Moving to the Netherlands as an expat can feel deceptively easy—almost everyone speaks English, and daily life functions smoothly without needing Dutch. But while it may seem convenient, relying solely on English can hold you back in ways you might not realize. Here’s why learning Dutch is essential and how it can significantly improve your expat experience.
1. Limited Social Integration
One of the biggest downsides of not learning Dutch is struggling to fully integrate into Dutch society. While many locals are happy to speak English, social conversations, jokes, and deeper friendships often happen in Dutch. Imagine being at a birthday party where everyone seamlessly switches to Dutch, and you’re left nodding along without fully understanding. To break through this barrier, consider joining a local club or activity where Dutch is spoken naturally. For example, I found that joining a rowing club helped me practice my Dutch in a relaxed environment. Joining a Meetup group or attending conversation tables also offers great opportunities to immerse yourself in the language.
2. Fewer Job Opportunities and Career Growth Limitations
While the Netherlands has a strong international job market, many job postings require at least a basic understanding of Dutch. Even in multinational companies, knowing Dutch can be a plus when interacting with local clients, navigating internal communication, or networking.
3. Missing Out on the Full Dutch Experience
Culture isn’t just about visiting museums and eating stroopwafels—it’s in the language, humor, and everyday interactions. Without Dutch, you miss out on the deeper aspects of Dutch life, from understanding news headlines to chatting with your neighbor about the weather. To experience this more fully, start small by reading simple Dutch news articles, such as NOS Jeugdjournaal, which is designed for younger audiences but perfect for learners. Subscribing to Dutch podcasts or watching TV shows with subtitles also helps you absorb the language naturally.
4. Dependency on English-Speaking Services
While big cities like Amsterdam cater to English speakers, smaller towns, government offices, and medical services often operate in Dutch. Not knowing the language can make basic tasks—like dealing with taxes, or visiting a doctor—more challenging.
5. It Gets Harder Over Time
The longer you rely only on English, the harder it becomes to start learning Dutch. Many expats plan to stay “just a few years” but end up staying much longer. If you don’t start early, it becomes an even bigger hurdle later. To avoid this, set a small, achievable language-learning goal each week. This could be learning five new words per day, practicing a Dutch conversation at the supermarket, or writing short messages in Dutch to colleagues or friends.
How to Start Learning Dutch
- Join a Club or Group – A sports club, hobby group, or even a Dutch conversation table can provide natural exposure. I personally found rowing to be a great way to practice Dutch.
- Visit Local Language Cafés – Many places, like the OBA Language Café, offer free sessions where you can practice Dutch in a relaxed environment. Some even have online options if you prefer learning from home.
- Make Daily Life an Immersion Experience – Small changes make a big difference. Switch your phone to Dutch, order in Dutch at restaurants, read simple news articles like NOS Jeugdjournaal, and talk to your Dutch neighbors.
- Take a Course – Many cities offer beginner Dutch courses, and companies provide online lessons tailored for expats (this is important but never enough, as one should be immersed in the Dutch language).
- Watch and Listen – Dutch podcasts, YouTube channels, and TV shows (with subtitles) can help with listening skills and pronunciation.
👉 For a more in-depth guide, check out my blog The Best Way to Learn Dutch as an Expat.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can get by in the Netherlands with just English. But if you want to truly integrate, advance your career, and fully experience Dutch culture, learning the language is worth the effort. Start small, be patient, and remember—every word you learn brings you closer to feeling at home in the Netherlands.
Are you currently learning Dutch? Share your experiences in the comments!
