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How to Say "Excuse me" in Dutch

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Neem me niet kwalijk
"Excuse me" in Dutch 路 say it like naym muh neet kwah-lik

The most natural way to say "Excuse me" in Dutch is Neem me niet kwalijk. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Excuseer
more formal, often used in official situations
Sorry
casual, used among friends or in informal settings

When to use it

Use this phrase when you want to politely interrupt someone or when you need to apologize for a minor inconvenience. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts. It shows respect and consideration for the other person's time or feelings.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Excuse me" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Dutch

DutchEnglish
Neem me niet kwalijk, ik heb een vraag.Excuse me, I have a question.
Excuseer, mag ik even langs?Excuse me, may I pass by for a moment?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'sorry' with 'excuse me', using it in formal situations where 'excuse me' is more appropriate.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Neem me niet kwalijk, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Dutch with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'excuseer' instead of 'neem me niet kwalijk'?

'Excuseer' is more formal and should be used in professional or official contexts.

Learn Dutch by speaking it

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