Congratulations! You made a great decision to move to the Netherlands, whether for work, study, or love. It will be a lot of fun and adventure. But the first question that hits most people before moving there is “Should I learn Dutch language?”
Why not?
Almost everyone indeed speaks English there. But can you switch to Dutch so as not to feel an outsider?
Imagine you’re working in a corporation, there, a group of Dutch people having fun and gossiping. If you had any Dutch language classes, you could have been a part of that.
Hope you got your answer!
Learning Dutch can transform your experience in the Netherlands. It’s not just about ordering coffee without pointing (though that’s a win); it’s about feeling at home, making friends, and unlocking opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
Before making your learning decision, know the top reasons to learn the Dutch language and how it can change your whole life experience!
1. The Dutch Will Love You for It
Learning Dutch goes beyond words—it’s a bridge to the heart of Dutch culture. While locals speak English fluently, daily life hums in Dutch.
Imagine walking into a bakery and greeting the shopkeeper with a cheerful “Hoi!”, their face lights up instantly. That small effort shows respect, sparks warmth, and opens doors. The Dutch love it when you try, and every word you speak makes them proud and welcome you.
2. No More ‘What Does it Mean’ Moments
Ever got confused between the signs, during a train delay announcement, or stuck at a grocery store? These little awkward ‘What does it mean’ moments make you feel the importance of the Dutch.
Learning Dutch means fewer confusing moments and more “Ah, so that’s what it means!” Imagine explaining your haircut needs to your Dutch-speaking hairdresser becomes so easy.
3. Skyrocket the Job Opportunities
More Languages = More Job Opportunities
Most expats move to the Netherlands for work, and that’s obvious. Even though most businesses use English, learning Dutch can help your career.
Employers value bilingual employees for local client meetings, documents, and even casual Friday chats, making Dutch a career booster, not just a language skill!
4. Making Dutch Friends (Yes, It’s Very Easy)
No doubt, the Dutch are friendly, but they switch to their mother tongue naturally in conversation, making you feel left out. Speaking Dutch helps you break into the circle, whether it’s at a party, lunch, or a sports club.
Knowing Dutch means a deeper connection with local friends. And trust me, Dutch humor is way funnier when you understand it.
5. Bye-bye Bureaucracy Headache
Depending on English in the Netherlands for the official documentation, like health insurance or hospital bills, can be a huge mistake. Yes, you have technology like Google Translate, but it also fails when filling out important forms. And nothing beats understanding it yourself.
Plus, calling customer service? Much easier when you know key phrases.
6. Welcome to Dutch Humor and Entertainment
Imagine your local friends are dancing to Dutch hip-hop or having a movie night. You’ll miss your childhood homies here. But knowing Dutch can make you understand why everyone loves Toon Hermans.
Dutch comedy, TV shows, and memes are next-level funny, but only if you understand them. This is the most important reason for entertainment lovers to have a Dutch language course, not to miss any humor.
7. Travelling Feels Different
Dutch isn’t just for the Netherlands, but for nearby places like Belgium, Suriname, Aruba, and more. Venture outside Amsterdam, and English becomes less common, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.
If you’re an explorer, you must need to learn Dutch language to explore new places, culture, and people.
Bonus: Speaking Dutch will never let you get stuck in unfamiliar places!
8. It’s Not as Difficult as You Believe
Seriously! If you think that learning Dutch is hard. We’re sorry you’re wrong!
The grammar is logical, but with the right Dutch classes online, you’ll be ordering food like a local in no time.
The pronunciation? Initially challenging, but achievable with practice.
Not limited to this, learning a new language makes you smarter, improves memory, and even helps with multitasking.
9. You’ll Feel More at Home
Living in a new country for so long requires confidence and connection with the surroundings. That comes naturally with speaking Dutch.
No more nodding along in confusion, you’ll catch jokes, follow conversations, and feel like you truly belong with the right Dutch language classes.
10. Because… Why Not?
Learning Dutch is fun! Imagine:
- Surprising Dutch people by replying in their language
- Reading street names without butchering them
- You’ll wonder how you ever lived without Dutch words
Which Dutch Classes Online are Perfect for You?
If you’re thinking, “Okay, I’m in! Where do I begin?”, we’ve got you covered! At The Dutch Minds, we make learning Dutch easy, fun, and useful for everyday life.
Check out our Dutch language classes and start speaking Dutch before you even land in the Netherlands!
You don’t need to become fluent overnight; just start small!
