How to get Dutch people to speak Dutch with you

You start a conversation in Dutch. The other person hears your accent, smiles kindly and replies in English.

For many expats in the Netherlands, this is a familiar situation. Dutch people often switch to English because they want to be helpful. In many situations, that is convenient. But if you are trying to improve your Dutch, it can also be frustrating.

A good Dutch course gives you a strong foundation. But to make the language your own, you need to keep using it in real life. You need speaking hours, small conversations and patient people around you.

So how do you encourage Dutch people to keep speaking Dutch with you?

1. Tell people you want to practise Dutch

Dutch people often switch to English because they think they are making the conversation easier for you. So make your goal clear.

You can simply say:

“Could we continue in Dutch? I’d like to practise.”

Or:

“Please don’t switch to English too quickly. I’m trying to improve my Dutch.”

Most people will appreciate that. They may still switch to English now and then, especially if the conversation becomes complicated, but they will understand what you are trying to do.

It helps to be specific about what you need. For example:

• "Kun je misschien iets langzamer praten?" (“Could you speak a little more slowly?”)
• "Kun je dat herhalen?" (“Could you repeat that?”)
• "Als ik iets helemaal verkeerd zeg, wil je me dan corrigeren?" (“You can correct me if I make an important mistake.”)
• "Kun je me dat woord uitleggen?" (“Could you explain that word in Dutch?”)

That way, the other person knows how to help you without taking over the conversation.

2. Choose situations in which you always speak Dutch

It is easier to practise Dutch if you decide in advance when you are going to use it. Choose a few everyday situations and commit to speaking Dutch in those moments.

For example:

• at the supermarket;
• when ordering coffee;
• with your neighbours;
• at your sports club;
• at your children’s school;
• during informal conversations at work.

Start small. You do not have to discuss complex topics immediately. A short conversation at the checkout, a question at school or a chat before a sports lesson already helps.

And if someone replies in English? Keep answering in Dutch. That may feel awkward at first, but it shows that you are serious about practising.

3. Find a patient Dutch-speaking practice partner

It helps to have one or two people who know that you want to speak Dutch with them. This could be a friend, neighbour, colleague or family member.

Agree that you will speak Dutch together in certain situations. For example, during lunch, on a walk, in the car or during a weekly coffee break.

Choose someone patient. A good practice partner gives you time to think, does not finish every sentence for you and does not correct every small mistake. The goal is not to speak perfectly. The goal is to keep the conversation going.

You can also agree on how you want to be corrected. Some people like immediate corrections. Others prefer to receive feedback afterwards. Both can work, as long as it helps you keep speaking.

4. Use Dutch input to create things to talk about

Speaking becomes easier when you have something to talk about. That is why it helps to surround yourself with Dutch outside your conversations too.

Read Dutch newspapers, websites or short news articles. Watch Dutch television programmes or videos. Listen to Dutch podcasts or radio. Follow Dutch accounts on social media.

You do not have to understand everything. The goal is to become familiar with words, expressions and topics that Dutch people use in everyday conversations.

This also gives you material for small talk. You can mention something you read, ask someone’s opinion or use a new expression you have noticed.

The more Dutch input you get, the more natural it becomes to respond in Dutch.

5. Practise Dutch at work in small moments

If you work in a mainly Dutch-speaking environment, your workplace can be a valuable place to practise. Your colleagues may even appreciate the effort.

Start with informal moments:

• greeting colleagues in Dutch;
• asking simple questions;
• joining a lunch conversation;
• making small talk before a meeting;
• writing short messages in Dutch.

You do not have to start by leading a meeting in Dutch. Build up gradually. The more often you use Dutch in low-pressure situations, the easier it becomes to use it when the stakes are higher.

If you work in an international environment where English is the main language, look for smaller opportunities. Speak Dutch with Dutch colleagues during coffee breaks, in one-to-one conversations or at informal team moments.

6. Keep your Dutch active between conversations

Real conversations are essential, but online practice can help you stay sharp between them.

Use short exercises to work on grammar, vocabulary and spelling. A few minutes a day can make a difference, especially if you connect the exercises to words and situations you actually use.

If you have followed a Dutch course at Regina Coeli, keep using your e-Regina exercises. They help you maintain and strengthen what you learned during your training.

The more active your Dutch stays between conversations, the more confident you will feel when you speak.

Keep asking: speak Dutch with me

Most Dutch people switch to English with good intentions. But if you want to improve your Dutch, you need people to keep speaking Dutch with you.

So ask for it. Choose your practice situations. Find patient people. Keep using Dutch at work, at home and in everyday life.