Je and u: Dutch has a formality switch too
Like French tu/vous and German du/Sie, Dutch distinguishes an informal je (friends, peers) from a formal u (strangers, elders, professional settings) — you'll see it in pairs like Dank je / Dank u and Alsjeblieft / Alstublieft. Defaulting to the u-forms with anyone you don't know well is the safer, more polite choice.
Dutch sits right between English and German
Dutch is a Germanic language and shares a good deal of vocabulary and grammatical structure with both English and German, which is part of why many of these greetings feel partly familiar. It's also an official language in northern Belgium (Flanders), where it's sometimes called 'Vlaams' (Flemish), though it's fundamentally the same language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use Hallo or Hoi?
Both are casual and fine among friends — Hallo is a touch more neutral, while Hoi feels slightly friendlier and more familiar. For a first meeting or formal situation, a time-of-day greeting like Goedemorgen or Goedemiddag is a better choice.
Is Dutch the same language spoken in Belgium?
Yes — the Dutch spoken in northern Belgium (Flanders) is sometimes called Vlaams (Flemish), but it's the same language as the Dutch spoken in the Netherlands, with some regional differences in accent and a handful of words.