Whether you want to introduce yourself professionally, ask someone about their job, or simply describe occupations, this guide covers all the essential Dutch job vocabulary with example sentences and cultural context.
Wist je dat?
The Netherlands ranks among the happiest countries in the world partly due to its excellent work-life balance. The Dutch "papadag" culture means many fathers work 4 days a week to spend time with their children!
💼 Common Jobs
| Emoji | Dutch | English |
|---|---|---|
| 🩺 | de dokter / de arts | doctor |
| 💉 | de verpleegster / de verpleger | nurse (f/m) |
| 👩🏫 | de leraar / de lerares | teacher (m/f) |
| 👮 | de politieagent | police officer |
| 👨🍳 | de kok | chef / cook |
| 🥐 | de bakker | baker |
| ✈️ | de piloot | pilot |
| 🚌 | de buschauffeur | bus driver |
| 🪚 | de timmerman | carpenter |
| 🧱 | de metselaar | bricklayer |
| 🔧 | de monteur | mechanic |
| 🏗️ | de architect | architect |
| ⚖️ | de advocaat | lawyer |
| 💻 | de programmeur | programmer |
| 🎨 | de kunstenaar | artist |
| 📰 | de journalist | journalist |
| 🌾 | de boer | farmer |
| 💈 | de kapper | hairdresser |
🏢 Workplace Vocabulary
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| het kantoor | office |
| de vergadering | meeting |
| de werkgever | employer |
| de werknemer | employee |
| het salaris / het loon | salary / wage |
| de vakantie | holiday |
| werkloos / werkzoekend | unemployed / job-seeking |
| met pensioen | retired |
| voltijds / deeltijds | full-time / part-time |
💬 Talking About Work
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Wat voor werk doe je? | What kind of work do you do? |
| Ik ben dokter. | I am a doctor. |
| Ik werk bij een bedrijf. | I work at a company. |
| Ik ben zelfstandig ondernemer. | I am self-employed. |
Mijn moeder is lerares en mijn vader is timmerman.My mother is a teacher and my father is a carpenter.
✏️ Practice
- I am a nurse → Ik ben verpleger/verpleegster
- She works at the office → Zij werkt op kantoor
🔗 Continue Learning
- 👉 School & Education
- 👉 Greetings — professional introductions
- 👉 Verb Conjugation
🎯 Ready to Test Your Dutch?
Take our free online Dutch level test — A1, A2, B1 or higher!
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