Learn Dutch: Waar is de handdoek?

Handdoek is a compound word made of hand and doek (cloth). In Dutch, the article for a compound word is always determined by its very last part. Because it is de doek, the combined word is de handdoek.

Does handdoek literally translate to 'hand cloth'?

Yes, it does! Hand means hand and doek means cloth. Dutch uses very literal compound words for everyday items. You will definitely need a handdoek when you practice the reflexive verb zich afdrogen, which means to dry oneself.

How do I pronounce the word Waar?

The double aa makes a long 'ah' sound, similar to the 'a' in the English word 'father'. The Dutch w is usually softer than in English, often sounding like a mix between an English 'w' and 'v'.

Why is the verb is placed before the subject de handdoek?

This is standard question word order, which matches English perfectly here. You start with the question word Waar, followed by the verb is, and then the subject de handdoek.