Learn Dutch: Goedemiddag, meneer! - Good afternoon, sir!

It comes from the word goed (good). In Dutch, adjectives (describing words) often get an extra -e on the end. Over time, the phrase goede middag just got merged into a single word!

When exactly should I start and stop saying goedemiddag?

You can start using goedemiddag right at 12:00 PM (noon). It is typically used until about 6:00 PM, which is when you would switch to saying goedenavond (good evening).

Can I use meneer with someone's last name, like 'Mr.'?

Yes! Meneer translates to both 'sir' (when speaking to a man without using his name) and 'Mr.' (when used before a last name, like meneer Jansen).

If meneer means 'sir', what is the word for 'madam'?

The polite word for 'madam', 'ma'am', or 'Mrs.' is mevrouw. To politely greet a woman in the afternoon, you would say: Goedemiddag, mevrouw!