Moving to the Netherlands as an expat is an exciting adventure. You settle into your new home, figure out how to cycle without getting hit by a tram, and start to understand the magic of bitterballen. But then comes the real challenge: learning Dutch.
You sign up for a Dutch course, sit in a classroom, and memorize phrases like De kat zit op de mat. But here’s the thing: while classrooms give you a solid foundation, they are never enough on their own. The best way to truly learn Dutch? Get out there and start speaking!
1. Join a Sports Club or Hobby Group
This is how I personally made the biggest leap in my Dutch skills. I joined a rowing club, and while my Dutch was terrible at first, I made a conscious effort to speak. The best part? People were totally fine with my broken Dutch and continued talking to me in Dutch. It turns out that making an effort matters more than being perfect.
A sports club or hobby group forces you to interact with native speakers regularly. Plus, you pick up casual Dutch that you won’t find in a textbook. Want to learn how to actually use words like lekker and gezellig in daily life? This is the way.
2. Check Local Language Cafés & Organizations
If you’re not into sports, there are plenty of other ways to practice Dutch in a fun and pressure-free setting.
The OBA Language Café is a great example. It’s designed for learners (A1-B1 level) who want to practice in a relaxed environment. You don’t even need to be a library member, and you can join without registering. Best of all? It’s completely free!
Online option: If you prefer practicing from home, the OBA also offers an online language café. Join here.
In-person option: Chat with others, play language games, and improve your Dutch while meeting new people. Check out the schedule here.
3. Turn Your Daily Life into a Dutch Immersion Experience
Start treating Dutch as part of your everyday life rather than something you “study.” Try these:
- Switch your phone, Netflix subtitles, and Google Maps to Dutch.
- Order in Dutch at restaurants and cafes, even if it feels awkward.
- Read simple Dutch news like NOS Jeugdjournaal or children’s books.
- Talk to your Dutch neighbors (yes, even the grumpy one).
Little changes like these add up and help your brain get used to the language.
4. Explore Company-Sponsored Language Programs
Some Dutch companies offer language courses for expats, and these can be a great way to learn while getting professional support. Check with your employer to see if they provide any language-learning benefits.
5. Find a Language Buddy (or a Patient Bartender)
Speaking Dutch with a language buddy is a great way to improve, but if you can’t find one, there’s always the Dutch hospitality industry. Many bartenders and baristas in Amsterdam are happy to chat in Dutch if you ask. Order a beer in Dutch, try to keep the conversation going, and see how long you last before they switch to English (it’s a challenge, trust me!).
Final Thoughts
Learning Dutch as an expat is all about stepping outside your comfort zone. Yes, classrooms help, but real progress happens when you use Dutch in everyday situations. Whether it’s joining a club, attending a language café, or just ordering your coffee in Dutch, every small effort brings you closer to fluency.
And the best part? Dutch people genuinely appreciate when you try. So go ahead, make mistakes, laugh at yourself, and enjoy the process—because that’s how you truly learn. Succes!
