Medical Dutch vocabulary can be critical in emergency situations. Describing symptoms: pijn (pain), koorts (fever), hoest (cough), keelpijn (sore throat), hoofdpijn (headache), buikpijn (stomachache), rugpijn (backache), misselijk (nauseous), duizelig (dizzy), moe (tired), kortademig (short of breath). The essential phrase: “Ik heb last van…” (I am suffering from / I have trouble with…).
Key healthcare vocabulary: de huisarts (general practitioner/GP — the first point of contact in Dutch healthcare), de dokter (doctor), de apotheek (pharmacy), het recept (prescription), de afspraak (appointment), de spoedeisende hulp (emergency room), het ziekenhuis (hospital), de ambulance (ambulance), de zorgverzekering (health insurance). Making an appointment: “Ik wil graag een afspraak maken” (I would like to make an appointment).
Important phrases for consultations: “Hoe lang heeft u hier al last van?” (How long have you had this problem?), “Het begon twee dagen geleden” (It started two days ago), “Ik ben allergisch voor…” (I am allergic to…), “Ik gebruik de volgende medicijnen…” (I use the following medications…), “Waar doet het precies pijn?” (Where exactly does it hurt?). Being able to describe your symptoms clearly and accurately is one of the most immediately practical language skills you can develop.