Questions & Answers about Pardon, mevrouw!
Why use pardon instead of sorry here?
In Dutch, pardon is the standard, polite way to say "Excuse me" when you want to get someone's attention or gently pass by them in a crowd. Sorry is also a very common word in Dutch, but it is mostly used as a genuine apology when you made a mistake or bumped into someone.
How is pardon pronounced in Dutch?
Although it looks exactly like the English word, it comes from French and has a Dutch pronunciation. The stress is firmly on the second syllable (par-DON), and the 'o' has a short, slightly nasal sound.
Is it normal to call a stranger mevrouw?
Yes! Mevrouw is the perfect, polite word for addressing an adult female stranger, just like "ma'am" or "madam". You will use and hear this constantly in shops, restaurants, and on the street.
What if I need to get a man's attention?
The male equivalent of mevrouw is meneer. To politely say "Excuse me, sir", you would simply say Pardon, meneer!
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