Learning Dutch when you move to the Netherlands

If you’re moving to the Netherlands temporarily for your studies or work, you won’t necessarily have to learn Dutch. However, learning the language can help you a lot during your time in the Netherlands. ABN AMRO explains how learning Dutch can be beneficial to expats.

Learning Dutch depends on factors like your nationality, and whether you yourself feel it’s necessary. Since most Dutch people switch to English as soon as you start talking to them, you won’t generally be encouraged to learn or speak Dutch, and it might even make it tricky to learn Dutch when you do actually want to.

Why learn Dutch?

Even though it’s not always compulsory to learn Dutch when you live in the Netherlands for an extended period, it’s of course useful and fun. For instance, do you get why everyone’s always talking about the weather? Or why it’s a good idea to make an appointment with someone before visiting them?

Learning Dutch makes it easier to understand the Dutch culture, habits and quirks, and it’ll also help you connect with other people faster. Because even though you’re pretty good at English yourself and nearly everyone speaks English to you, Dutch people do prefer to speak Dutch to each other. And if you do learn a bit of Dutch, you’ll get loads of compliments, as the Dutch always really appreciate you speaking Dutch to them.

Is Dutch an easy language?

A lot of expats find Dutch a pretty hard language to learn, but it does depend on what country you’re from and which other languages you speak. For instance, if you already speak English, German, Swedish or Afrikaans, you’ll learn fast. But if you only speak Arabic or Chinese, you’ll probably find it a lot harder, as the differences between these languages are so big.

Where to learn Dutch

The best way to learn to speak, read and write Dutch well is by taking a language course. There are various options open to you.

Through your employer

Many expats moving to the Netherlands already have a job with a Dutch employer or an international employer with offices in the Netherlands before moving here. These employees often offer Dutch language courses run by external providers. These courses can be either one-on-one or together with colleagues ("in company").

Through a language course provider

There are a great many organisations that provide courses in Dutch as a second language at different levels. Sign up for a language course near where you live, or Google "Nederlands leren" (learning Dutch) or ‘NT2’ (the Dutch state exam in Dutch as a second language). 

Through the library

Public libraries in most towns and cities offer language buddy programmes that you can sign up for. These buddies are volunteers you can practice with on a regular basis to learn to speak, read and write Dutch.

Online

You can also learn Dutch online. A quick Google search will direct you to some great resources for learning Dutch.

If you’re feeling unprepared, don’t worry. Whether it’s about administrative checks, Dutch traditions or getting a place to settle in, ABN AMRO has put together several relevant tips for you to get you accustomed to your new surroundings.