6 Great Reasons to Learn Dutch

Dutch is a fairly easy language to learn for English speakers as it is classed as a ‘Germanic language’ it is similar to English and German. So if you already know German and would like to learn another new language, then Dutch would be a good choice. What is more, Dutch words are spelled exactly like English words! In fact, Dutch is number 4 on Babbel’s list of easiest languages for English speakers to learn

How many people speak Dutch worldwide?

Approximately 28 million people speak Dutch in the world today. It is spoken by people in the Netherlands as well as a large proportion of the people in Belgium. It is the third most spoken Germanic language after German and English therefore Dutch words sound like a combination of German and English.

Here are 6 reasons to learn Dutch:

1) Dutch is relatively easy

Many Dutch words are so similar to English words, once you start learning the language you feel like you already know many words. Since Dutch is the closest language to English, English speakers often find it an easier language to learn than a romance language such as French, Italian or Spanish.

However, bear in mind that although many words look similar to English, they can be pronounced very differently as Dutch has sounds that do not exist in English. For example, the dorsal fricative (the ch sound) and the trilled R. However, Dutch pronunciation can easily be mastered by English speakers.

2) Dutch has funny vocabulary

The Dutch language features many comical sounding words that we also use in English. Here are some words in English that come from Dutch:
• poppycock – from pappekak, meaning soft dung.
• geek – from gek, meaning fool
• quack – someone who dabbles in ointments
• dapper – bold or sturdy (different to today’s interpretation)
• knapsack – a snack bag

In addition to funny words, Dutch also has some amusing expressions, for example, “Nu komt de aap uit de mouw“ which translates as, “Now comes the monkey out of the sleeve” which means you are surprised by the truth coming out or by discovering someone’s true character.
You may not have known that the word “tattoo” actually comes from the Dutch language.

3) Make travelling to the Netherlands easy!

The Netherlands is extremely English-friendly as 86% of people can speak or understand English. However, by knowing just a few words in Dutch you will make your trip much more enjoyable and stress-free. Not only that, if you can talk to a Dutch person in their language, as with any language, this goes a long way to making friends and getting to know about the local people and their country and culture. You will no doubt understand more of what is going on around you as well as be more able to participate in conversations.

4) Improve your CV and gain promotion

Studies have shown that companies prefer to hire people who can speak more than one language especially if they have clients and suppliers abroad. Even if they do not currently trade with other countries it may be in the pipeline in the future as a way to expand the business. If you can speak another language you are likely to be able to demand a higher salary than your counterparts who only speak English.

5) You will speak English better

By learning Dutch or any other language for that matter, you will gain a better understanding of English. You will have a greater appreciation of English grammar; its nuances and subtleties. As Geoffrey Willans said, “You can never understand one language until you understand at least two.”

6) Learn about Dutch Culture

Whilst learning the Dutch language you will gain a real insight into aspects of the Dutch culture which is often reflected in its vocabulary, expressions and humour. For instance, you will learn why Dutch people can seem rude when they speak English. What do Dutch people say and do when they first meet someone? What are their eating habits and phrases? If you want to travel to or work in the Netherlands it will be much easier for you to integrate and feel at home surrounded by a different culture if you learn some of the language.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you learn Dutch then please get in touch today.