Learn Dutch now or later?

There is no single right answer. The best moment to start depends on your situation, your goals and the role Dutch will play in your work and daily life.

Why many expats postpone learning Dutch

Because many Dutch people speak English well, it can be tempting to postpone learning Dutch. In the beginning, that may work perfectly fine. You can arrange practical matters, meet people and find your way around using English.

And when you notice that Dutch people enjoy speaking English to you, you might wonder why you would even bother learning Dutch at all. But the longer you stay, the more often Dutch may start to matter: at work, at your children’s school, in your neighbourhood or in conversations where you want to feel more included.

That is why the question is not only whether you want to learn Dutch, but also when you want to start.

Think about your future in the Netherlands

To decide when to start, it can help to fast-forward to the future. Imagine being asked in ten years’ time how long you have lived in the Netherlands.

Do you answer in English: “I’ve lived in the Netherlands for more than ten years”? Or do you say in Dutch: “Ik woon al meer dan tien jaar in Nederland”?

If you know that you would like to feel at home in Dutch one day, the question becomes more practical: when do you want to start building that future?

Learning Dutch can help you:

• form stronger connections with Dutch people;
• understand Dutch culture more deeply;
• continue your personal development in the Netherlands;
• stay in good touch with your children’s school and sports club;
• feel more at home in the Netherlands.

You would not want to miss out on all that. So, when is the right time to begin?

Two good moments to start learning Dutch

Some people take a Dutch language course quite soon after they arrive in the Netherlands. Others wait a while. There is something to be said for both approaches.

The best choice depends on how you learn, how quickly you need Dutch and how much space you currently have to focus on the language.

Approach 1: Settle in first, then learn Dutch well

One option is to give yourself some time to get used to life in the Netherlands before starting a Dutch course.

Try to immerse yourself in Dutch in a natural way. Look and listen, be curious and try to understand what is happening around you. Read signs, notice words that keep coming back and listen to the rhythm and sounds of the language.

Once you start paying attention, Dutch may begin to feel less unfamiliar. You may also discover words you already recognise. After all, Dutch includes many words of English, French and German origin.

When you take a course or training afterwards, you will already be used to the sounds of the language. That can make learning Dutch easier, faster and more enjoyable.

This approach may suit you well if you have only just arrived, are still arranging practical matters or first want to find your way in your new surroundings.

Approach 2: Start early and build a strong foundation

Another option is to start learning Dutch soon after your arrival.

This can be a very good choice if you want to understand the language from the beginning and avoid relying on English for too long. By starting early, you build a solid foundation that you can continue to develop in your own daily life.

After five days at Regina Coeli, for example, you will have laid a good foundation in Dutch. You will understand more about how the language works, and you can continue to build on that basis independently.

This approach may suit you well if you need Dutch for your work, want to feel at home more quickly or prefer to learn the language properly from the start.

Which moment is right for you?

Starting early may be the right choice if Dutch will play an important role in your work or family life. It can also help if you want to feel more confident in everyday situations as soon as possible.

Waiting a little may suit you better if you are still settling in, arranging practical matters or first want to become more familiar with Dutch life and the sound of the language.

What matters most is that you choose a moment consciously. The longer you postpone learning Dutch without a plan, the easier it becomes to keep relying on English.

Start at the level you have now

Whatever approach you choose, Regina Coeli can guide you in learning Dutch. Our starting point is always the level you have at the moment you begin your training.

That means you do not need to start at a fixed level or follow a standard programme. Your Dutch course is tailored to your current knowledge, your learning goals and the language you need for your work and life in the Netherlands. Read more about the Regina Coeli method >

Whether you want to start right away or first take some time to settle in, Regina Coeli helps you make the most of the moment you choose.