7 Reasons you should Begin A Dutch course now
Being able to decipher traffic, directional and road signs is just one of many reasons to learn Dutch.
Never mind that English is a mandatory school subject in Dutch schools or that all Dutch teens have to pass a standardized national English proficiency exam in order to graduate from secondary school — many Dutch kids already understand and even speak some English before they start school. Daily exposure to English media and conversations around them are often enough to help them learn the basics of English by kindergarten and the path to fluency is smooth from there.
In the center of Amsterdam it is not uncommon to visit a restaurant whose menus are in default by English or to have the feeling that everyone around you is speaking English as you walk down a street. The Dutch are also known for being quite tolerant and welcoming which means that most are happy to accommodate a visitor by switching over to English.
In such a country, foreigners may ask: “Why bother learning Dutch?”. However those who’ve spent a year or so in the Netherlands, those who have a Dutch partner or kids, and those who intend to stay long-term, know that your experience can be made 100% better by taking Dutch lessons and getting to know the language of the place you call home.
So what are 7 reasons to learn Dutch?
1. Connection
Missed jokes and conversations cut short by lack of a common language add up over time and can make even the most social types feel isolated. If you are planning to stay in the Netherlands for a while, the only way to truly connect to the culture around you is to learn Dutch.
2. Convenience
While it’s easy to grab a line of text on your phone and translate it instantly, you will encounter in-person and conversational moments when knowing basic vocabulary is much easier than having to find someone to help you or asking someone to translate for you. Whether its deciphering traffic signs, reading food packaging or calling a small business— in these situations knowing a bit of Dutch will go a long way.
3. Children
If you have, or plan to have, children who attend Dutch schools, learning Dutch will make a big difference in your family’s experience in the educational system in the Netherlands. Being able to easily read and participate in school communications, assist with school assignments, and follow along at school events, will go a long way towards helping your family integrate into Dutch society.
4. Extended family
If you have extended Dutch family or in-laws, chances are, many older family members especially, will not be used to speaking English, and some will not speak much English at all. Connecting with them becomes a possibility if you can improve your speaking and listening skills.
5. Out of the City
In many small towns in the Netherlands you will find that the majority of people you encounter prefer to speak Dutch. Without the daily practice city-dwellers have in speaking English with foreigners, many don’t feel confident in their English and will very much appreciate your attempts to communicate in Dutch even if it’s far from perfect. You will find that most people are quite friendly and patience. And here the old adage is true: A little goes a long way!
6. Government Correspondence
Government correspondence will almost always be in Dutch! Got a parking ticket? Or a long letter from the tax bureau? It’s most definitely going to be in Dutch. Translation tools are unfortunately not always accurate, yet with official letters every word counts. A few targeted Dutch lessons are a great way to help you navigate the ins and outs of formal written communication.
7. It’s easier than you think!
My last big tip: the Dutch language is not as difficult as people make it out to be. There, I said it! Dutch grammar rules, pronunciation rules and spelling rules are relatively straight forward and have few exceptions— making it much easier than English where a series of letters, such as -ough, can be pronounced in 9 different ways! Once you grasp the rules of spelling, the sound each letter of the alphabet makes, and the basic rules of sentence structure, you will have a good foundation. Build up your vocabulary from there with a couple of new words each day, and you will be well on your way!
Interested in learning Dutch with me? I give lessons online and in person in Amsterdam. Get in touch to schedule a free lesson!