The Myth of the Completely English Workplace
Many people think you can easily work in the Netherlands by only speaking English. While Dutch workers speak great English, Dutch is still the main language used behind the scenes. Big company decisions, strategy plans, office rules, and legal papers are almost always written in Dutch first. If you only use English, you will always get information second-hand through quick summaries, instead of hearing about things as they actually happen.
What "Information Lag" Really Means: Coffee Chats vs. Late Translations
Information lag happens when news reaches you much later than everyone else. Long before a project is officially announced, Dutch coworkers talk about ideas casually during coffee breaks, lunch, or quick group chats in Dutch. By the time someone translates the final plan into English for international workers, the big choices have already been made. This leaves English-only speakers reacting to decisions rather than helping shape them.
Why Missed Conversations Hurt Career Growth and Promotions
Getting promoted to a higher role often depends on knowing what is happening across the entire company. When you only speak English, it is easy to miss subtle changes in team budgets, new priorities, and informal agreements made in Dutch. Over time, coworkers who understand and speak Dutch build stronger connections and step into leadership roles, while those who only use English get left behind.
Moving from Just Listening to Actually Writing in Dutch
To stay fully informed, you need to do more than just listen, you need to write in Dutch. Understanding casual office chats is a great start, but real influence comes from writing clear emails, project updates, and meeting notes in Dutch. When you can write in Dutch, you can join conversations right away without waiting for someone to translate everything for you.
Learning Business Dutch Quickly with Real Practice
Catching up does not have to take years, but casual phone apps are not enough to teach real office communication. Good Dutch language training focuses on practical, real-world practice, like writing actual work emails and handling everyday office situations. With structured lessons guided by professional teachers, you can quickly build the confidence to work and write directly in Dutch.
Discover the Dutch Courses at Lest Best
Our Dutch course in Rotterdam, Utrecht and online.
Below, you’ll find more information about our courses to help you make the right choice.
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Utrecht
Dutch Course A1: A0 to A1 | Intensive – Location Utrecht
Learn how to introduce yourself, talk about your family, order something, ask how someone is doing, make an appointment, ask questions, and express positive or negative opinions.
Utrecht
Dutch Course A2: A1 to A2 | Intensive – Location Utrecht
You will learn how to ask and talk about past events, describe a technical problem, make small talk, describe objects and surroundings, ask for and give information.
Utrecht
Dutch Course A2–B1: A2 to A2–B1 | Intensive – Location: Utrecht
In the A2–B1 course, you complete level A2 and begin working towards level B1. You will learn how to make phone calls, describe objects and events, talk about your future plans, and describe things in more detail.