Your first visit to a Dutch pharmacy can feel like a language test you didn't study for.
You have a prescription from the huisarts, you walk into the apotheek, and suddenly you need to explain what you need, answer questions about your medication, and maybe ask for advice on a minor ailment. The good news: with a handful of Dutch pharmacy phrases, you can handle most situations smoothly. This guide gives you the exact words and sentences you need, plus cultural context that textbooks skip.
In the Netherlands, pharmacies are not just shops. They are professional healthcare points. The staff (apothekersassistenten) are trained to check interactions, dosage, and whether you actually need what you're asking for. So even if you speak English, they will appreciate your effort to use Dutch. And for your inburgering exam, especially the KNM and Spreken components, knowing how to talk about health is directly useful. You can practice more with our KNM and Spreken materials.
At the counter: picking up a prescription
When you arrive, you usually go to the counter and say something like:
- Ik kom mijn medicijnen ophalen. (I'm here to pick up my medication.)
- Ik heb een recept van de huisarts. (I have a prescription from the GP.)
- Mijn naam is [your name]. (My name is ...)
The assistant will ask for your name, date of birth, and sometimes your insurance details. They might say:
- Heeft u een recept? (Do you have a prescription?)
- Wat is uw geboortedatum? (What is your date of birth?)
- Heeft u dit medicijn eerder gebruikt? (Have you used this medicine before?)
If you have a DigiD and are registered with the pharmacy, they can look you up. Otherwise, bring your ID and insurance card. After you pay (or if it's covered by insurance, they'll tell you), you might hear:
- U kunt het morgen ophalen. (You can pick it up tomorrow.)
- Het is niet op voorraad. (It's not in stock.)
- Wilt u een tasje? (Would you like a bag?)
Useful response: Nee, dank u. or Ja, graag.
Asking for advice: common questions and phrases
Dutch pharmacies also sell over-the-counter medicines and give advice for minor issues. You can ask:
- Ik heb last van hoofdpijn. Wat kunt u aanraden? (I have a headache. What can you recommend?)
- Heeft u iets tegen hoesten? (Do you have something for a cough?)
- Ik heb een allergie voor [penicilline]. (I'm allergic to penicillin.)
- Kan ik dit innemen met andere medicijnen? (Can I take this with other medicines?)
- Hoe vaak moet ik dit innemen? (How often should I take this?)
The staff may ask about your symptoms:
- Hoe lang heeft u al klachten? (How long have you had symptoms?)
- Heeft u koorts? (Do you have a fever?)
- Gebruikt u nog andere medicijnen? (Are you using other medicines?)
Don't be afraid to say Kunt u dat herhalen? (Can you repeat that?) or Kunt u dat langzamer zeggen? (Can you say that slower?). Pharmacy staff are used to non-native speakers.
Understanding instructions and side effects
When you get your medicine, the assistant will explain how to use it. Listen for these phrases:
- Neem dit twee keer per dag in. (Take this twice a day.)
- Bij het eten innemen. (Take with food.)
- Niet samen met alcohol gebruiken. (Do not use with alcohol.)
- Bewaar het op een koele plaats. (Store in a cool place.)
- Als u bijwerkingen krijgt, neem contact op met uw huisarts. (If you get side effects, contact your GP.)
If you don't understand, ask: Kunt u dat opschrijven? (Can you write that down?) or Wat betekent dat precies? (What does that mean exactly?).
"The first time I went to the apotheek, I just nodded and said 'ja' to everything. Later I realized I was supposed to take the pills with food, not on an empty stomach. Now I always ask: 'Kunt u het nog een keer uitleggen?' It saves a lot of confusion."
Emergency and out-of-hours situations
If you need a pharmacy outside regular hours, you go to a dienstapotheek. You can ask your regular pharmacy or check online. At the dienstapotheek, you might say:
- Ik heb dringend medicijnen nodig. (I urgently need medicine.)
- Mijn huisarts heeft mij doorverwezen. (My GP referred me.)
- Het is een spoedgeval. (It's an emergency.)
For life-threatening emergencies, call 112. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, you can call the huisartsenpost.
Cultural tips for Dutch pharmacies
Dutch pharmacies are efficient and sometimes feel a bit direct. The staff may not smile constantly, but they are helpful. Here are a few things to know:
- You usually need an appointment? No, for picking up prescriptions you can walk in. For a consultation with the pharmacist, you might need to make an appointment.
- Bring your insurance card. Most basic medicines are covered, but you may have an eigen risico (deductible).
- You can ask for a herhaalrecept (repeat prescription) if you need the same medicine again.
- Pharmacies often have a private room for sensitive conversations.
- If you speak limited Dutch, they may switch to English, but try to use Dutch first. It's good practice for your inburgering.
For more practice with everyday Dutch, see our inburgering A2 page and try a mock exam.
Vocabulary list: at the pharmacy
Here are the most useful words to memorize:
- de apotheek - pharmacy
- de huisarts - general practitioner
- het recept - prescription
- de medicijnen - medication
- de pijn - pain
- de koorts - fever
- de hoofdpijn - headache
- de hoest - cough
- de allergie - allergy
- de bijwerkingen - side effects
- innemen - to take (medicine)
- het eigen risico - deductible
- de dienstapotheek - out-of-hours pharmacy
- het herhaalrecept - repeat prescription
Practice checklist
Before you go to the pharmacy, run through this checklist:
- Do I know how to say my name and date of birth in Dutch?
- Can I explain what I need in one sentence?
- Do I know the words for my symptoms?
- Can I ask for clarification if I don't understand?
- Do I have my ID and insurance card?
- Do I know how to ask for a repeat prescription?
Practice these phrases out loud. You can also role-play with a friend or use our speaking exercises.
FAQ
Do I need to speak Dutch at the pharmacy?
Not strictly, but it helps. Many pharmacists speak English, but using Dutch shows respect and builds your confidence. For inburgering, health topics are part of the KNM exam.
What if I don't understand the instructions?
Ask the assistant to repeat or write it down. You can say: Kunt u dat opschrijven? or Kunt u het langzamer zeggen?
Can I get medicine without a prescription?
Yes, for minor ailments you can buy over-the-counter medicines at the pharmacy or drugstore (drogist). But for stronger medicines, you need a prescription from the huisarts.
How do I ask for a repeat prescription?
Say: Ik wil graag een herhaalrecept voor [medicijnnaam]. Or you can order it online via your pharmacy's website.
What should I do in an emergency?
Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent medical help outside office hours, call the huisartsenpost. They will advise you and, if needed, direct you to a dienstapotheek.
For more Dutch language practice, visit Dutch Fluency. And remember, every conversation at the pharmacy is a chance to improve your Dutch.
