Mini les 2

Courtesy (hoffelijkheid)

One of the differences between Dutch and English is that in English the honorifics (terms of respect) are written with a capital letter and a period.  Only 'Miss' is written without a period.

Mr. (pronounce: mister) adult male

Mrs. (pronounce: missus) adult female who is married to one of the opposite sex and who has taken her husband's name

Ms. (pronounce: mizz) adult female, unmarried, or married but using own name

Miss (pronounce miss) young female or one who has never been married

most people use Ms. for adult females

Prof. (abbreviation for Professor) male or female

Dr.  (abbreviation for Doctor male or female

Another difference between Dutch and English honorifics, is that they are never used without the name, the exceptions being Professor and Doctor.  In Dutch we can speak to someone whom we don't know, or a complete stranger, as Meneer or Mevrouw.  In English we would use Madam or Sir.

Examples:

     Madam, you are standing on my foot!

     Sir, could you tell me what time it is, please?

When you are calling the attention of a waitress, for instance, some say 'Miss', but it is easiest and more correct to say, 'Waitress', or 'Waiter'.

Eén van de verschillen tussen Nederlands en Engels is dat in het Nederlands mevrouw en meneer zijn geschreven met een kleine letter en geen punt.

In beleefd Engels gebruikt men de 'honorifics' altijd met de naam.  Als de naam niet bekend is, zegt men 'Madam' en 'Sir.'  

Om een bediende in een restaurant te roepen , bijvoorbeeld, zegt men 'Waitress' of 'Waiter'.