DUTCH COURSE · LEARN & PRACTISE
Lesson 61 · Things I notice
A2 reading
Read, listen and understand
Look at the picture and title, then read the Dutch story. Try to understand the main idea before opening the word help or translation.
Choose the slow recording or the recording at a natural pace. Read along, then try reading aloud yourself.
Things I notice
Wat me opvalt in Nederland
Sinds ik in Nederland woon, vallen me een paar dingen op. In mijn buurt fietsen veel mensen. Er zijn fietspaden en bij het station staan lange rijen fietsen. Zelf pak ik ook steeds vaker de fiets. Voor korte afstanden vind ik dat handig.
Op mijn werk eten veel collega’s brood bij de lunch. Sommigen nemen hun eten van huis mee. Anderen kopen iets in de kantine. We zitten vaak samen aan tafel en praten over onze plannen voor het weekend.
Ook het weer valt me op. Soms vertrek ik met zon en kom ik in de regen thuis. Daarom zit er meestal een regenjas in mijn tas. Als het hard regent, wacht ik liever even.
Koningsdag vind ik een leuke dag. Vorig jaar zag ik veel mensen in oranje kleding. Er was muziek en op straat verkochten mensen tweedehands spullen. Ik liep met vrienden door de stad. Dat zijn mijn eigen ervaringen; iemand anders kan Nederland heel anders beleven.
Listen slowly
Listen at a natural pace
Word help
opvallen
to stand out / be noticeable
de buurt
the neighbourhood
de afstand
the distance
tweedehands
second-hand
de ervaring
the experience
Read the meaning
Since moving to the Netherlands, I have noticed a few things. Many people in my neighbourhood cycle. There are cycle paths and long rows of bicycles at the station. I also use my bicycle more and more. I find it convenient for short distances.
At work many colleagues eat bread for lunch. Some bring food from home. Others buy something in the canteen. We often sit together and talk about our plans for the weekend.
I also notice the weather. Sometimes I leave in sunshine and come home in rain. That is why I usually carry a raincoat in my bag. When it rains heavily, I prefer to wait a while.
I enjoy King’s Day. Last year I saw many people in orange clothes. There was music and people sold second-hand things in the street. I walked through the city with friends. These are my own experiences; someone else may experience the Netherlands very differently.
Check your understanding
Answer first, then open the answer. Find the part of the text that supports it.
Why does the narrator like cycling short distances?
De verteller vindt dat handig.
The narrator finds it convenient.
Where do some colleagues get their lunch?
Ze nemen eten van huis mee of kopen iets in de kantine.
They bring food from home or buy something in the canteen.
Why does the narrator carry a raincoat?
Omdat het weer kan veranderen.
Because the weather can change.
What did people sell on King’s Day?
Tweedehands spullen.
Second-hand things.
Does the narrator say everyone experiences the country in the same way?
Nee, iemand anders kan het anders beleven.
No, someone else may experience it differently.
Use your own words
Write three Dutch sentences about something you have noticed in your neighbourhood.
Read your sentences aloud. Keep a few useful words and reread the text another day.