Help, i have a presentation in dutch!

You have been working in the Netherlands for a while now. Together with your colleagues you work on a project.

Your colleagues speak Dutch with each other, but when you join a conversation they switch to English. Now your project has come to an end. And since you are the most senior, you’re supposed to present the project to your superiors. IN DUTCH!

How would you react?
1. I’d get a spontaneous panic attack
2. I’d call in sick for the next few weeks
3. I’d convince my colleagues that they could do a much better job with that presentation
4. I’d think that now the time has come to seriously improve my Dutch

Even if English is the company language, learning Dutch has several benefits.

• While many Dutch people speak English, knowing Dutch can help you communicate more effectively with colleagues, clients, and customers who may prefer to speak their native language.
• Knowing the language helps to understand Dutch culture and traditions, which can be beneficial if you plan on doing business in the Netherlands or with Dutch companies.
• Mastering the language gives you an advantage when applying for jobs in the Netherlands or in companies that have business dealings with Dutch-speaking business partners or clients.
• And last but not least, learning a new language can be a rewarding experience, and it can help you build relationships with Dutch-speaking people both in and outside of the workplace.

Photo by Yan Krukau