15 essential English expressions

06.08.25

15 essential English expressions for construction jobs in the Netherlands – with useful explanations

Working in construction in the Netherlands often involves collaboration in an international environment, where English is the main means of communication. For DB Work professionals working in construction in the Netherlands, learning some common English expressions is a small investment with a big impact: it increases safety, efficiency, and team confidence.

Whether you are a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or general laborer, it is mandatory to know English—Dutch employers require this in their job requirements, and the DB Work team will test your level of English before hiring you. 

Our guide below provides you with 15 practical expressions, clearly explained, that you can use every day on the construction site. 

General expressions for construction jobs in the Netherlands

1. "Let's get to work!" - This is a common phrase used at the beginning of the day or a task to motivate the team.

2. "Hard hat area" - Area where protective helmets must be worn. This is a sign or warning that protective equipment must be worn.

3. "Put your PPE on" - Put on your protective equipment. PPE = Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, reflective vest, gloves, boots, etc.).

4. "Watch out!" / "Heads up!" - A brief warning in case of immediate danger – falling objects, moving machinery, dangerous tools.

5. "Can you hand me the drill?" -  A simple request to receive a tool from a colleague.

6. "It's not level" / "It's crooked" - It's not straight / It's not aligned. Used when an item needs to be adjusted to be perfectly horizontal or vertical.

7. "Lift with your legs, not your back" - Instruction to avoid injury when lifting heavy objects.

8. "Double-check the measurements" - Check the measurements again. A reminder that correct measurement prevents mistakes and material waste.

9. "We're on a tight schedule" - We are pressed for time. Used to say that the work must be completed quickly, according to the deadlines.

10. "Hold it in place / Hold it steady" - Said when someone needs to stabilize a piece until it is permanently secured / stabilize an object while someone else works on it.

Specialized expressions for trades 

11. "Make sure the pipes are aligned before welding" - Ensure that the pipes are aligned before welding. Instruction used by installers to prevent leaks or installation defects.

12. "Did you isolate the circuit before working?" - Did you turn off the power before starting work? Standard question asked of electricians to avoid electrocution.

13. "Drill a hole for the junction box here" - Drill a hole here for the junction box. Instruction used when installing electrical circuits in walls or ceilings.

14. "Check the slope on that drain pipe" - Said to plumbers to ensure proper water drainage.

15. "Cut the joist to fit the frame" - Expression used by carpenters when adapting wooden structures to the required size.

In addition to this mini-guide, you can also consult other websites to enrich your vocabulary with English expressions specific to the construction field. Here are some recommendations:

Tips for those looking for jobs in construction - Netherlands

In addition to vocabulary, here are some important best practices for anyone working in construction jobs in the Netherlands through DB Work:

  • Be punctual. In the Netherlands, working hours are strictly adhered to.
  • Follow protective equipment (PPE) guidelines. Without PPE, access to the construction site may be denied.
  • Keep the work area clean. Tidiness is an unwritten rule on Dutch construction sites.
  • Communicate directly. Dutch and international colleagues appreciate clarity and sincerity.
  • Follow the rules. The Dutch building code is rigorous and frequently checked.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting out with DB Work or already have international experience, these expressions will help you quickly integrate into the team and do your job efficiently. At DB Work, we support thousands of professionals working in construction in the Netherlands, and we know how important fluent English communication is in every working day.

When you know how to say what you need to do—clearly, simply, and correctly—the work goes faster, better, and safer. If you are looking for construction jobs in the Netherlands, you are one step ahead from the very first interview with the DB Work team.

Would you like to apply for a secure job in the Netherlands in the naval, industrial, construction, or logistics sector?

 

Benefits Offered by DB Work

DB Work ensures that its employees have all the necessary conditions for working in the Netherlands under the best possible circumstances. Benefits include: