Many people in the Netherlands speak English. Dutch children learn the language early on. It is a compulsory language in secondary school, and many elementary schools have begun teaching it as well. It should therefore not come as a surprise that expats who speak English can get by in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch. However, if you really want to integrate into Dutch society, you should consider learning the language.
Why learning Dutch
Dutch is a West Germanic language and the official language of the Netherlands. It is also the native language of most inhabitants of Belgium and Suriname and the official language of the Caribbean islands Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. In the European Union, about 23 million people speak Dutch as a first language. Another 5 million speak Dutch as a second language.
Dutch is often considered to be a difficult language to learn, since the grammar and spelling rules know many exceptions. Also, the pronunciation of certain Dutch words may prove tricky to some. However, Dutch is one of the closest relatives of English, so English speakers are prone to pick up the language easier.
Are you interested in learning Dutch? Take a look at these Dutch language schools that offer lessons for beginners and advanced speakers.
Brush up on your English
English is the language spoken in most international companies in the Netherlands. So, if you are looking for a job in the Netherlands, you might want to brush up on your English. Find a suitable English course near you.
