Koffie bestellen in een café

What does “graag” mean in Dutch?

Dutch doesn’t translate “please” with a single direct word. When ordering or accepting an offer, speakers use “graag” — gladly or with pleasure. “Ik wil graag een koffie” is more natural in a café than “Ik wil een koffie alsjeblieft,” and a bare “Ja, melk graag” sounds perfectly polite. After helping someone, “Graag gedaan” (gladly done) is the standard you’re welcome. One word covers please-when-asking and you’re-welcome-after.

The café exchange makes every use clear: “Ik wil graag een koffie.” — “Wilt u melk of suiker?” — “Ja, melk graag. Geen suiker.” — “Dank u wel.” — “Graag gedaan.” Every politeness beat uses “graag.” The word comes from an older Dutch root meaning willing or eager — its literal sense of “gladly” is still alive in everyday speech: “Ik ga graag naar de bioscoop” means I enjoy going to the cinema (I gladly go). So “graag” works in three everyday slots: softening a request (“Ik wil graag...”), accepting an offer (“Ja, graag”), and saying you’re welcome (“Graag gedaan”). Standard across the Netherlands and Belgium.