5 insider tips from our multilingual recruitment team on how to brush up your Dutch and get the most out of your life in the Netherlands.
How would you rate your current Dutch language skills? Are you able to say hello to your neighbour, order your meal in a restaurant, have a simple conversation in Dutch, or watch Dutch TV? Whichever level of Dutch you currently comprehend, speak, read or write, there is always space for improvement. It is never too late to start learning, even if you have been in the Netherlands for a while.
Even though the Netherlands is open-minded and incredibly expat friendly, with more than 90 percent of Dutch citizens speaking English fluently, it is useful to learn Dutch to move away from feeling like a tourist in your new home country. If you work in an international company, the office language tends to be English. Still, you will eventually want to connect with Dutch colleagues, neighbours and friends on a different level.
Our recruitment team at Abroad Experience is from all over the world, so we know what it is like to learn the Dutch language. Here are our top tips on how we improved our Dutch skills.
One of the most effective ways to learn a new language is to enrol in a language course, online or face to face. But there is also a fantastic free alternative.
In the Netherlands, most cities host taalcafés (language cafés). Expats, refugees, students, young and old, from all around the globe come together to practice their language skills. These meetups usually take place in libraries and are guided by Dutch volunteers. Everybody is in the same boat, wanting to improve their Dutch. It is a great way to meet fellow internationals and practice your speaking and writing.
Helpful resources to find a taalcafé:
A taalcafé is a free language meetup typically hosted in Dutch libraries, where volunteers help internationals practice Dutch in a relaxed setting. Most major Dutch cities host weekly sessions, no registration required.
The Dutch news show for children and teenagers is one of the best resources for learners. Slow, clear pronunciation and short segments make it perfect for building comprehension.
Watch on jeugdjournaal.nl →Reading Dutch children's books and noting down new words in a personal vocabulary notebook is another fantastic way to learn new phrases.
Alternatively, watch Dutch TV shows. Many have English subtitles. Or watch your favourite movies on Netflix with Dutch subtitles to read along. There are also a number of Dutch movies on Netflix, and if you are already in the Netherlands, you can add English subtitles to follow along.
A great resource if you already have some basics is the Dutch Jeugdjournaal, a news show for children and teenagers. You watch the news and practice your Dutch at the same time. NOS hosts other fun shows on the same website that are good for picking up new phrases.
Make it a daily habit to spend at least 5 to 10 minutes practicing Dutch with a language app of your choice. There are dozens of apps available, many of them free or for a small fee, that help improve your Dutch in a playful and interactive way.
Consistency beats intensity. A short daily session works better than long weekend cramming. Apps are designed for short, focused bursts, which makes them easy to fit into your commute, lunch break or evening routine.
Track your progress, set a small daily goal and stick to it for at least 30 days. After a month, the habit becomes automatic.
Working during the week but have some spare hours in the weekend to do something for a good cause while practicing your Dutch?
If you are already in the Netherlands, you may have noticed that volunteering is very popular here. It is an easy way to meet Dutch and international people while practicing your language skills. Many internationals volunteer on farms, in secondhand shops, in community gardens, during sports events or in animal shelters, doing something meaningful and speaking Dutch with fellow volunteers at the same time.
Most Dutch cities run volunteer matching platforms. Search for vrijwilligerscentrale in your local area to find opportunities that match your interests and schedule.
The only way to learn a new language is by practicing, practicing, practicing. Dutch people often have the tendency to reply in English when you order a drink in a restaurant or buy something at a local market. Do not let this hold you back.
Take a deep breath, smile and continue in Dutch instead of switching back to English. Eventually they pick up that you are practicing and would like to speak Dutch.
Do not worry about making mistakes. Dutch citizens really appreciate when somebody makes the effort to speak Dutch, no matter if your sentence structure and word choices are correct or not. You cannot learn a new language without trying. Practice and allow yourself to gain the experience. Letting go of judgement and letting in curiosity about new phrases will get you further than any textbook.
If a Dutch person switches to English, politely say:
"Mag ik in het Nederlands oefenen?"
(May I practice in Dutch?)
A common question from internationals: do I need Dutch to find a job in the Netherlands?
The short answer is no. Many international companies in the Netherlands use English as their working language, especially in IT, customer service, finance, logistics and international sales. Roles where Dutch is not required are plentiful, and we place internationals in these positions every week.
But learning Dutch still pays off, even if your job runs in English. It helps you connect with Dutch colleagues, navigate everyday life more comfortably, build a wider network and unlock career opportunities that lean toward client-facing or local market roles.
Curious what English-speaking jobs are available right now? Browse our English jobs in the Netherlands, or explore all current vacancies we are recruiting for.
Whether you speak fluent Dutch or none at all, we match international professionals with employers who value multilingual talent. With 27 years of experience and a team that has been in your shoes, we know what it takes.
Practical guides on settling in, finding work and navigating Dutch life.
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