Dutch Language

Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, spoken by practically everyone in the country. Nearly all Dutch people also have good command over one or more foreign languages. More than 90% of them are able to hold a conversation in English, over 70% in German, almost 30% in French and 5% in Spanish, so finding a language in which you can communicate with them should not be a problem.  

If you are learning Dutch and want to practice speaking the language with the locals, you may find them switching to English as soon as they detect that you are struggling with their language. Feel free to say that you wish to talk with them in Dutch (‘Ik wil graag Nederlands praten, zodat ik kan oefenen’ – I would like to speak in Dutch, so I can practice). Your effort will be appreciated and they will switch back to Dutch.