Dutch at the doctor and the pharmacy: phrases you need

The Dutch you need at the GP (huisarts), the pharmacy and the hospital: making an appointment, describing symptoms, understanding the advice — and the number to call in an emergency.

Updated · 2 min read

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Canal houses along the Singel in Amsterdam
Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized.

In the Netherlands your first stop for health care is the huisarts (GP), who refers you to a specialist if needed; in the evening and at weekends there is the huisartsenpost. In an emergency, call 112 — in the Netherlands and Belgium alike.

Making an appointment

Ik wil graag een afspraak maken bij de huisarts.

Literally: I would like to make an appointment with the GP.

Meaning: willen, maken; een afspraak maken — afspreken

Kan ik vandaag nog langskomen?

Literally: Can I come in today?

Meaning: kunnen — langskomen is separable: ik kom langs

Saying what is wrong

DutchEnglish
Ik heb hoofdpijn / buikpijn / keelpijn.I have a headache / stomach ache / sore throat.
Ik heb koorts.I have a fever.
Ik ben duizelig.I feel dizzy.
Ik hoest al een week.I have been coughing for a week.
Het doet hier pijn.It hurts here.
Ik ben allergisch voor penicilline.I am allergic to penicillin.

Al een week + present = for a week and still going — see the present tense. Verbs: hebben, zijn, voelen.

At the pharmacy

  • de apotheek — pharmacy, for prescription medicines; de drogist — chemist, for everyday medicines
  • het recept — prescription; de pijnstiller — painkiller
  • Hoe vaak moet ik dit innemen? — How often must I take this? (moeten)
  • twee keer per dag, na het eten — twice a day, after meals

Understanding the advice

U moet een paar dagen rust nemen en veel water drinken.

Literally: You must rest for a few days and drink plenty of water.

Meaning: moeten, nemen, drinken

Als het niet beter wordt, belt u dan terug.

Literally: If it doesn’t get better, call back.

Meaning: als sends the verb to the end — worden, bellen

Health care is a classic theme in the KNM exam and the speaking exam. Calling in sick at work is in the writing exam guide.

Health words, 16 at a time

16Word’s inburgering path has sets for the body, health care and the pharmacy — with audio and a game of Blocks between answers. Free to start.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you make a doctor's appointment in Dutch?

Ik wil graag een afspraak maken bij de huisarts. — I would like to make an appointment with the GP.

What is a huisarts?

The GP: your first stop for health care in the Netherlands, who refers you to a specialist if needed.

What is the emergency number in the Netherlands?

112 — the same in Belgium and across the EU.

What is the difference between an apotheek and a drogist?

The apotheek (pharmacy) dispenses prescription medicines; the drogist sells everyday medicines and toiletries.

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