Your first Dutch huisarts appointment can feel like a language exam with a fever.

You call the practice, the assistant asks questions in rapid Dutch, and suddenly you forget the word for headache. This guide gives you the exact phrases to explain symptoms, answer follow-up questions, and understand what happens next. It is not a medical dictionary. It is a practical script for real conversations at the huisarts.

In the Netherlands, the huisarts is your first stop for almost everything. You need a referral (verwijzing) to see a specialist. That makes clear communication essential. Whether you are preparing for the inburgering A2 exam or just trying to get help for a stubborn cough, these phrases will serve you well.

Before you call: what the assistant needs to know

Dutch practices use a triage system. The assistant (assistente) asks questions to decide how urgent your problem is. She is not being nosy. She is following protocol. Answer clearly and briefly.

When you call, start with your name and date of birth. Then state the problem in one sentence. For example: Ik heb al drie dagen hoofdpijn. (I have had a headache for three days.) Or: Ik heb sinds gisteren erge buikpijn. (I have had severe stomach pain since yesterday.)

The assistant may ask:

  • Wat zijn uw klachten? (What are your symptoms?)
  • Hoe lang heeft u dit al? (How long have you had this?)
  • Heeft u koorts? (Do you have a fever?)
  • Kunt u het beschrijven? (Can you describe it?)
  • Is het erger geworden? (Has it gotten worse?)

Answer with short sentences. You do not need perfect grammar. You need to be understood. If you do not know a word, say: Ik weet het woord niet in het Nederlands. (I do not know the word in Dutch.) Then try to describe it: Het voelt alsof... (It feels like...).

If your symptoms are severe, say so immediately. Het is dringend. (It is urgent.) Or Ik kan niet ademen. (I cannot breathe.) In a life-threatening situation, call 112.

Describing pain: location, type, and intensity

Pain is the most common reason for a huisarts visit. Dutch uses specific words for pain. Learn these and you can handle most conversations.

Location:

  • Ik heb pijn in mijn... (I have pain in my...) + body part.
  • mijn hoofd (my head), mijn keel (my throat), mijn buik (my stomach), mijn rug (my back), mijn oor (my ear), mijn been (my leg), mijn arm (my arm).

Type of pain:

  • stekende pijn (stabbing pain)
  • zeurende pijn (dull, nagging pain)
  • kloppende pijn (throbbing pain)
  • brandende pijn (burning pain)
  • kramp (cramp)

Intensity:

  • licht (mild)
  • erg (bad)
  • ondraaglijk (unbearable)
  • Het is te doen. (It is manageable.)

You can combine these: Ik heb een stekende pijn in mijn rechterknie. (I have a stabbing pain in my right knee.) Or: De pijn is zeurend, maar niet ondraaglijk. (The pain is dull but not unbearable.)

If the pain moves, say: De pijn trekt naar... (The pain radiates to...). For example: De pijn trekt naar mijn arm. (The pain radiates to my arm.)

Do not forget to mention if you have taken anything. Ik heb paracetamol genomen. (I took paracetamol.) Het helpt niet. (It does not help.)

Other symptoms: fever, nausea, and more

Pain is not the only thing you might need to explain. Here are phrases for common symptoms.

Fever and chills:

  • Ik heb koorts. (I have a fever.)
  • Ik heb het koud. (I feel cold.)
  • Ik heb rillingen. (I have chills.)
  • Mijn temperatuur is 39 graden. (My temperature is 39 degrees.)

Nausea and stomach issues:

  • Ik ben misselijk. (I feel nauseous.)
  • Ik moet overgeven. (I need to vomit.)
  • Ik heb diarree. (I have diarrhoea.)
  • Ik heb verstopping. (I am constipated.)

Respiratory symptoms:

  • Ik hoest veel. (I cough a lot.)
  • Ik ben verkouden. (I have a cold.)
  • Mijn neus is verstopt. (My nose is blocked.)
  • Ik heb moeite met ademen. (I have difficulty breathing.)

Skin and allergies:

  • Ik heb uitslag. (I have a rash.)
  • Het jeukt. (It itches.)
  • Ik ben allergisch voor... (I am allergic to...) + substance.

General feelings:

  • Ik ben duizelig. (I am dizzy.)
  • Ik ben erg moe. (I am very tired.)
  • Ik heb geen eetlust. (I have no appetite.)
  • Ik slaap slecht. (I sleep badly.)

If you have a chronic condition, mention it: Ik heb diabetes. (I have diabetes.) Ik heb astma. (I have asthma.) Ik gebruik medicijnen voor... (I take medication for...).

At the appointment: questions the doctor will ask

Once you are in the consultation room, the doctor will ask more detailed questions. Here are the most common ones and how to answer.

Opening question: Wat kan ik voor u doen? (What can I do for you?) This is your cue to explain the problem. You can say: Ik heb al een week last van mijn keel. (I have had throat problems for a week.)

Follow-up questions:

  • Wanneer is het begonnen? (When did it start?)
  • Is het constant of komt het in aanvallen? (Is it constant or does it come in attacks?)
  • Wat maakt het erger? (What makes it worse?)
  • Wat maakt het beter? (What makes it better?)
  • Heeft u andere klachten? (Do you have other symptoms?)
  • Gebruikt u medicijnen? (Do you take medication?)
  • Heeft u allergieën? (Do you have allergies?)

Answer honestly and do not downplay symptoms. If you are unsure, say: Ik weet het niet zeker. (I am not sure.) Or Soms wel, soms niet. (Sometimes yes, sometimes no.)

The doctor may examine you. She might say: Ik ga u nu onderzoeken. (I am going to examine you now.) Kunt u uw shirt uittrekken? (Can you take off your shirt?) Doet dit pijn? (Does this hurt?) Adem diep in. (Breathe in deeply.)

If you do not understand something, ask: Kunt u dat herhalen? (Can you repeat that?) Kunt u het langzamer zeggen? (Can you say it more slowly?) Wat betekent dat? (What does that mean?)

Understanding the doctor's advice and next steps

After the examination, the doctor will give you a diagnosis or advice. You need to understand what to do next. Here are common phrases and what they mean.

Diagnosis:

  • U heeft een infectie. (You have an infection.)
  • Het is waarschijnlijk een virus. (It is probably a virus.)
  • Het is niet ernstig. (It is not serious.)
  • We moeten een test doen. (We need to do a test.)

Treatment:

  • Ik schrijf u een recept. (I will write you a prescription.)
  • U kunt dit bij de apotheek ophalen. (You can pick this up at the pharmacy.)
  • Neem dit drie keer per dag. (Take this three times a day.)
  • Rust goed uit. (Get plenty of rest.)
  • Drink veel water. (Drink lots of water.)

Referral:

  • Ik verwijs u naar een specialist. (I am referring you to a specialist.)
  • U krijgt een verwijsbrief. (You will get a referral letter.)
  • Maak een afspraak bij het ziekenhuis. (Make an appointment at the hospital.)

Follow-up:

  • Kom over een week terug. (Come back in a week.)
  • Als het niet beter wordt, belt u ons. (If it does not get better, call us.)
  • Heeft u nog vragen? (Do you have any questions?)

Always repeat the instructions back to the doctor to check you understood. Dus ik moet dit drie keer per dag innemen en over een week terugkomen? (So I should take this three times a day and come back in a week?) This is a simple way to avoid mistakes.

"The first time I called the huisarts, I was so nervous I forgot the word for 'throat'. I just said 'pijn in mijn nek' and pointed. The assistant was patient and helped me. Now I write down my symptoms before I call. It makes a huge difference."

, Maria, 34, inburgering student in Utrecht

Practical phrases for the phone and reception

You will also interact with the receptionist or assistant when you arrive. Here are phrases for making appointments, changing them, and checking in.

Making an appointment:

  • Ik wil graag een afspraak maken. (I would like to make an appointment.)
  • Kan ik vandaag nog terecht? (Can I come in today?)
  • Het liefst zo snel mogelijk. (As soon as possible, please.)

Changing or cancelling:

  • Ik moet mijn afspraak verzetten. (I need to reschedule my appointment.)
  • Ik kan niet komen. (I cannot come.)
  • Kan het volgende week? (Can it be next week?)

At the reception desk:

  • Ik heb een afspraak om 10 uur. (I have an appointment at 10 o'clock.)
  • Mijn naam is... (My name is...)
  • Ik moet mijn paspoort laten zien? (Do I need to show my passport?)

If you need an interpreter, ask: Kan er een tolk bij zijn? (Can an interpreter be present?) This is sometimes possible, but not always. Check with your practice.

For more practice with medical Dutch and everyday conversations, see our spreken materials. They include role-plays for huisarts visits and other common situations.

Checklist: before, during, and after your appointment

Use this checklist to stay organised and reduce stress.

  • Before the call: Write down your symptoms in Dutch. Use a dictionary if needed. Note how long you have had them and what makes them better or worse.
  • During the call: Speak slowly. Use short sentences. Ask the assistant to repeat if you do not understand. Confirm the appointment time and date.
  • Before the visit: Bring your ID and insurance card (verzekeringspas). Make a list of medications you take. Note any allergies.
  • During the visit: Describe your main symptom first. Answer questions honestly. Ask for clarification if needed. Repeat the doctor's instructions back.
  • After the visit: Pick up any prescription at the apotheek. Follow the advice. If symptoms worsen, call the practice again.
  • Emergency: For life-threatening situations, call 112. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues outside office hours, call the huisartsenpost.

For a full mock exam experience that includes medical scenarios, try our mock exam. It simulates the real test environment and helps you practice under pressure.

FAQ: Dutch huisarts appointments and language exams

Do I need to speak Dutch at the huisarts?

You can often request an English-speaking doctor, especially in larger cities. However, for inburgering and daily life, learning the Dutch phrases is valuable. Many assistants and doctors appreciate any effort you make in Dutch.

Is the huisarts appointment part of the inburgering exam?

The inburgering exam tests general language skills, not medical knowledge specifically. However, healthcare is a common theme in KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) and in speaking exams. You may need to discuss health-related topics. Check the official DUO and CvTE websites for exact exam content.

What if I don't understand the doctor's advice?

Ask for clarification. You can say: Kunt u dat in eenvoudige woorden uitleggen? (Can you explain that in simple words?) Or ask for written instructions. Do not leave without understanding your treatment plan.

Can I bring someone to translate?

Yes, you can bring a friend or family member to help translate. However, for privacy reasons, some doctors prefer to speak directly to you. It is best to call ahead and ask.

How do I register with a huisarts?

You need to register with a practice near your home. You can find one via Dutch Fluency resources or your gemeente website. Some practices have waiting lists. Register as soon as you move to a new area.

What is the difference between huisarts and specialist?

The huisarts is your general practitioner. For most specialist care, you need a referral (verwijzing) from the huisarts. The specialist works in a hospital or clinic. Your huisarts coordinates your overall care.

Where can I practice medical Dutch?

Our inburgering A2 course includes vocabulary and dialogues for healthcare situations. You can also use apps, watch Dutch medical dramas, or role-play with a language partner.

Remember, the huisarts is there to help you. Clear communication is key. Practice these phrases until they feel natural. Then, even on a sick day, you can explain what is wrong and get the care you need.