Why Learning Dutch Matters More Than Ever

The Netherlands used to be recognised as a beacon of internationalisation. Cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht were known for their openness, thriving international business scenes, and universities where English was widely used. According to the EF English Proficiency Index (ef.com/epi), the Dutch consistently rank among the top non-native English speakers globally.

What made the country especially attractive in the past was its well-developed support for international students and professionals. Every major university offered numerous English-taught programmes supported by academic language centres, where international studentswere prepared to continue their studies in English. These mechanisms placed the Netherlands among the most successful countries in welcoming internationals and encouraging their contribution to the country’s development.

This global perspective made the Netherlands one of the top destinations for highly skilled migrants and international students worldwide. At that time, it was entirely feasible to live, study, and work in designated areas with little or no Dutch.

Today, the situation is very different. Over the past few years, the Dutch government has taken measures to restrict the use of English in higher education and the labour market, promoting Dutch as the primary language for daily life, work, and study. As a result, universities are reducing the number of English-taught programmes, and the number of international students is already declining. Many now choose alternatives such as the UK, Ireland, or Scandinavian countries (NL Times, 2023 – nltimes.nl).

The job market reflects the same trend. Unless you are an IT specialist or employed in a highly international niche, Dutch has become essential. Job platforms such as Glassdoor (glassdoor.nl), LinkedIn (linkedin.com), and Indeed (indeed.com) show that many so-called “English-speaking” positions are now bilingual, often requiring at least A2–B1 proficiency in Dutch.

In short: if you plan to move to the Netherlands and stay longer than a year, start learning Dutch before you arrive.

Dutch is a West Germanic language and is considered difficult, mainly because of its distinctive pronunciation and the tendency to shorten words in everyday speech (DutchReview, 2022 – dutchreview.com). These features can make comprehension very challenging at the beginning, which often affects learners’ motivation.

Nevertheless, learning Dutch is definitely achievable. It demands time, motivation, and regular practice. Apps like Duolingo (duolingo.com) or similar platforms can offer a helpful introduction to the sounds and basic vocabulary of the language. However, such apps are typically insufficient to attain fluency. When in the Netherlands, it is crucial to immerse yourself as much as possible in Dutch through listening and reading: check product labels in supermarkets, memorise names of fruits and vegetables, or pay attention to instructions on signs.

Start small with common expressions such as Fijne dag (“Have a nice day”), Dank u wel (“Thank you” – formal), or Tot ziens (“Goodbye”). Using Dutch in simple, everyday situations—like ordering coffee, saying thank you, or asking basic questions—helps build confidence over time.

Expats who aim for advanced proficiency (B2–C1) often report that it takes about five years of consistent exposure and active use before they feel fully confident in Dutch (I Am Expat, 2021 – iamexpat.nl).

Language courses in the Netherlands are widely available but can be costly. It is therefore advisable to budget for them in advance. Some examples include: UvA Talen (uvatalen.nl), Ad Appel Taaltraining (adappel.nl), Bart de Pau (learndutch.org), or private tutors via preply.nl.

Yes, if you are a foreigner and need some help in a shop or ask for directions. Otherwise, not really. Despite its perception as a multicultural city, daily life in Almere is conducted in Dutch.

There are no large-scale, institutionally organised courses for expats in the Almere area. If you want to learn Dutch, you need to explore options and, in most cases, organise it yourself. Local organisations such as De Schoor (taalindewijkalmere.nl) run conversational sessions in certain parts of the municipality, which can be a helpful starting point if the timing suits you. The Almere City Library (denieuwebibliotheek.nl) also offers conversational classes. These are generally aimed at beginners (A0–A2), making them useful when starting out but not sufficient for advanced learning or professional purposes.

For expat families with children, language barriers can pose a significant challenge. Before relocating to the Netherlands in 2025, it is vital to consider how these barriers might impact children’s development and adjustment, particularly if the family primarily relies on English.

Expat children attending international schools who want to learn Dutch face limited options. There are no Dutch courses specifically tailored for them. This is especially relevant for families uncertain about their long-term plans in the Netherlands, but who still want their children to gain some knowledge of the language, culture, and community life. The only structured choice available is the taalcentrum (language centre), which requires transferring into the Dutch education system, as discussed below.

Almere has only one international school, which provides two Dutch classes per week in primary education. This limited exposure is insufficient for children to use the language in everyday life. Consequently, expat children may find it challenging to establish contact with their peers on playgrounds or in neighbourhood activities.

Exploring after-school activities that help children connect locally is also a good option. Sports can be beneficial, but the choice matters: in team sports, a lack of Dutch can be a barrier. Individual sports, such as karate, martial arts, or swimming, might be more suitable for children as they develop their language skills.

Another option is private online tuition, such as Dutch for Children (dutchforchildren.nl).

A taalcentrum is not a typical language school; it is a preparatory institution meant to help expat children adapt to the Dutch school system. Depending on their age and progress, a child may stay in a taalcentrum for six months, one, two, or even three years while learning Dutch. Families should consider this when planning their child’s education

Admission rules are strict: a child can only be transferred to a taalcentrum within the first year after arriving in the Netherlands. After this period, the option is no longer available. Once a child is deemed ready to attend a Dutch school, they are placed in a grade that may also be below their age level. Even after this transition, language challenges often continue, both academically and socially. For families where both parents are expats, the transition to Dutch education can be more challenging. For more insights, see discussions in expat communities, such as the Amsterdam Mamas Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/amsterdammamas).

The Netherlands is no longer a country primarily characterised by internationalisation, with widespread “English-speaking” education and professional opportunities. Whether you are relocating for work or study, it is crucial to recognise the central role of the Dutch language. It has become an essential requirement for building a sustainable future here, regardless of whether you are a highly skilled migrant or not. If you are planning to move to the Netherlands with a long-term perspective, carefully consider the importance of Dutch in your family’s professional, social, and educational life.

The Bottom Line

A Changing Landscape

Is English Used in Almere?

Be Aware: Challenges for Expat Families

The Taalcentrum Option

How Challenging Is It to Learn Dutch?