The phone rings, your heart beats faster, and you realize you have to explain your symptoms in Dutch.
Calling the huisarts (general practitioner) is a common hurdle for newcomers. You need an appointment, but the assistant speaks fast, asks questions, and you freeze. This article gives you the exact phrases and structure to handle that call with confidence. It also helps you prepare for the inburgering (civic integration) exam, where similar conversations appear in the KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) and speaking parts.
You will learn what to say when you call, how to describe symptoms, and what to expect. We include realistic dialogues, a checklist, and answers to frequent questions. By the end, you can pick up the phone and say, “Goedemorgen, ik wil graag een afspraak maken.”
Why calling the huisarts is a key skill for newcomers
In the Netherlands, the huisarts is your first stop for any medical issue. You cannot go directly to a specialist or hospital without a referral from your GP. So knowing how to contact them is essential for your health and your integration.
For the inburgering exam, the KNM section tests your knowledge of Dutch customs and practical situations. Calling a doctor is a classic scenario. You might hear a dialogue and answer questions about what to say or do. The speaking exam may ask you to describe a symptom or ask for an appointment. Practicing this now helps you pass the exam and live independently.
Many newcomers worry about making mistakes. That is normal. Dutch people appreciate any effort to speak their language. They will slow down or repeat if you ask. The key is to learn a few standard phrases and use them confidently.
“I was so nervous to call the huisarts. But after practicing the phrases, I called and said: ‘Ik heb koorts en hoesten.’ The assistant understood me immediately. Now I feel much more independent.” - Maria, inburgering student
What to say when you call: the basic structure
A phone call to the huisarts usually follows a predictable pattern. You introduce yourself, state your reason, and make an appointment. Here is the skeleton.
Start with a greeting: “Goedemorgen” (good morning), “Goedemiddag” (good afternoon), or “Goedenavond” (good evening). Then say your name: “U spreekt met [your name].” For example, “Goedemorgen, u spreekt met Anna Jansen.”
Next, state your purpose clearly: “Ik wil graag een afspraak maken.” (I would like to make an appointment.) Or if you need urgent help: “Ik heb vandaag een afspraak nodig.” (I need an appointment today.)
The assistant will ask what is wrong. You can say: “Ik heb last van [symptom].” (I am suffering from [symptom].) Or “Ik voel me niet goed.” (I do not feel well.)
Then the assistant might ask about your details: “Wat is uw geboortedatum?” (What is your date of birth?) or “Heeft u een BSN-nummer?” (Do you have a citizen service number?) Have these ready.
Finally, agree on a time: “Is morgenochtend mogelijk?” (Is tomorrow morning possible?) or “Heeft u iets later deze week?” (Do you have something later this week?)
Practice this structure with a friend or aloud. It will become automatic.
Key phrases for describing symptoms
Describing what hurts is the most important part. You do not need perfect medical vocabulary. Simple words work. Here are common phrases.
- Pain: “Ik heb pijn in mijn [body part].” (I have pain in my …) For example, “pijn in mijn buik” (stomach), “pijn in mijn hoofd” (head), “pijn in mijn keel” (throat).
- Fever: “Ik heb koorts.” (I have a fever.) You can say “een beetje koorts” (a slight fever) or “hoge koorts” (high fever).
- Cough and cold: “Ik moet hoesten.” (I have to cough.) “Ik heb verkouden.” (I have a cold.) “Ik heb een loopneus.” (I have a runny nose.)
- Other common symptoms: “Ik ben misselijk.” (I feel nauseous.) “Ik heb diarree.” (I have diarrhea.) “Ik ben duizelig.” (I am dizzy.) “Ik heb uitslag.” (I have a rash.)
- Duration: “Ik heb dit al twee dagen.” (I have had this for two days.) “Het begon gisteren.” (It started yesterday.)
If you do not know a word, describe it. Say “Ik heb pijn hier” and point. Or “Het doet zeer als ik adem.” (It hurts when I breathe.) The assistant will help you.
For the inburgering speaking exam, you might need to describe a symptom in a short monologue. Practice saying: “Ik heb sinds gisteren keelpijn en hoofdpijn. Ik heb ook een beetje koorts. Kunt u mij helpen?” That covers the basics.
Example dialogues: from simple to complex
Reading dialogues helps you hear the rhythm. Here are three realistic conversations. Read them aloud to practice pronunciation.
Dialogue 1: Simple appointment
Assistant: Goedemorgen, huisartsenpraktijk De Vries. Waarmee kan ik u helpen?
You: Goedemorgen, u spreekt met Piotr Nowak. Ik wil graag een afspraak maken.
Assistant: Wat is de reden van uw bezoek?
You: Ik heb last van mijn rug. Het doet pijn.
Assistant: Heeft u dat al lang?
You: Nee, sinds twee dagen.
Assistant: Oké. Kunt u morgen om 10:30 uur komen?
You: Ja, dat is goed. Dank u wel.
Assistant: Tot morgen.
Dialogue 2: More detailed symptoms
Assistant: Goedemiddag, praktijk Van Dijk.
You: Goedemiddag, u spreekt met Fatima El Amrani. Ik wil graag een afspraak, want ik voel me niet goed.
Assistant: Wat zijn uw klachten?
You: Ik heb hoofdpijn en ik ben misselijk. Ook heb ik koorts, denk ik.
Assistant: Heeft u de koorts gemeten?
You: Ja, 38,5 graden.
Assistant: Dat is niet heel hoog. Heeft u andere klachten, zoals keelpijn of hoesten?
You: Ja, ik moet ook hoesten.
Assistant: Ik noteer het. Kunt u vanmiddag om 15:15 uur komen? De dokter wil u zien.
You: Ja, dat is mogelijk. Bedankt.
Dialogue 3: Urgent same-day request
Assistant: Goedemorgen, huisartsenpost. Spoed? Wat is er aan de hand?
You: Ik heb heel veel pijn in mijn borst. Het is moeilijk om te ademen.
Assistant: Heeft u dit eerder gehad?
You: Nee, het begon een uur geleden.
Assistant: Ik stuur nu een ambulance naar uw adres. Kunt u de deur open doen?
You: Ja, ik woon op [address].
Assistant: Blijf rustig en ga zitten. De ambulance is onderweg.
Note: for emergencies, call 112. For urgent but not life-threatening issues, call the huisartsenpost (GP out-of-hours service) after hours.
What to expect after the call: practical steps
Once you have an appointment, you need to know what happens next. This knowledge reduces anxiety.
First, the assistant may ask you to bring your insurance card or ID. In the Netherlands, you must have health insurance (zorgverzekering). Bring your insurance pass to the appointment. The GP will check your details.
Second, arrive on time. Dutch appointments are punctual. If you are late, you may lose your slot. If you cannot come, call to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Some practices charge a fee for missed appointments.
Third, the doctor will ask about your symptoms in detail. You can use the same phrases as on the phone. You can also say: “Ik heb een vraag over mijn medicijnen.” (I have a question about my medication.)
After the consultation, you may get a prescription (recept). You take it to a pharmacy (apotheek). The pharmacist will explain how to use the medicine. If you need a referral to a specialist, the GP will write a verwijsbrief (referral letter).
For the KNM exam, you should know that the huisarts is the first contact. You do not go to a hospital directly. Also, you pay a yearly deductible (eigen risico) for some care, but GP visits are free.
Practice for the inburgering exam: listening and speaking
The inburgering exam includes listening and speaking components where you might hear or produce dialogues like the ones above. Here is how to practice effectively.
For listening, find audio of Dutch phone conversations. The Mijn Inburgering portal and official practice materials have examples. Listen for key words like “afspraak”, “klachten”, and “pijn”. Try to answer questions such as: “Waarom belt de man?” (Why does the man call?) or “Welke afspraak maakt hij?” (What appointment does he make?)
For speaking, record yourself saying the dialogues. Focus on pronunciation and intonation. Dutch questions often rise at the end. Practice asking: “Kunt u mij helpen?” (Can you help me?) and “Is dat mogelijk?” (Is that possible?)
You can also use a mock exam to simulate the real test. The NT2 mock exam gives you a realistic experience. It helps you manage time and reduce stress.
Remember, the exam is at A2 level. You do not need complex sentences. Short, clear phrases are enough. The examiners want to see that you can function in daily life, not that you are a doctor.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Newcomers often make a few predictable errors when calling the huisarts. Here are the top ones and fixes.
Mistake 1: Using “u” instead of “je” or vice versa. In phone calls, use “u” to be polite, especially with strangers. The assistant will also use “u”. If they switch to “je”, you can too, but “u” is always safe.
Mistake 2: Saying “Ik heb een afspraak” when you want to make one. That means “I have an appointment”. Say “Ik wil een afspraak maken.” (I want to make an appointment.)
Mistake 3: Forgetting to mention your name. Always start with “U spreekt met [name]” so the assistant knows who you are.
Mistake 4: Using English medical terms. Dutch has similar words for some, but not all. For example, “allergie” is the same, but “rash” is “uitslag”. Learn the Dutch terms for your specific conditions.
Mistake 5: Not asking for repetition. If you do not understand, say “Kunt u dat herhalen?” (Can you repeat that?) or “Kunt u langzamer praten?” (Can you speak slower?) It is better to ask than to guess.
To build your vocabulary, use the A2 inburgering course which covers health topics. The KNM section explains Dutch healthcare norms in detail.
Checklist for your first call
Print this checklist and keep it near your phone. It will guide you step by step.
- Have your BSN number and date of birth ready.
- Think about your symptoms and how to describe them in Dutch.
- Prepare a few phrases: “Ik wil graag een afspraak maken.”, “Ik heb last van…”, “Kunt u dat herhalen?”
- Write down your name and phone number in case you need to leave a voicemail.
- After the call, note the date and time of your appointment.
- If you need to cancel, call back as soon as possible.
- Practice the dialogues from this article at least three times.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't understand the assistant?
Ask them to repeat or speak slower. Say: “Kunt u langzamer praten, alstublieft?” (Can you speak slower, please?) or “Sorry, ik begrijp het niet.” (Sorry, I do not understand.) They will help you.
Can I email or use an app instead of calling?
Many practices have an online portal or app for appointments. Ask about it during your first visit. But for urgent issues, calling is faster. Also, the inburgering exam tests phone skills, so practice anyway.
Is the huisarts free for everyone?
GP visits are free if you have Dutch health insurance. You pay a monthly premium, and the visit itself has no extra cost. However, you may pay for some tests or medications if they are not covered.
What is the difference between huisarts and huisartsenpost?
The huisarts is your regular doctor, available during office hours (usually 8:00-17:00). The huisartsenpost is for urgent problems outside those hours, like evenings and weekends. For emergencies, call 112.
How can I practice for the speaking part of the inburgering exam?
Use the speaking practice page for sample questions and model answers. Record yourself and compare. Also, find a language partner or join a conversation group.