Question tags (hè, toch, of niet)

To keep conversations flowing naturally, ask for agreement or confirmation. In Dutch, you can easily turn a statement into a question by adding a short tag to the end.

The most common casual tag is ("right?", "isn't it?"). Add it to the end of a sentence when you share an observation and expect the other person to agree.

The neighbor is always very friendly, right?
De buurman is altijd erg vriendelijk, hè?
We really must catch up during the barbecue, right?
We moeten tijdens de barbecue echt even bijkletsen, hè?

Toch

Use toch when you are fairly certain about a fact but want to double-check. It implies you expect the answer to be "yes."

You often make small talk with him, right?
Je maakt vaak een praatje met hem, toch?
It will be beautiful weather tomorrow, right?
Morgen wordt het mooi weer, toch?

Of niet

Of niet literally translates to "or not." Use it to ask if your statement is true or false, giving the listener a clear opening to agree or disagree.

It is a bit chilly today, isn't it?
Het is vandaag een beetje fris, of niet?
You guys are organizing a barbecue on Saturday, right?
Jullie organiseren zaterdag een barbecue, of niet?