Directions
Another helpful thing to know when getting around Amsterdam is directions. People are helpful, and usually speak English, but it’s annoying to have to ask everything all the time. Plus, in my experience, Dutch is very often surprisingly similar to English. So here are a few words to know to help you get around.
The compass directions are: North = noord, South = zuid, East = oost, West = west. Left and Right are: links and rechts respectively. See? Not that difficult.
If you’re at a tram station and you see a sign that says “Richting Centraal Station” that means “in the direction of Central Station.” So if you’re not going to Central Station, you should probably look both ways and cross to the other side of the tram tracks.
On the tram you will often hear “De eindpunt van deze trien is…” This means “The endpoint of this train is…” That’s a little difficult for the untrained ear, but the voice that announces that is generally well articulated. You can always ask.
Dutch is really not that difficult. If you’re here for a vacation, you can learn a few words to help you find your way. You’re smart enough for that, right?
