What time is it? - telling the time in Dutch
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Time to put your knowledge about the Dutch numbers into practice! In this chapter, telling the time in Dutch will be discussed. Therefore, the numbers from 1 to 12 are necessary. You will learn about the Dutch clock, the time units in Dutch and the parts of the day in Dutch. Also, some sentences you can use when you want to talk about the time are included.
Lesson outline
Hide- 1.The clock in Dutch
- 2.Telling the time in Dutch
- 2.1.Using the word 'over'
- 2.2.Using the word 'voor'
- 2.3.Using the word 'over'
- 2.4.Using the word 'voor'
- 3.The time in Dutch
- 4.Time units in Dutch
- 5.Talking about the time
- 6.Exercises
- 6.1.Reading the clock in Dutch
- 6.2.Translating words and sentences about the time in Dutch
- 6.3.Choose the correct time in Dutch
- 6.4.Fill in the Dutch time
The clock in Dutch
Unlike the English clock, the Dutch clock can be divided into four quarters. You have to look at the next/previous hour or half an hour to say the time correctly. When looking forward to the next (half) hour, you use the word voor. Looking back to the previous (half) hour, the word over is used.
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Telling the time in Dutch
When telling the time in Dutch, the following sentence is used:
- 'Het is...' ('It is ...').
- Het is 3 uur. (It's 3 o'clock.)
The following images will teach you how to tell the time in Dutch.
Note: The times of the clocks on the pictures do not correspond with the text explanation. The time between 2 and 3 o'clock is used as the text example.
1) Using the word 'over'
In this quarter you have to look back to the previous complete hour:
A = Het is (twee) uur. - It is 2 o'clock.
B = Het is vijf over (twee). - It is five past two.
C = Het is tien over (twee) - It is ten past two.
D = Het is kwart over (twee) - It is quarter past two.
2) Using the word 'voor'
In this quarter you have to look forward to the next half an hour:
A = Het is tien voor half (drie) - It is twenty past two.
B = Het is vijf voor half (drie) - It is twenty-five past two.
C = Het is half (drie) - It is half past two.
3) Using the word 'over'
In this quarter, you have to look back to the previous half an hour:
A = Het is vijf over (half drie) - It is twenty-five to three.
B = Het is tien over (half drie) - it is twenty to three.
4) Using the word 'voor'
In this quarter, you have to look forward to the next hour:
A = Het is kwart voor (drie) - It is quarter to three.
B = Het is tien voor (drie) - It is ten to three.
C = Het is vijf voor (drie) - It is five to three.
D = Het is (drie) uur - It is 3 o'clock
The time in Dutch
When the Dutch talk about the time they use the 12 hour clock, but in writing, the 24 hour clock is accepted as well.
Terms for AM and PM do not exist in the Dutch language. The Dutch use certain words to tell you if it is morning, afternoon, evening or night.
Dutch | English |
|---|---|
Het is negen uur 's ochtends/'s morgens. | It is nine o'clock in the morning. |
Het is twee uur 's middags. | It is two o'clock in the afternoon. |
| Het is negen uur 's avonds. | It is nine o'clock in the evening. |
Het is twee uur 's nachts. | It is two o'clock at night. |
Time units in Dutch
The words that are used for the time units are quite similar to their English counterparts:
Dutch | English |
|---|---|
De seconde | The second |
De minuut | The minute |
Het uur | The hour |
Kwartier | A quarter/15 minutes |
Driekwartier | Three quarters/45 minutes |
Talking about the time
If you want to have a conversation about the time with someone, you can use the following sentences.
| Talking about the time | Translation |
|---|---|
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Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Exercises
- Reading the clock in Dutch
- Translating words and sentences about the time in Dutch
- Choose the correct time in Dutch
- Fill in the Dutch time
Reading the clock in Dutch
Translating words and sentences about the time in Dutch
Choose the correct time in Dutch
Fill in the Dutch time
Exercises
- Reading the clock in Dutch
- Translating words and sentences about the time in Dutch
- Choose the correct time in Dutch
- Fill in the Dutch time
Reading the clock in Dutch
Translating words and sentences about the time in Dutch
Choose the correct time in Dutch
Fill in the Dutch time
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What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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