How to Introduce Yourself in Dutch
Introducing yourself is one of the first real things you'll do in Dutch. Here's a simple template — name, origin, work — plus phrases for formal and casual situations.
Your first conversation
A good self-introduction follows a simple pattern. Learn it once and you can introduce yourself anywhere — a party, a class, an interview.
The self-introduction template
Build it line by line.
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Hallo, ik heet … | Hello, my name is … |
| Ik kom uit … | I’m from … |
| Ik woon in … | I live in … |
| Ik ben … jaar oud | I’m … years old |
| Ik werk als … | I work as … |
| Ik leer Nederlands | I’m learning Dutch |
Formal vs casual
Adjust to the situation.
| Casual | Formal |
|---|---|
| Hoi, ik ben Anna | Goededag, ik ben mevrouw Jansen |
| Leuk je te ontmoeten | Aangenaam kennis te maken |
| En jij? | En u? |
Putting it together
A natural introduction: ‘Hoi, ik heet Tom. Ik kom uit Engeland, maar ik woon nu in Amsterdam. Ik werk als ontwerper en ik leer Nederlands.’ End with a question to keep it flowing: ‘En jij?’ (casual) or ‘En u?’ (formal). Adding ‘ik leer Nederlands’ is a great move — it cues people to be patient and speak Dutch with you.
Nail your Dutch introduction
Dutch Daily's scenario trainer lets you practise introducing yourself until it's effortless. Free to start.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How do you introduce yourself in Dutch?
Follow a simple template: 'Ik heet …' (my name is), 'Ik kom uit …' (I'm from), 'Ik woon in …' (I live in), 'Ik werk als …' (I work as). End with 'En jij?' (and you?).
How do you say 'my name is' in Dutch?
'Ik heet …' or 'Mijn naam is …'. 'Ik heet Anna' is the most natural, everyday way to say it.
How do you introduce yourself formally in Dutch?
Use 'Goededag' and 'Aangenaam kennis te maken' (pleased to meet you), the formal 'u', and your title/surname: 'Ik ben meneer/mevrouw …'.