The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but it is not the only language you will hear. In this blog, we look at the languages spoken in the Netherlands and why they matter when you live here.
Dutch
Dutch, also known as Nederlands, is the official language of the Netherlands. It’s a Germanic language spoken by most of the population. Dutch is also spoken in Belgium, where it’s known as Flemish, and in Suriname, a former Dutch colony in South America. Dutch is a relatively easy language for English speakers, as it has many similarities to English. It is also a language of international trade and business, as the Netherlands is a major trading partner for many countries.
Frisian
Another language spoken in the Netherlands is Frisian. It’s a Germanic language spoken by the Frisian people, who live in the northern part of the Netherlands, specifically in the province of Friesland. Frisian is considered a minority language and has official status in the province of Friesland. It’s also taught in schools and is actively promoted by the government.
English
English is widely spoken in the Netherlands. Many people speak it as a second language, and it is taught in schools from a young age. English is considered the most important foreign language to learn, as it’s a language of international business and trade. Many Dutch people are fluent in English, which makes it easy for newcomers and visitors to communicate.
Other languages
In addition, you can find many people in the Netherlands who speak German, Turkish, Arabic or Spanish, especially in big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. These languages are spoken by people who have come to the Netherlands from other countries, and by their descendants.
Do you need to speak Dutch?
The Netherlands is a multilingual country. Dutch is the official language, but Frisian, English, German, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish and many other languages are spoken too. They reflect the diversity of Dutch society and the country’s history of immigration and trade. Knowing some Dutch certainly helps, but with English so widely spoken, it is relatively easy to communicate.
New to the Netherlands? Our guides explain registration, energy, internet and insurance in English, step by step. For ideas on what to do in your first months, read things to do in the Netherlands.