Historical roots of the Dutch language.
The official language of Bonaire is Dutch. The Dutch language is considered to have originated in about AD 700 (a rather arbitrary date) from the various Germanic dialects spoken in the Netherlands region, most of (Low) Frankian origin. A process of standardization started in the Middle Ages, especially under the influence of the Burgundian Ducal Court in Dijon (Brussels after 1477).
The official language of Bonaire.
Dutch is the official language of Bonaire, as the island is part of the Netherlands. You will find the Dutch language used in official communications, as well as in many businesses or shops. Most people working within the tourism community are multi-lingual, and they can normally switch to English or Spanish, as well as Dutch and Papiamentu, so don’t be shy in asking the locals to switch to a common language.
Learn these words and phrases before your next Bonaire visit.
English | Nederlands (Dutch) |
|---|---|
| Good Morning | Goedemorgen |
| Good Afternoon | Goedemiddag |
| Good Evening | Goedenavond |
| How are you?/Hello | Hoe gaat het met u? |
| I am fine. | Het gaat goed met mij. |
| Yes! | Ja |
| Good/Well | Goed |
| Tastes good | Dat smaakt goed |
| Good Bye | Tot ziens |
| one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten | een, twee, drie, vier, vijf, zes, zeven, acht, negen, tien |
Wij kijken uit naar uw bezoek op Bonaire!
