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Questions & Answers about Hoi, welkom!
Can I use welkom to say "you're welcome" after a "thank you"?
No, that is a common trap! Just like in this sentence, welkom is only used to welcome someone arriving at a place. If someone thanks you, you reply with graag gedaan (gladly done), never with welkom.
Is hoi too informal to use with strangers?
Hoi is informal, like "hi" in English, but it is very common and perfectly polite to use in casual places like shops, cafes, or on the street. For more formal situations, use hallo or goedendag (good day).
Does the w in welkom sound exactly like the English "w"?
Not quite. The Dutch w is formed by resting your top teeth lightly on your bottom lip. This makes it sound like a soft mix between an English "w" and "v".
Why does welkom not have an "e" at the end like in English?
Dutch and English share many historical roots, so the words look similar. However, Dutch spelling is much more phonetic than English. Since there is no "e" sound at the end of the word, welkom is spelled without one.