good morning
"Goedemorgen" is the standard Dutch way to greet someone in the morning. It literally translates to "good morning" and functions exactly the same way as its English counterpart, serving as a polite and friendly way to start any interaction before noon. While it is the standard greeting, Dutch speakers often shorten it to "morgen" in informal settings among friends or colleagues. Using the full "goedemorgen" is always safe and polite, whereas "morgen" should be reserved for people you know well.
In conversation
Office arrival
Goedemorgen, Sarah!
Good morning, Sarah!
Goedemorgen Jan, heb je lekker geslapen?
Good morning Jan, did you sleep well?
A standard, polite professional interaction.
Morning coffee
Morgen! Koffie?
Morning! Coffee?
Morgen! Ja graag, ik ben nog niet wakker.
Morning! Yes please, I'm not awake yet.
Using the shortened 'morgen' between friends.
Examples
Goedemorgen, hoe gaat het met je?
Good morning, how are you?
Het is al twaalf uur, we kunnen niet meer goedemorgen zeggen.
It is already twelve o'clock, we can't say good morning anymore.
Met een vrolijke goedemorgen begroette hij iedereen in de kamer.
With a cheerful good morning, he greeted everyone in the room.
