What Language Do They Speak in Netherlands?

Header image for Netherlands

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a picturesque country located in Northwestern Europe, known for its flat landscape, iconic windmills, and vibrant tulip fields. Renowned for its innovative approaches to sustainability, it features a complex system of canals and dams that protect its low-lying lands from the sea. The country embraces a rich cultural heritage, bringing together historic cities like Amsterdam with a progressive outlook in art, design, and politics.

Languages Spoken

The Netherlands is a linguistically diverse country with Dutch as the predominant language, spoken by 90.93% of the population. In the province of Friesland, Frisian is recognized as a second official language and is spoken by 3.15% of people. English, widely taught and used in education and business, is spoken by around 2% of the population. There are also small communities of German and Turkish speakers, accounting for 1.43% and 1.19% of the population respectively. The linguistic landscape reflects the country's historical connections and multicultural society.

Different Languages Spoken in Netherlands

Language data last updated 2024 est. from World Population Review - Netherlands

LanguageUsage
Dutch90.93%
Frisian3.15%
English2%
German1.43%
Turkish1.19%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Dutch Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Netherlands

Hallo

Hello

A general greeting.

Hoe gaat het?

How are you?

Used to inquire about someone's well-being.

Hoeveel kost het?

How much does it cost?

Useful when shopping or browsing prices.

Waar is...?

Where is...?

For asking directions or location of places.

Alsjeblieft en bedankt

Please and thank you

Useful for politeness in any situation.

Learn to speak Dutch

Interested in speaking Dutch in Netherlands? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

Download for iOS