A1 · Lesson 49 · Out and about
Short messages
Write and read quick texts: on my way, almost ready, see you later.
Grammar
Zo, straks, later: the present for the future
- Dutch often uses the present tense for the near future: Ik kom zo. = I'll be there in a minute.
- zo = in a moment, straks = in a bit / later today, later = later.
- These words come right after the verb: Ik ben zo thuis. Or put them first — then the verb is second: Straks bel ik je.
- Start a message to friends or family with Hoi or Lieve…, end with Groetjes or Liefs. More formal: Beste…
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Ik ben onderweg. | I'm on my way. |
| Ik ben er zo. | I'll be there in a minute. |
| Ik ben bijna klaar. | I'm almost ready. |
| Tot straks! | See you later! |
Vocabulary
12 new words
- lievedear (to friends and family)
- bestedear (more formal)
- groetjesbest wishes / bye (informal sign-off)
- liefslove (sign-off)
- tot strakssee you later
- straksin a bit / later (today)
- zoin a moment / in a minute
- onderwegon the way
- bijnaalmost
- klaarready / done
- thuisat home
- wachtento wait