Do you really need to learn Dutch if you are coming/moving to the Netherlands?

Do you really need to learn Dutch if you are coming/moving to the Netherlands? Here is a tip for you...learn some Dutch! But just how much do you need to learn? I will be the first to admit that Dutch is not the easiest language to learn, but with some effort it can be done!! Moving to the Netherlands as an American, learning key Dutch will make your life a whole lot easier.

[MichelBaek]

When you move to a country it is respectful to learn the language. When you talk to one Dutch person they will speak English, but when you are in a group that group won’t have an entire conversation in English because of you. Just like Travis and Tracey you guys are awesome at adapting to the Dutch life. Doei. ❤❤❤

[ingridwatsup]

T&E, never ….never …never be ashamed of trying to speak or learn a foreign language, especially Dutch! It’s so lovely and inspiring to hear you trying out this language! Most Dutch in school are better at English grammar than Dutch, because of all the exceptions etc. Just be happy going step by step and leave the brainless haters to their empty lives. Dag dag! ❤️

[ringerheringa]

Asking people to speak Dutch as much as possible helps a great deal. Don't feel embarrassed. Just jump right on in! Je kunt het! 👍

[bartvschuylenburg]

Hi Eric, since your living in Rotterdam “doei” is the way to go for saying goodbye. “Houdoe” is the local goodbye for the province of Noord-Brabant only.

[Rhinoleum]

Dutchies know Dutch is a difficult language. Even for us sometimes. I think because of the Dutchies learn multiple languages in school we will have much respect if others try to learn our language as well 😃

[queercastlimburg]

Unfortunately, there are indeed many people who only post hate comments. I don't understand why people are so negative, such a shame. Don't let that influence you, just ignore it. Stay positive, and keep up the great work with your fun and very interesting videos

[renevaanhold]

Hallo Eric en Tammy,
Laten we dan maar ook gelijk in het Nederlands antwoorden want "een goed begin is het halve werk" (dit is een uitdrukking).
Ik heb heel veel respect voor de moeite die jullie doen om in Nederland te integreren. Mijn complimenten!
Zelf zit ik in een soortgelijk situatie. Een aantal jaren geleden ben ik getrouwd met een hele lieve Antilliaanse vrouw en daarom zijn wij vaak op Curaçao. Ik ben nu Papiaments aan het leren en de mensen hier op het eiland vinden het prachtig dat ik al veel versta en wat zinnetjes spreek. Het helpt erg bij de integratie.
Ik wens jullie veel succes!

[bertkassing]

We Dutch people are used to learning a few foreign languages. Many English-speaking countries do not. That's a shame. I had to learn Dutch, German, English and French at school. Although I have to say that I can still understand a little French, but speak no, not really. The Germanic languages Dutch, German and English are related to each other and if you master Dutch you can learn English and German quite easily. I switch just as easily from Dutch to English and/or German. So convenient! If you watch the German TV news, for example, you hear some things from a different perspective. It broadens your understanding.

[stevanoutdoor]

The big difference is speaking one on one to a person or being in a group. One on one they switch to English or help you with your Dutch. On a social event and there's a group of Dutch people they will speak in Dutch unless they direct the question at you. Not being able to follow the (entire) conversations can make you feel left out and is probably the reason why expats tend to socialize with other expats from their country or at least shared language.

[bortusklyden]

Yesss Eric finally said "tot ziens" instead of "tot ziengs". Made my night, so happy!! But seriously you guys are amazing, great channel! Please continue for a long time.

[sentpardede]

No hate! You guys are awesome. Dutch is indeed a difficult language to learn, so dont feel bad. Im assuming this video is very useful for first time visitors! Good job! God bless you :)

[DidierWierdsma]

Learning Dutch is always better if you plan on staying here in my honest opinion.
Fortunately we Dutch people are great in speaking english as well so that makes it easier if you are a English speaker only but once again learning Dutch is always better and a huge benefit.
Also Eric and Tammy please don't listen to those haters both of you are more than welcome over here😊
Other than that a great video keep up the great work👍
En nog een prettige dag toegewenst.

[singlepringle]

Dutch is difficult! But we have a great amount of amazing artists and songs in Dutch language. Maybe the lyrics are not easy to remember, but the chorus might be. An example would be the song 'zing, vecht, huil, bid, lach, werk en bewonder' by ramses shaffy ('sing, fight, cry, pray, laugh, work and admire' is the translation of the title). I bet you will shout the words out after a view listens 😁 Very nice video again, really enjoy your adventures!

[vintagelover]

our son says "auf wieder schnitzel" But serieusly, you are very interested in everything here, that's a good thing, that means that you are trying to fit inn. I like that. Our son has been to Maryland for 4 months, he was there on campus for his study, he had a lot of fun there. But he did say that he never wants to live there, but he learned a lot there. Our daughter studies English and when we are together we speak English all the time, now my husband complains that I am using to much English words when I speak Dutch LOL. I think it's the most beautiful language.

[aliekegeerse]

Your answer is spot on! Love it, and so true, you are doing very well, and before long you’ll be speaking fluently and never want to move back.

[wortelsorbet]

I think you nailed it how you formulated the answer. If you are planning to stay in a country and if you do not want to miss out on social interactions and conversations, you will need to learn the language. It does not have to be perfect, but you really want to be able to have a conversation in that language.

[Wamubodo]

I think it's more important to understand the Dutch language. Two friends of mine (Irish and American) didn't really bother too much and they got to the brink of paranoia in social situations. Are they talking about me? What are they saying? Speaking the language is most of the times not necessary in the urban areas so you can better practice in a small setting if you feel uncomfortable. Love your positive attitude and your 'reclame' for my hometown.

[_PJW_]

I think you pretty much nailed it.
1. when just visiting for a short period of time, don't bother learning Dutch. Everything helps, but it's hardly worth the effort. Most Dutch understand English perfectly well, and speak at least some 'stonecoal-English'.
2. when visiting for a longer period of time is will be worth the effort, but
3. DO distinguish between passive (listening/reading) and active (speaking /writing). Passive learning is pretty easy, just follow the daily Dutch news. For active learning just learn the most common phrases offered in online courses.
4. The 'immersion method' works best. In any language I think. Just ask people to let you speak only Dutch to them, but also ask /them/ to speak only English to you! Thus you create a win-win-situation. And it will be hilarious too. And just have them correct your pronunciation 10x over
5. NEVER EVER feel shy or embarrassed when trying to speak Dutch. Any Dutchie worth her/his salt will respect and admire your effort.

[eddyblommaert]

To my expierence, I, m dutch, we are not as embarrasd speaking a forgeing language as some other people from other place of the world.We just have fun learning the new thing.
So, don, t be embarresd that much, enjoy ..the journey.. greetz, groeten

[georgerobinson]

Great video. Learning another language is never easy but it certainly makes one feel more at home in another country. I came to work for a contract in Holland and must say I can understand where the English expression "Its all Double Dutch to me" came from!!! Anyway I came 52 years ago, met a lovely Dutch lady and am still living in this great country. My wife made sure I made an effort to learn the language ( she speaks 5 languages and her English is better than mine!!) Now after 52 years it makes no difference as the whole family is bilingual.