13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to Use Phrase book, November 28, 2007
This review is from: Dutch: Lonely Planet Phrasebook (Paperback)
I have several Dutch phrasebooks and this is the latest one I bought and the best. I would say if it isn't the best it is one of the best dutch phrasebooks out there. I recomend this book for people moving to the Netherlands or even if they are staying for a short stay. Yes, most all Dutch can speak a good amount of English but you get really far with them if you at least try to speak Dutch. There is a food section that I found helpful several times when the waiter or waitress doesn't know what the item is in English. It also includes and English-Dutch dictionary in the back. It has great phrases from going to the bank to hanving sex with them written out in Dutch and then again in English. Make sure to purchase for you trip to The Netherlands.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very handy and a good starting point, March 24, 2009
This review is from: Dutch: Lonely Planet Phrasebook (Paperback)
This is a well organized phrasebook with useful language content and enjoyable cultural asides, for example explaining the origins and celebration of Sinterklaas. I would not hesitate to recommend it to someone interested in learning Dutch or simply visiting the Netherlands for a short time, particularly if they plan on traveling outside of Amsterdam.
Key features:
* Short introduction to Dutch grammar. This should be read to gain an understanding of the basic structure of the Dutch language, but bear in mind this is a very brief grammar introduction included to familiarize readers to the content that follows.
* Both Flemish (Belgian Dutch) and Dutch versions of common words are noted where differences exist.
* A culinary dictionary dedicated solely to food and dining related words.
* Well organized, color coded sections with side labels for quick reference.
* Included English-Dutch and Dutch-English dictionary in the back. The entries do mention whether the Dutch word is a 'de' (gendered) or 'het' (neuter) noun, indicated by a gray 'n' for neuter words.
Overall this phrasebook serves its purpose well. There are a few instances of words that are not commonly used and some phrases in the social section that are rarely used in English, let alone Dutch, particularly on the pick up lines and romance pages. However these are easily spotted and fun to read aloud to a Dutch friend for a laugh.
Some advice on using this or any phrasebook: You're not going to have time once you're in a situation to flip through and find what you need unless it's simply looking up a word, so review the applicable section for an upcoming situation ahead of time.
Finally, bear in mind that almost everyone in the Netherlands understands at least basic English, and the majority both understand and speak English quite well. This is particularly true in Amsterdam, where many people will speak English to you by default. You will also find most menu cards in Amsterdam to be in English. However this is not to say you will not encounter plenty of Dutch on other signage and in other situations, making this book handy to have in any situation.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well-organized phrasebook - should be a pleasure to use, December 13, 2008
This review is from: Dutch: Lonely Planet Phrasebook (Paperback)
I bought a lightly used copy of this phrasebook in anticipation of moving overseas next year. The book is well-organized and features lots of background information within each chapter - about the different types of cafes and restaurants you're likely to encounter, for example, or popular holiday traditions.
Pick up a copy and it should serve you well. Happy travels!
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