Speaking practice

The five Dutch sounds that give you away — and how to own them.

Notoriously hard

Goedemorgen, gaat het goed?

Good morning, are you doing well?

/KHOO-duh-MOR-khun, khaht ut khoot/

Repeat the phrase, then stop to see your score

Make the sound of gently clearing your throat — that's it.

In the Randstad it's harsher (“harde g”); in the south it's softer. Both are correct.

Don't substitute an English “g” — Dutch ears notice instantly.