"Zou" turns a flat statement into a wish, a polite request, gentle advice, or a hypothetical — the same verb sounds more careful with it.
Ik ___ graag een afspraak willen maken.
Je staat bij de gemeentebalie. De ambtenaar is druk. Je wil zo beleefd mogelijk klinken.
Could you help me with this form? (polite question)
Klant: , .
Receptionist: , .
Werknemer: -.
Manager: , .
Bewoner: ?
Ambtenaar: , .
Receptionist: Zeker, dinsdag om tien uur is nog vrij.
Of course, Tuesday at ten o'clock is still free.
Vul het ontbrekende woord in:
Could you help me with this form?
“Als je alleen positieve dingen zegt, denkt ze dat je weinig zelfinzicht hebt.”
In the Netherlands that's actually professional. If you only say positive things, she'll think you lack self-awareness. Name your weaknesses honestly, and add straight away how you plan to tackle them.
“Als je €4.700 wil, zeg dan €4.800.”
No range. Name one figure. If you want €4,700, say €4,800. That leaves room to negotiate and you'll hopefully land where you actually want.
“Als je te lang wacht, krijg je een boete.”
You do have to arrange it yourself. Health insurance is mandatory. If you wait too long, you'll get a fine.
“Voeg die bij als bijlage.”
Attach it as an exhibit. You can also include a statement from your employer saying that you have the car for private use. I also recommend looking up the municipal parking policy: if there is an exception for lease cars or cars registered to the employer, you can refer to it in your grounds.
“Maar als u maagproblemen heeft, kies dan liever voor paracetamol.”
Yes. Ibuprofen also works well against pain and inflammation. But if you have stomach problems, it is better to choose paracetamol.