Nearly all Dutch people speak good English, and if they hear you speaking Dutch with a foreign accent, they will probably switch to English immediately! Nevertheless, learning some of the local language is highly recommended. It is one of the best ways to integrate and feel at home in your new surroundings, and the locals will appreciate that you have made the effort.
In the video below, Trevor and Donna-Lee explain - in Dutch - why they found it important to learn the Dutch language.
Praat Nederlands met me - Trevor en Donna-Lee
Suggestions for improving your Dutch
We have compiled some suggestions for getting you started and for improving your Dutch, no matter what level you are currently at.
To get official recognition of your Dutch language skills (in order to work for instance) you will need to follow a course that offers exams within the NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language) structure, which is administered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
CEFR language levels
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a global scale created by the Council of Europe to describe different language levels. There are 6 levels in the scale, ranging from beginner (A1) to advanced (C2). The levels are grouped into three categories:
- Basic User - A1 and A2
- Independent user – B1 and B2
- Proficient user – C1 and C2
Each level has a description detailing what a user should be able to do at that level. Go to Common Reference levels - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to view the table, which is available in multiple languages.
Language lessons
Company language lessons
Some companies offer Dutch lessons for their employees. If your employer offers you lessons, make the most of this great opportunity!
Municipal language courses
Taalkracht Eindhoven provides Dutch courses for everyone from the age of 18 on behalf of the municipalities in South-East Brabant under the Education and Vocational Education Act (WEB). These courses are free for the participants. However, these courses are not for those who are subject to mandatory civic integration.
Private Language lessons
Following a course of lessons is a great way to speed up your learning. Check out our Official Partners for details of reliable language service providers in the region.
Online private language lessons
Start learning before you arrive! There are several options for following Dutch language and culture lessons before you arrive here. Check out our Official Partners for details of reliable language service providers offering online lessons.
Language cafés (taalcafés)
Libraries run language cafés, where you can have a tea or coffee while chatting in Dutch. These informal gatherings are available at set times and allow you to practice talking about different subjects in small groups with a volunteer. Topics might include things like a visit to the supermarket, a birthday party or a parent-teacher meeting at school. Language cafés are also a great way to meet people. They are free and everyone is welcome.
Visit our libraries page to find out where you can find a language café in Eindhoven.
Humanitas in Eindhoven also runs language cafés. Sessions are held every Friday morning from 10:00 – 11:45 a.m. Registration is required, and you need to have at least A1 level.
Language coach
Meedoen in de Wijken is a program in Eindhoven from Humanitas that offers support to those learning Dutch. Volunteer language coaches help you to learn the Dutch language, either one-on-one or in a group.
Teach yourself
Language apps
A good first step is to learn some vocabulary using a language app. There are plenty of apps out there. Check out the Play Store/Apple Store for apps.
Language websites
There are lots of websites and YouTube videos for learning Dutch. For example, try the WelkLidwoord website for mastering ‘de’ and ‘het’ words.
Read Dutch books
Head to your local library and borrow some Dutch books. Starting with children’s books is perfect for beginners. You will need to take out a membership to borrow books from the library. Some libraries have book clubs where you read a Dutch book and then discuss it in Dutch. Start your own group if necessary.
Watch TV in Dutch
There are lots of great Dutch TV shows, series and movies. Switch the language to Dutch, put on subtitles in English or Dutch (or leave them turned off) and you are ready to go. This is a great way to pick up vocabulary and pronunciation.
Look out for the NOS Journaal in Makkelijke Taal which airs on NPO 1 at 17:00. This is a news bulletin in easy-to-understand Dutch. It is a great way to improve your language skills while keeping up to date with current affairs.
Children’s programs are also good to watch. Het Klokhuis is an educational children’s show for 9- to 12-year-olds which airs on NPO 3 at 18:45 on weekdays. Jeugd Journaal is a children’s news show, also aimed at 9- to 12-year-olds, and it can be seen at 19:00 on schooldays and weekends, also on NPO 3.
All three programs also have their own websites where you can view past programs and other material.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Use Dutch whenever you can. Chat to your neighbors, speak Dutch while out shopping, make your next appointment in Dutch. While it is true that Dutch people often switch to English when they hear a foreign accent, they are usually only too happy to help if you tell them you are trying to practice your Dutch.
Get your free ‘Praat Nederlands Met Me!’ button (Speak Dutch with me! button) from the Expat Center and wear it proudly to encourage people to speak Dutch with you!
Learn while doing your favorite hobby
Sports
Join a sports club and learn Dutch while playing your favorite sport! Since many sports clubs are run by volunteers and everyone helps out, there will be plenty of opportunities to practice the language. See our sports and hobbies page for sports clubs in the region.
Other hobbies
Join a Dutch-speaking group and practice your language skills while having fun! See our sports and hobbies page for ideas of groups to join.
Volunteer
Once you have some level of Dutch, you could try volunteering in a Dutch-speaking setting to further develop your skills. Visit our volunteering page for ideas of places that are looking for volunteers.
If you have young children at Dutch primary school (and you have some understanding of the language), offer to help out on school outings or during craft activities, or join the parents committee. Speaking with children, parents and teachers is a great way to improve your skills.
Also keep an eye on our events calendar and news page for more opportunities to practice your Dutch and learn more about Dutch culture.
