Imagine you’re in the Netherlands! It can be an exciting journey and overwhelming, too. Learning Dutch helps you connect with the people, culture, and food that may initially feel unfamiliar—but you gradually adapt to them.
Now, you’ve gotten stuck somewhere and need help! How will you communicate with the locals if you don’t know the Dutch?
Got confused?
But let me tell you something! Learning Dutch before travelling or moving to the Netherlands will not only help you communicate easily but also change your whole experience.
I’m Pooja, the face behind The Dutch Minds! I did something most people don’t do. I learned Dutch before travelling to the Netherlands, and it made all the difference.
Here are some eye-opening incidents that show how learning Dutch beforehand transformed my experience, and how it can do the same for you.
1. Lost My Way: My First Dutch Life Saver Experience
During my first week in the Netherlands, I was proud of myself for cycling like a local, until I realized I’d been confidently pedaling down the wrong route for who knows how long! A kind Dutch man noticed my confusion and called out, “Je zit op het verkeerde pad. Je moet de andere kant op.” (You’re on the wrong path. You need to head in the opposite direction)
I replied in Dutch with embarrassment, “Het is mijn eerste week hier, ik wist het niet. Dank je wel!” (It’s my first week here, I didn’t know. Thank you!)
His face lit up, and he was impressed that I spoke Dutch. “Wat geweldig dat je al Nederlands spreekt!” (How great that you already speak Dutch!) he said. When I told him I’d taken an online Dutch course before moving, he gave me the ultimate Dutch compliment for my smart decision.
Had I not learned the Dutch beforehand? I might still be cycling in circles!
2. “Is Spicy Food Good for You?” – A Chef’s Curiosity Sparked by Cultural Differences
One of my biggest cultural shocks was that the Dutch people don’t eat spicy food. Their spicy means just mild!!!
At a Chinese-Indonesian restaurant, my Russian friend Andrie told the chef to make my dish ‘super spicy’. The chef asked out of concern in Dutch, “Is pittig eten goed voor je gezondheid?” (Is spicy food good for your health?)
I laughed and replied in Dutch, “In India is kruiden niet alleen een smaak, het is een deel van het leven!” (In India, spice isn’t just a flavour, it’s a part of life!)
The funniest moment? The chef was shocked and looked at Andrie.
Andrie, who hates spice, told him, “Make hers as spicy as possible, but no spice for me at all!” The chef was confused, and I explained to him in Dutch about my love for bold flavors and Indian food culture.
But why does it matter? Because language helps you to explain your needs or just ask for extra chillies in Western countries. It broke the cultural barrier and made us laugh over food differences.
How about without my Dutch skills? I’d stuck with mild food!
3. Small Chit-Chat with Locals: Make Friends Easily
The ‘outsider anxiety’ makes many people feel left out in a new place. But not me!
I was travelling in a local train and sat across from two Dutch girls. Instead of silence, I said, “Mooi weer vandaag, hè?” (Nice weather today, huh?)
This led to a long conversation. Their faces light up! When I told them I’m here for the first time. They were shocked by my Dutch skills and replied, “De meeste mensen leren Nederlands pas nadat ze hierheen zijn verhuisd. Jij hebt een geweldige stap gezet” (Most people learn Dutch after moving here. You had a great move.)
Later, we chatted the whole ride about the weather, Dutch traditions, and even Indian festivals.
The magic didn’t stop here! During my flight from Paris to the Netherlands, I observed the couple beside me reading. I lean over and ask, “Welk boek leest u?” (What book are you reading?). The woman replied with a smile, and when I shared that it’s my first trip to the Netherlands, she was amazed by my fluency and asked how I learned. When I told her about the online Dutch language classes, she was amazed, “Impressive!”
These little conversations did more than just make me proud; they turned strangers into friends and made me feel truly welcome.
Trust me, it makes all the difference to my experience!
Why Learning Dutch Early Makes all the Difference?
After these experiences, I realized that Dutch isn’t a language but a key to belonging.
Benefits I experienced:
- Daily life becomes easier, from shopping to travelling
- Open career doors, as many jobs require certification
- Made real Dutch friends, not only NRIs
What Happens If You Don’t Learn Dutch Beforehand?
- Miss out on the local culture, as the Dutch people can switch to English, but you will still be an outsider
- Struggle with basics, from doctor visits to paying bills
- Having fewer connections and opportunities can make you feel excluded.
How The Dutch Minds Helps You to Skip the Struggles?
As someone who went through all and learned Dutch beforehand, I designed my courses to:
- Get practical Dutch lessons that you will use daily
- Fit your goals, whether at work, study, or moving to the Netherlands
- Make learning fun with real conversations. Zero tolerance for textbooks
No matter where you are starting from, I’m here to help you. Join our Dutch lessons online before landing in the Netherlands to make your journey smoother than mine was.
