The only language I speak fluently is English, and I know no Dutch whatsoever. For my upcoming trip to Amsterdam I have a choice between waiting for my Dutch-fluent mother to arrive four hours behind me at the airport or to take the train and find the hotel by myself. Can I count on there being enough English signs and English-speakers to get around, or should I bring a Dutch phrasebook with me?
2007-06-04 04:16:12 · 18 answers · asked by s1duri 2 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Netherlands
You'll be fine. Most Netherlanders speak fluent English, and have arguably better speaking and writing skills in English than many so-called native English-speakers I know. Do some research beforehand, and figure out where your hotel is in relation to the airport, train stations, and center of the city, and how to get between all of them--not to mention where the sights are in relation to where you're staying. Familiarizing yourself with the geography will help immensely, before you travel to any destination. Also, it's not a bad idea to pick up a Dutch phrasebook before you go, and learn some rudimentary Dutch. Not only will this help you figure out the signs and phrases that AREN'T in English, but you'll come off as a considerate visitor for having tried to learn a little of the local language--unlike Americans, who tend to be suspicious of anyone who doesn't speak English well or at all, most non-English-speaking European countries are very appreciative of visitors who attempt the local language, even if only a little.
2007-06-04 05:25:07 · answer #1 · answered by ಠ__ಠ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is no problem at all. Nearly everyone speaks English. At the train, in supermarkets, at the streets: the most people speak English.
There are several reasons for this. The Netherlands is a small country depending on trade. If you want to trade, you have to speak the language. On television all TV-series are in English with subtitles. That is cheaper and everybody gets used to hearing English. If you do a study, you can not work only with Dutch books, you have to be able to read English. And last but not least: there is no Dutch Yahoo answers, because all Dutch are okay to use the English one.
2007-06-04 09:13:29 · answer #2 · answered by Stillwater 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will be fine not knowing Dutch. Most Dutch people do speak English. You may not find any signs in English but You won't have a problem.
It would not hurt you to have an English/ Dutch book with you.
As for your mother, she can meet you at the hotel..
Have fun !
2007-06-04 14:34:17 · answer #3 · answered by simpleminded 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been spending 10 days a month in Amsterdam for the last two years and the only non English speaking Dutch person I have met is the four year old son of one of my colleagues. You should experience no problems. Go have fun.
2007-06-04 11:08:47 · answer #4 · answered by TragicHero 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There won't be much English signs up, except for the airport, but the Dutch speak very good English and you can just ask people to direct you. Very easy to get around.
2007-06-04 09:41:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone speaking English can manage himself in the Netherlands, and in Amsterdam even better. I'd reckon that 80% of the people speak English, if not even more. You can always try to speak some Dutch, because shows some goodwill, but it is not that easy...
2007-06-05 01:38:07 · answer #6 · answered by Ralf V 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Through the major cities, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Den Haag, Utrecht and Rotterdam - you will not have issues with the language.
If you go to smaller towns, esp. in the northern parts (Friesland and Groningen) the english speaking population is somewhat smaller, but not small enough to make you helpless.
If you are still unsure, why not try and find a friend in Amsterdam who knows his/her way around, and speaks the language? I have done that on occasion (being the local contact) and it was great fun for the traveler and myself.
Have fun!
2007-06-05 07:58:35 · answer #7 · answered by U_S_S_Enterprise 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose there will be no problem, because many Dutch people can speak english...Especially if you are just a tourist, they will not be angry...
But if you try to learn a few word in dutch, I am sure that they will respect you even more...
2007-06-06 03:40:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Expect some cool damp weather, but you should be fine. Just walking around in Amsterdam is fun, also take a boat tour of the canals (I recommend the 1 hour tour). Have lunch and a couple of brews in a cafe (outsside if the weather is warm enough). It is a great city, enjoy.
2016-05-21 01:10:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You won't have a problem as a lot of Dutch know English better than us.
2007-06-04 04:25:26 · answer #10 · answered by lyyman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋