A week from today, we will land in Amsterdam to begin our European adventure! We will spend the first half of our trip in two Dutch-speaking cities - Amsterdam and Bruges. But what do we really know about the Dutch language and customs? If you're like me, not much. And while we live in "Pennsylvania Dutch" territory, it's not really Dutch that influences the language and customs here as much as it is German. But, the two languages have some similarities, so if you take German, you may have a slight advantage over the rest of us.
I have compiled a list of some basic Dutch phrases (along with a pronunciation guide) to help you. I also found a couple of neat websites and videos you might find interesting.
- BBC - A Guide to Dutch Languages lists 10 fun facts about Dutch. You can learn a few basic words here as well as listen to some crazy Dutch tongue-twisters!
- CGP Grey - Holland vs. the Netherlands gives a fun and concise history lesson
- Top 10 - Facts About the Netherlands offers some interesting tidbits about the Netherlands
- Funny Dutch Words & Expressions is a YouTube video by a native Dutch speaker that gives us literal English translations of Dutch expressions and proves the Dutch have a great sense of humor
- Check out these 10 Dutch Foods You Should Try At Least Once as well as some information on Dutch Cuisine and Culinary Customs put out by the Netherlands' official website.
If you are interested in learning a little bit about Bruges not to mention get a preview of what we will see, check out Rick Steve's travel video Belgium: Bruges and Brussels. If you don't care to watch all 26 minutes, you can just watch the Bruges part. It is easy to find as it is the focus of the first half of the program.
And although this post is about the Amsterdam/Bruges portion of our trip, I would be remiss if I did not wish everyone a very...
you knew it was coming, didn't you?!
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