Language Situation & Tips

The Netherlands is the most linguistically talented country in Europe. Over 90% of the population speaks English (often fluently and without an accent), around 70% speak German (especially near the border and among older generations), and many also speak French.

German or English?

An interesting phenomenon: Many Dutch people, especially in Amsterdam, prefer to switch to English rather than German. This has historical reasons (World War II) and cultural ones (English is cooler). Near the border (Limburg, Overijssel, Groningen) and among the older generation, German is often and gladly spoken.

Tip: Greet in Dutch (Goedemorgen! Hoi!) and then continue in German or English. Most Dutch people appreciate the attempt and respond in the language that fits best.

Untranslatable Words

• Gezellig — The most important Dutch word that has no translation. It means roughly "cozy + sociable + warm + nice" all at once. A café can be gezellig, an evening, a person, even a room. If something is "gezellig," everything is good.
• Lekker — Means "delicious," but is used for EVERYTHING: lekker weer (nice weather), lekker slapen (good sleep), lekker belangrijk (I don't care). The most versatile word in the Dutch language.
• Uitwaaien — Literally "to blow out": to go into the wind to clear your head. Walking on the beach of Scheveningen during a storm — that is uitwaaien.