# Dutch text types and where the answer hides

URL: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/learn/lezen/dutch-text-types-and-signal-words
Course: Lezen: the reading exam, step by step (https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/learn/lezen)
Level: A2 and B1
Publisher: Inburgeringklaar

> Recognise letters, adverts, schedules, house rules and e-mails, and know where each one keeps its key information.

## Goals
- Recognise five common Dutch text types in seconds
- Know where each type usually puts the key information
- Spot signal words for obligations, deadlines and exceptions

## Every text type has a fixed shape

Dutch practical texts are very predictable. A letter from the gemeente always has a subject line and a "what you must do" part. An advert always has a price and a contact. If you know the shape, you know where to look. This saves a lot of time.

## 1. Brief van de gemeente (official letter)

**Shape:** sender and date at the top, then *Onderwerp:* (subject), then *Geachte heer/mevrouw…*, the message, and *Met vriendelijke groet*.

**Where the answer is:**
- The **subject line** and **first paragraph** tell you *why* they write. Perfect for "Wat is het doel van deze brief?"
- The **middle** tells you *what you must do* and *before when*.
- The **end** tells you *who to contact* if you have questions.

**Signal words:** *u moet, u dient* (you must), *vóór* (before a date), *uiterlijk* (at the latest), *binnen zes weken* (within six weeks), *als u … niet …, dan…* (if you don't…, then…), *bijlage* (attachment).

## 2. Advertentie (advert)

**Shape:** short lines, a headline, a price, a contact (phone, e-mail, website).

**Where the answer is:** prices, conditions and how to react. Watch for small print: *excl.* (excluding), *p.p.* (per person), *v.a.* (vanaf, from), *alleen ophalen* (pick-up only), *z.g.a.n.* (zo goed als nieuw, as good as new).

**Signal words:** *gratis* (free), *korting* (discount), *te koop* (for sale), *gezocht* (wanted), *te huur* (for rent), *reageren* (to respond).

## 3. Rooster (schedule, timetable)

**Shape:** a table with days, times, names or groups.

**Where the answer is:** where a row and a column cross. Read the **headings of the table first**, then find the row and the column. Look for notes under the table (*\* = alleen in de even weken*). Those notes are favourite exam material.

**Signal words:** *t/m* (tot en met, up to and including), *even/oneven weken* (even/odd weeks), *vervalt* (is cancelled), *gewijzigd* (changed), *vanaf* (from).

## 4. Huisregels (house rules)

**Shape:** a list of rules, often with bullets, sometimes with a reason.

**Where the answer is:** the question is usually "What is (not) allowed?" or "What must you do?". Each rule is one line, so scan the list for the key word (*fiets, afval, huisdieren, geluid*).

**Signal words, very important:**

| Dutch | Meaning |
|---|---|
| *het is verplicht* | it is required |
| *u moet* | you must |
| *het is toegestaan / u mag* | it is allowed / you may |
| *het is niet toegestaan / verboden* | it is not allowed / forbidden |
| *u hoeft niet* | you don't have to |
| *alleen* | only |
| *na 22.00 uur* | after 10 pm |

## 5. E-mail or bericht (e-mail, message)

**Shape:** *Hoi / Beste…*, the reason for writing, a question or request, a greeting.

**Where the answer is:** e-mails often have one main **request** (*Kun je…? Wil je…? Zou u…?*). The question is often "Wat vraagt Sanne aan haar collega?". Also look for changes of plan: *helaas* (unfortunately), *in plaats van* (instead of), *toch* (after all).

## A quick recognition test

When a new text appears, ask yourself in two seconds: *What type is this?* Then go straight to the part that usually holds the answer. You still check the rest, but you start in the right place.

## Bonus: formal and informal

Official letters use *u* and longer words (*ontvangen, verzoeken, indienen*). E-mails between friends use *je/jij* and short words (*krijgen, vragen, sturen*). The meaning is often the same:

| Formal | Everyday |
|---|---|
| *ontvangen* | *krijgen* |
| *verzoeken* | *vragen* |
| *indienen* | *inleveren, sturen* |
| *verstrekken* | *geven* |
| *in het bezit zijn van* | *hebben* |

Learning these pairs makes official letters much less scary.

## Useful Dutch
- **het onderwerp**: the subject (of a letter)
- **uiterlijk 1 juni**: no later than 1 June
- **de bijlage**: the attachment
- **u dient … te**: you are required to …
- **t/m (tot en met)**: up to and including
- **vervalt**: is cancelled
- **het is niet toegestaan**: it is not allowed
- **verplicht**: compulsory
- **vanaf**: from (a time or price)
- **p.p. (per persoon)**: per person
- **helaas**: unfortunately
- **in plaats van**: instead of

## Worked example: A letter from the gemeente

Onderwerp: Uw parkeervergunning

Geachte mevrouw Okafor,

Uw parkeervergunning voor de Kastanjelaan is geldig tot 31 maart. Wilt u de vergunning houden? Vraag dan uiterlijk 15 maart een nieuwe vergunning aan via de website van de gemeente. U heeft daarvoor uw kenteken en uw DigiD nodig. Vraagt u te laat aan? Dan kunt u vanaf 1 april niet meer op de Kastanjelaan parkeren.

Met vriendelijke groet,
Afdeling Parkeren

Vraag: Wat moet mevrouw Okafor doen?
A Vóór 31 maart haar DigiD aanvragen.
B Vóór 15 maart een nieuwe vergunning aanvragen.
C Op 1 april naar het gemeentehuis gaan.

It's a gemeente letter, so the action is in the middle. Signal word: uiterlijk 15 maart, a deadline. The action: een nieuwe vergunning aanvragen. That is option B. Option A mixes two real details (31 maart and DigiD), but she needs her DigiD, she does not have to apply for one. Option C uses the date 1 april, which is the consequence of applying too late, and nobody asks her to visit the town hall.

## Common mistakes
- Reading a timetable without first reading the column and row headings.
- Ignoring the note or star under a table, where the exception usually is.
- Mixing up 'u mag' (allowed) and 'u moet' (required) in house rules.
- Thinking 'Wat is het doel van de brief?' is answered in the last paragraph instead of the subject line and opening.

## Check yourself
1. In a gemeente letter, where do you usually find WHY they are writing to you?
   A) In the greeting at the end
   B) In the subject line and first paragraph
   C) In the sender's address
   Answer: B. The 'Onderwerp' and the first paragraph state the reason for the letter.
2. A timetable says 'ma t/m do'. Which days are included?
   A) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
   B) Monday and Thursday only
   C) Monday to Wednesday
   Answer: A. 't/m' means 'tot en met': up to and including, so Thursday is included.
3. House rules say: 'Huisdieren zijn niet toegestaan.' What does this mean?
   A) You must have a pet
   B) Pets are allowed in the garden
   C) Pets are not allowed
   Answer: C. 'Niet toegestaan' means not allowed.