Doctor check up
Dokterscontrole
- Asking for a medical appointment.
- Getting a doctor check up.
This B1 lesson focuses on essential Dutch vocabulary for a doctor's check-up, including words like 'afspraak' (appointment), 'onderzoek' (examination), and 'symptomen' (symptoms), to help you confidently discuss health matters.
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Doctor Check-Up: Essential Dutch for a Medical Appointment
This lesson focuses on practical vocabulary and phrases related to visiting the doctor, specifically tailored for learners at the B1 level of Dutch proficiency. You will learn how to communicate common health concerns, understand doctor’s questions, and describe symptoms effectively during a medical check-up.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- De dokter – The doctor
- De afspraak – The appointment
- Ik voel me niet goed. – I don’t feel well.
- Heeft u koorts? – Do you have a fever?
- Waar doet het pijn? – Where does it hurt?
- Ik heb last van mijn keel. – I have a sore throat.
- De symptomen – The symptoms
- Misselijkheid – Nausea
- De pijn – The pain
- Neem dit medicijn. – Take this medicine.
Structuring Your Conversation with the Doctor
During your visit, it’s important to clearly describe your symptoms and respond to the doctor’s questions. Typical interactions might include:
- Dokter: "Wat zijn uw klachten?" (What are your complaints?)
- U: "Ik heb sinds drie dagen hoofdpijn en koorts." (I have had a headache and fever for three days.)
- Dokter: "Heeft u allergieën?" (Do you have allergies?)
These interactions will help you build confidence in discussing health issues fluently in Dutch.
Differences Between English and Dutch Medical Conversations
While Dutch medical conversations follow a similar pattern to English, note subtle differences in structure and vocabulary. For example, the Dutch phrase "Waar doet het pijn?" translates literally as "Where does it hurt?" which is a direct question about the location of pain. In English, doctors often ask "Where is your pain?" Both are straightforward but phrased slightly differently.
Another useful phrase is "Ik voel me niet goed." which means "I don’t feel well." Unlike English, the Dutch phrase uses the verb voelen (to feel) reflexively (me) in this context.
Understanding these nuances will improve your comprehension and speaking skills when discussing health matters.
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