Since nearly 95% of Dutch people also speak English, they often – with good intentions – switch to English when they hear a foreign accent! But that means that it can be hard for internationals to find the opportunity to practice speaking Dutch regularly.
Look out for people wearing our Praat Nederlands Met Me buttons and know that they want to speak Dutch with you!
You might also see people with one of our cheat-sheet bags, scarves, or umbrellas. Designed for us by Spiekkleding, these handy items remind learners of key phrases.
Tips for helping
You don't need to be a Dutch teacher or have any specific experience to help your friends, neighbors or colleagues learn the language! By speaking Dutch with internationals you are already giving them the opportunity to practice what they have learnt and improve their skills.
We have compiled a few tips on things to consider when communicating in Dutch with a non-native speaker:
- Spreek Nederlands en schakel niet onnodig over naar het Engels
- Niet te snel praten en herhaal als nodig
- Heb geduld en geef de ander de tijd om te spreken
- Vermijd het gebruik van spreekwoorden en figuurlijke uitdrukkingen
- Geef tips voor verbetering, maar verbeter niet elke fout