plus a completed action describes something already done.
bijgewerkt “bijgewerkt” means “updated” in “het bord hebben bijgewerkt”. It describes the completed update to the display. It is the form used with “hebben” to show that the update has been completed.
gaan “gaan” means “go” or “move” in “kunnen we gaan”. It describes the travelers moving after receiving reliable information. The pattern “kunnen we gaan” expresses that they are then able to leave or proceed.
zonder “zonder” means “without” and introduces the action that will not be necessary: guessing. It connects moving with the absence of uncertainty. The pattern “zonder te” is used before an action that is avoided.
te “te” marks the infinitive in “te hoeven gokken”. It links the verb after “zonder” to the construction expressing an avoided necessity. The pattern “zonder te” introduces an action that does not happen.
hoeven “hoeven” means “need to” in the negative construction “zonder te hoeven gokken”. It says that guessing will not be necessary once the board is updated. The pattern “niet hoeven” or “zonder te hoeven” expresses absence of necessity.
gokken “gokken” means “guess” in “te hoeven gokken”. Here it refers to making a decision without confirmed information. It is useful after “hoeven” when describing an action that is or is not necessary.

Grammar Points

voordat + bijzin: werkwoord achteraan

Voordat medewerkers instappen, controleren ze de bagage.

voo-RAHT MAY-duh-WAIR-kurs IN-stah-pun, con-troh-LAY-run zuh duh bah-KHAH-zhuh.

Before staff members board, they check the luggage.

Na voordat staat het vervoegde werkwoord aan het einde van de bijzin: medewerkers instappen.

Dutch Vocabulary

bagage noun
bah-KHAH-zhuh luggage
blijven verb
BLY-vun to stay
controleren verb
con-troh-LAY-run to check
in de buurt phrase
in duh BUHRT nearby; close
instappen verb
IN-stah-pun to board
medewerkers noun
MAY-duh-WAIR-kurs staff members
omroep noun
OHM-roop announcement
perron noun
peh-RONG platform
verandert verb
fer-AHN-dert changes
vertraging noun
fer-TRAH-ghing delay
voordat conj
voo-RAHT before
voorlopig adv
voor-loh-PIKH for now; temporarily

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to check

Show Answercontroleren

to board

Show Answerinstappen

to stay

Show Answerblijven

delay

Show Answervertraging