Scheveningen: The Seaside Jewel of The Hague

• HelloHoi
  [hoi]
• GoodbyeDoei
  [dui]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [als-yuh-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je
  [dank yuh]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [sor-ee]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hu guht hut]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [sprayk yuh eng-uls]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-grayp hut neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMag ik de menukaart zien, alsjeblieft
  [mah ik duh men-oo-kahrt seen, als-yuh-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik ayt khayn flays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alsjeblieft
  [ik vil khrahg buh-tah-lun, als-yuh-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [ga vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dok-tur]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben fur-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ik vil khrahg koh-pun]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen even
  [ik kayk a-lun a-fun]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vel kost hut]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh dur]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt yoo duh prays fur-lah-gun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is hut]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [hut is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [okh-tent]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vunt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tur-un]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tvay]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vijf
  [fayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is de...
  [var is duh]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vat is hut ah-drus]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u het me laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt yoo hut may laa-tun seen (op duh kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vuhn-er is duh fohl-hun-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kart-yuh (nar)]

Scheveningen's history dates back to the early medieval period when it was primarily a fishing village. The name Scheveningen is thought to derive from 'schaefen' which means 'to shear', referring to the area's sheep farming before it became known for its fishing community. The village thrived on the North Sea's bountiful resources, establishing itself as a crucial site for trade and maritime activities.

In the 19th century, Scheveningen transformed from a humble fishing village into a fashionable seaside resort, particularly favored by the Dutch elite. The construction of the first beach pavilion in 1885 marked the beginning of this transition, attracting visitors seeking leisure and health benefits from the sea air. The establishment of the Scheveningen Pier in 1901 further enhanced its appeal, becoming a symbol of the neighborhood's resort culture.

During World War II, Scheveningen faced significant hardships as the German occupiers fortified the coastline, turning the beach into a military area. Many of the village's historical buildings were destroyed or repurposed. The war's end brought about a period of rebuilding and reflection, with a renewed focus on tourism and the community's maritime heritage.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Scheveningen continued to evolve, with a focus on cultural events and festivals, such as the annual Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day) celebrating the herring season. The neighborhood has seen modernization and urban development, including the construction of the famous Kurhaus and the revitalization of the beachfront, making it a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists, while still retaining its historical charm.

Scheveningen has long been a source of inspiration for artists, particularly in the 19th century when painters like Vincent van Gogh captured its coastal landscapes. The artistic legacy continues today, with galleries and exhibitions showcasing contemporary art, reflecting the neighborhood's ongoing relationship with creativity and culture.

Scheveningen is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in The Hague. The most common method is by tram; Tram Line 1 connects the central station to Scheveningen, with a journey time of about 30 minutes. You can also take bus lines 22 and 24 from various points in The Hague. For those driving, Scheveningen is well-signposted, and parking is available, although it can be limited during peak seasons.

Scheveningen is a compact area, making it ideal for walking and cycling. The local bike rental services allow you to explore the beach, promenade, and nearby attractions at your own pace. Public transport options include trams and buses, which are frequent and cover the major spots. A day pass for public transport is a convenient choice for unlimited travel within The Hague area.

Scheveningen is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any popular tourist destination, it is wise to stay alert. Areas around the beach tend to be busy, especially in summer. While there are no specific high-crime zones targeting tourists, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially during events and festivals.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number covers both police and medical emergencies. The nearest hospital to Scheveningen is the HMC Westeinde Hospital, located a short tram ride away. It's also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for the beach and casual dining. Don’t wear overly revealing swimwear away from the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hallo' and a smile. Don’t forget to use polite phrases like 'Alstublieft' (please) and 'Dank u' (thank you). Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local seafood delicacies and sample Dutch snacks like herring. Don’t engage in excessive drinking during the day, especially in public areas.

To experience Scheveningen like a local, take a stroll down the beach promenade during sunset and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Visit the local fish market for fresh seafood and try the 'kibbeling' (battered fish). Attend local events, such as beach parties and festivals, to mingle with residents. Explore the nearby dunes and nature reserves for a peaceful escape from the busy beach scene.