Learning the Dutch Language

Upon your arrival in The Netherlands, you will experience little problems with finding your way. Schiphol won an award for the best signing. The signs will lead you immediately to the trains (NS), which will Bring you to the centre in less than 10 minutes. Even doing groceries at the Albert Heijn or ordering your favourite drink and dinner at a restaurant will be easy, as 90% of all Dutch speak English. Crazy enough they like to show this off, because even if you ask them a question in your best Dutch, expect a response in English. If you don’t learn the language you will miss out a lot and never really know your neighbours. 

It seems sometimes a waste of time to learn the Dutch language, especially because it isn’t an easy language, nor widely spoken throughout the world. However when living in the Netherlands, learning and speaking Dutch does matter. To start with…most of procedures like your initial registration (digital identification, DigiD), tax forms, healthcare companies and insurance policies are often in Dutch (only)!. Moreover the language helps you to understand the Dutch culture a whole lot better. Idioms, sayings, expressions and even names explain you more about the local philosophy and how dutch portray life. And maybe more important, the local people will appreciate your efforts, you won’t be feeling an outsider during conversations, mingle in and finally be able to really integrate in The Netherlands. But of course, that all is depending on you and your needs.