Advantages to learning dutch!
03-01-2022
Ever wondered what benefits learning a new language will give you? Find out in this blog where I will be explaining why you should learn “Nederlands”.
Dutch issomething you have to learn!
This blogis for all internationals who study or want to make a career in the Netherlands.
The reasons given are not only for Dutch, but focus on the main language of any country.
In this blog we are going to talk about why you should learn Dutch in the Netherlands. What advantages it will give you if you master it.
Let’sstart with communication:
Dutch is still the main language spoken in the Netherlands, followed by English.
By learning Dutch you will be able to understand and – most importantly – participate in all Dutch conversations that you pass by. A whole new world will open up for you if you understand and speak a little Dutch. You can easily participate in Dutch conversations and make new friends and connections.
Culture:
The language has a strong connection to the country. It gives you a different perspective on the country and its culture. You will learn the Dutch communication style and learn that Dutch people speak in a direct manner.
By learning Dutch you can go to the Dutch tourist spots in the Netherlands that are specifically aimed at Dutch consumers. This will give you a whole new experience in the Netherlands.
Forworking and living The Netherlands:
Here are some advantages you will have when you master the Dutch language.
Moreopportunities:
English is widely spoken in the Netherlands you can apply for jobs that require only English. Of course, large companies can afford to speak only English, but other, smaller, companies like SMEs don’t have that luxury. Small and medium-sized companies mainly focus on the Dutch market where, as you have already guessed, they have to speak Dutch.
Therefore, there is an opportunity for you to work in small companies if you learn Dutch. Smaller companies tend to hire only Dutch-speaking employees because it is used most in the office. By learning Dutch,you have a whole market to choose from.
Companies generally prefer people who are bilingual, so it doesn’t hurt to learn Dutch to have an edge over other internationals who want to work here. Don’t forget to mention your language level
Mention the level and progress of your language skills in your resume or cover letter. In this way, you signal to the employer is that you are learning or want to learn the language. Explain to them that you are still learning the language and what your intention are with it in the future.
Long-terminvestment:
If you only want to study here and go back to your home country then it’s fine not to learn the language. You can always apply to internships that are fully english spoken, think of internships at larger, corporate companies. But if you want to live here in the Netherlands then you don’t want to be an international forever, do you? You want to blend in with the community! Learning Dutch will help you break through the language barrier and will help you make life in the Netherlands in general much easier.
Here are some small tipsfor leaning Dutch:
1. Practice speaking with your Dutch friends. It will help you with your pronunciation of certain letters.
2. Take online classes and listen to how they pronounce the words.
3. Read the news paper in Dutch
4. 4. Do paper work in Dutch such as writing letters (don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends)
All in all, I would like to give you the message that it is important to learn the language of the country in which you want to make a career, provided that you would like to work for a small to medium sized company. It is of course not strange that you do not master the language immediately! The most important thing is that you are transparent about your level of language proficiency, what your ambition is in this and if you plan to continue in this. Many small to medium sized companies nowadays offer the opportunity to learn the language while working. So actively seek out your opportunities!