Dutch Fluency 
Talking about the weather in Dutch
In the Netherlands, people often talk about the weather. It's an easy way to start a conversation. Whether you're talking to a colleague or a neighbor, a comment about the weather is always appropriate.
In this guide, you'll learn the most important phrases and words to talk about the weather. We also give tips to avoid mistakes. Then practice in the Dutch Fluency NT2 app.
Why do the Dutch talk so much about the weather?
The weather in the Netherlands changes often. It can be sunny and then rain ten minutes later. That's why the weather is a good conversation topic. It's neutral and everyone has an opinion about it.
If you start a conversation with 'What weather, huh?' almost everyone responds. It's a social habit. By talking about the weather, you show interest and can easily make contact.
Important words and phrases about the weather
- It's sunny today.
- It's raining hard.
- It's very windy.
- It's cloudy and a bit cold.
- Are you going outside this afternoon? It's going to be dry.
- What's the temperature? It's 20 degrees.
- It's going to thunderstorm this afternoon. Bring an umbrella.
- There's a strong wind from the west.
How do you start a conversation about the weather?
You can start a conversation with a question or a comment. For example: 'What weather, huh?' or 'Don't you find it so cold?' Or you say: 'Luckily the sun is shining again.'
The other person will then respond. That's how a short conversation starts. Listen carefully to the response and ask a follow-up question. For example: 'Are you going to do something fun in this weather?'
Common mistakes when talking about the weather
- Wrong: 'Het is regen.' -> Right: 'Het regent.' (use the verb regenen).
- Wrong: 'Het is wind.' -> Right: 'Het waait.' (use the verb waaien).
- Wrong: 'Ik vind het weer leuk.' -> In Dutch we often say 'Ik vind het mooi weer' or 'Het is lekker weer'.
- Wrong: 'Het is onweer.' -> Right: 'Het onweert.' (verb onweren).
How to practice this in Dutch
Practice with the Dutch Fluency NT2 app. In the speaking and listening exercises, you'll find dialogues about the weather. Listen to Dutch people talking about the weather and repeat the sentences. That way you'll learn the correct pronunciation and intonation. Start with the 'Speaking' or 'Listening' module at A2 level.
Practice speaking about the weather →Practice now
- Listening exercises about the weather
- KNM: Dutch customs
- More articles about living in the Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Is the weather a good topic to start a conversation?
Yes, in the Netherlands the weather is a very normal and safe topic to start a conversation.
Which verbs do I use for the weather?
Use verbs like regenen, waaien, onweren, sneeuwen. So: het regent, het waait, het onweert, het sneeuwt.
How do I ask about tomorrow's weather?
You can ask: 'What will the weather be like tomorrow?' or 'Have you heard the weather forecast for tomorrow?'
More guides and exam tips
- Inburgeringsexamen spreken oefenen: zo beschrijf je een foto (A2)
- Het inburgeringsexamen: alle onderdelen uitgelegd (A2)
- KNM oefenen: Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (inburgering)
- Gratis oefenen voor het inburgeringsexamen (A2): zo begin je vandaag
- Staatsexamen NT2 of inburgeringsexamen: wat is het verschil?
- Staatsexamen NT2: alle onderdelen uitgelegd (B1 en B2)
- Lekker Meaning in Dutch: What Does 'Lekker' Really Mean?
- Kind Regards in Dutch: How to Sign Off Politely
- Dutch Tiki: what it is and how to use it
- Tikkie Culture: What It Is and How to Use It
- "ik wil graag pinnen" in Dutch: how you actually say it
- What Is a Tikkie in the Netherlands? A Guide for Newcomers