Lost and Found in Translation, My Dutch Learning Journey

Hey there! It’s been a little while since my last expat life update —did you miss me? I’ve had my hands full, although, not with too much, just enough to keep me away. I dove headfirst into an intensive Dutch language course last week, even dedicating my Saturday to it to restart my Dutch learning journey, and oh, what a ride it has been!

First-years: Why should I learn Dutch?

I landed in the Netherlands back in 2011 for my LL.M. course. There was a buzz among some students about picking up Dutch, but I shrugged it off. I never thought I’d stick around, and even if I did, I didn’t see myself here long-term. So, learning Dutch didn’t top my priority list. Fast forward a bit, and oh, how I wish I had seized the chance to learn Dutch while I was still soaking up experiences like a sponge!

Life happened, and I found myself working here, still nestled comfortably in the English-speaking bubbles of my workplaces. Everyone spoke English, all my clients were from around the globe, and many of my colleagues hailed from different corners of the world, too. Plus, the Dutch have a knack for English, so communicating was never a hitch.

Hiccups: I am NOT going to learn Dutch!

Things took a turn when I got engaged. My fiancé is Dutch (who is my husband now), and the idea of laying down roots here started to feel real. Although not a requirement, learning Dutch began to feel like the right thing to do, to blend in, to understand the culture, and the people on a deeper level.

The journey began with a funny hiccup. Early into my Dutch lessons, I found myself in front of a kind-hearted, elderly Dutch director at my new job, mustering up the courage to ask him to sign a document. In my most confident Dutch, I asked, “Kunt u tekenen op pagina 6, alstublieft?” Oh, was I expecting a pat on the back, but what followed was a burst of laughter! Apparently, my pronunciation made “pagina” (page) sound like a certain female body part. Embarrassing? Yes. A conversation stopper? Absolutely! I was mortified, and my thoughts raced to “Why bother with Dutch?”

After 10 years: Okay, I changed my mind on Dutch learning

But here I am now, with my kids growing up Dutch-speaking, feeling that odd pang of awkwardness when their friends come over and talk to me in Dutch while expecting me to understand what they are saying or when teachers prefer conversing with my husband because English isn’t their strong suit. The desire to be woven into the fabric of my children’s lives nudged Dutch learning to the top of my to-do list.

I’m back on the Dutch learning wagon, almost seven years since I hopped off, fueled by my children and the life we are building a little outside of Amsterdam’s expat haven. Every day is a step closer to understanding the Dutch culture, the lifestyle, and the people that make this place home.

And guess what? It’s been a blast! I have a pocketful of Dutch words and phrases now, mostly at a five-year-old’s vocabulary level (thanks to my daughter). The hiccup? Breaking away from the grammatically incorrect ways I’ve gotten used to over the years. But hey, it’s a fresh chapter, and the excitement bubbling within me is hard to contain.

So, on the Dutch learning journey, here are my tips!

Here’s a little nugget of advice for anyone considering a long-term stay in the Netherlands—learn Dutch! It’s your ticket to a deeper understanding of the Dutch way of life. And trust me, the appreciation you’ll receive from the locals is heartwarming. As you step into this journey, I wish you nothing but the best. Here’s to embracing the Netherlands, the Dutch language, and all the beautiful experiences awaiting you!

Finally, it’s important not to wait too long to start learning Dutch if you live in the Netherlands. As time passes, you’ll become more comfortable speaking English to the people around you, and it will be difficult to change your habits later on. Fortunately, there are many great language schools in the Netherlands where you can meet other expats who are going through the same journey. Take some time to research and find the teaching method that works best for you: you can enroll in university programs or private language school lessons. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to assist you!

Read more if you want to learn more about living in a Dutch (people-only) village as an expat and the essential knowledge to begin your life as an expat in the Netherlands!